#SOLmates Past Review
By Morgan G (Spanish Language and Literature., Western Kentucky University) - abroad from 01/03/2015 to 01/17/2015 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Choosing to study abroad with Sol was the best decision I made to support my degree. I learned so much about myself, my passions, and my future. Sol provided the best environment to learn, grow, and have fun in a new place!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The course load was challenging but not overwhelming. It was a perfect complement to the cultural activities and excursions that took up lots of our time outside of the classroom. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All parties involved in advising and directing students were helpful, approachable, and very clear in communicating expectations. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family became my home away from home. They were so open and loving to me as well as encouraging to go explore the local area and really experience the city. |
| * Food: |
I am a moderately picky eater but Oaxaca is a place rich in diverse cuisine and I was always able to find something to enjoy! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with a host family and attending the local university being taught by city locals was probably the best way to experience total immersion into the culture and life of Oaxaca. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A |
| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe in Oaxaca. The important thing to remember is to practice the same judgment you would at home. No place is 100% safe unfortunately. However, I always felt secure in my surroundings and in the willingness of nearby people to help should a reason ever arise that I would have needed assistance. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
I had to be very strict on my budget. Oaxaca has so many places to shop, markets to explore, and restaurants to try out. I had probably half the amount of money with me I may have ideally needed. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you think you have enough money, bring $50 more. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
My class was a Mexican Civilization and Culture course which is a 400-level class. The entire course was conducted in Spanish which improved my vocabulary and grammar immensely. The professor was very patient in explaining words that were new to me and building my language proficiency. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 400 level Spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | It's is easy to fall back on English or maybe even rely on other students who are at a higher level of proficiency. Try to be brave and practice your skills. Native speakers are more willing to help that you may expect and learning through practice and error is the best way to retain the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how readily available everything was in Oaxaca. This could have seriously helped me tone back on the packing. Oaxaca has everything I could have needed including medicine, school supplies, snacks, and random odds and ends. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
