Merida--Home away from home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was somewhat lighter, but still challenging; the idea seemed to be that the host experience, both at "home" and in the city, was meant to be as much of a class as any that took place in a formal setting. The teaching methods seemed to me to be more interactive than didactic, which American institutions are doing more and more anyway.

On-site administration of your program

The program is incredibly affordable and well-organized; we saw incredible archeological sites and natural wonders in a somewhat remote part of the world, or at least of Mexico. All of the professors spoke English and were very familiar with American higher education.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family treated me like family, I went to family birthday parties and dinners and attended mass with my host family when they went. There are certainly adjustments to be made in such a different climate; natives sleep in hammocks because of the heat. The neighborhood was very safe, safer than some I've stayed in stateside. Bedding and towels were provided, as were three meals a day, seven days a week.

For dining options as far as eating out, it is best to try something native, though plenty of chains are available. It seems that every time I go somewhere I find a new favorite food, but only because I am willing to try new foods! Quantity can be tricky to gauge when staying with a host mom who wants to make sure her food is not only tasty to you but that you are well fed--you have to learn and make use of a polite way to communicate dissatisfaction with a particular dish and satisfaction when you are simply full.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our program offered excursions to several Mayan ruin sites, including Chichen Itza, we also took part in Day of the Dead celebrations, Mexican Independence Day and even Thanksgiving! We were additionally granted enough freedom to plan our own excursions on weekends, use free days to go to the beach and plan a trip for Fall Break to neighboring states.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I spent three days in the hospital after consuming an improperly cooked hamburger from a street vender--nothing purchased at a permanent establishment or eaten in my host home was ever problematic. My program director picked me up at 3:30 in the morning and took me to the ER. The program's insurance covered the entire visit and my stay in the hospital was more than accommodating, from the competence of my attending doctor to the comfort of my room.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

There were daily, if not hourly opportunities to speak English. The program strongly encouraged using Spanish and most host-family environments did not have English speakers present. My primary practice was with my host mother, staff at Starbucks and professors...fellow students were and typically are somewhat reluctant to practice.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• I loved the class schedule and materials covered in my courses during this program.

• I wouldn't change anything...