So many friendly and awesome people to meet in Mexico Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program is basically split into two general courses: Political science and Spanish.

On-site administration of your program

Newer study abroad program, still have occasional kinks. For instance, we can only drink bottled water and it can be challenging to keep up with the water demands of 15 students. Classes very laid-back, this can be hard to adjust to from a rigid and intense scholastic schedule (I usually take 4-5 classes per semester back home, and work). Most parts of the trip do not have internet, don't count on having it.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was fun. Super rustic, cold showers, outhouses, cabins shared with 8 - 10 other people. The rainy season is super muddy, the mountains can be cold (so bring sweaters even though it's Mexico!). Very close quarters, sometimes its extremely frustrating to live so closely with 15 other students, who are all very different than yourself. Other times it's hilarious and fun, the trip is what you make of it. Most of the trip is dry. The weekends in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas have a nice night life. This trip is more for a serious hard-working student than a party animal. Be prepared to go at least six days at a time without a beer. Neighborhoods are (usually) safe depending on your location throughout the trip. Common sense is advisable. Don't talk on your cell phone while walking at night (major no-no), don't get wasted and go out at night (should be alert), don't take shady unmarked taxis, don't carry large amounts of money, don't go places alone at night. These common sense rules will keep you safe. Mexico can be dangerous if you're not careful.

The food is good. Haven't completed homestay yet, which is purportedly the best food on the trip. You get served a lot of beans, rice, avocado, and corn tortillas. I love Mexican food so it's easy for me to see the best in anything, but if you don't like Mexican food you'll have a hard time. The people who prepare your food in Oventic are also super friendly and they and their children are super lovable. Good restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas: Casa de Bagel (yes, you'll be craving a bagel, and they have peanut butter here, a rarity). There is a falafel restaraunt owned by Israelis, which has 2 for 1 falafel sandwiches on Tuesdays. I forgot the name of it, but 2 for 1 Falafel is posted all over the streets, eat there its delicious. Tierra a Dentro: Nice place to do homework, pretty good food. Caldero: The best Mexican soups I have ever had, hands down delicious. Meson del Taco (or Meson): Ask Tom, the locals eat here. Dirt cheap, clean, all tortillas hand made to order for your tacos. My favorite restaraunt in town. Best al pastor. The woman who makes the tortillas is beautiful, and wears red lipstick some nights. Watch the man who slices the al pastor, there is a chunk of pineapple at the top, he takes his giant knife and knicks off a chunk of pineapple and catches it in the tortilla every time, amazing. Don't drink anything with ice. Don't eat anything that is not hot when you get it. Don't eat anything off the street. Don't eat fresh vegetables unless you specifically ask if they are purified. Don't eat shady food, don't eat anything that doesn't look or taste right. You will pay if you don't obey these rules. Trust me.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

So many awesome and friendly people to meet in Mexico. It's a little hard to live so close with other students, but just find your groove and try not to get frustrated with petty stuff (which is easy to do). You get a one week vacation, I suggest Oaxaca, totally awesome. Tom will tell you to go to Veracruz as a beach town, don't do it. Tom hasn't been on a vacation in 15 years and does not know a good vacation when he sees one. Day visits to communities are super fun, all memorable. Tortilla-making session, able to design and paint mural, able to learn about autonomous cooperatives (including chance to make your own boots, weaving, and cooking lessons.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You are responsible for yourself over the weekend. Eating super cheap food to save money will inevitable make you sick. Maybe not the first time, maybe not the fifth time, but eventually. Health is a serious issue here, having diarrhea and nausea, and running to an outhouse every twenty minutes for four days is not fun and will effect your ability to have a good trip. One of the biggest common sense issues is getting drunk. Do not go out with the intent to get smashed, the city is simply not safe enough to be wondering around hammered, unaware of your surroundings. Also, you can get kicked off the program for being excessively drunk. Other than that you are very well-taken care of. Also, save some money before you come here. You'll have a better time if you're not worrying about your measely $100 the whole time. I brought $1,500, which was over the suggested amount, but it allows me to eat in safe restaraunts, and not feel anxious. Vacation can get expensive when you factor in acitivities such as kayaking, bicycle rental and bus tickets. Having a little extra is really nice. I seriously doubt I will be able to spend that much, but it makes my life less stressful.

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

I will update, have not finished the trip yet. So far my Spanish listening skills have improved greatly, reading is still a challenge.