An experience I'll never forget and one that I wish I could repeat. Merida Past Review

By (Biology, General., Millsaps College) - abroad from 11/19/2013 to 11/18/2013 with

Millsaps College: Summer 2012, 2013, 2014 Faculty-led Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Experiences I will never forget and a better understanding of the language and culture.

Review Photos

Millsaps College: Summer 2013 Faculty-led Programs Photo Millsaps College: Summer 2013 Faculty-led Programs Photo Millsaps College: Summer 2013 Faculty-led Programs Photo Millsaps College: Summer 2013 Faculty-led Programs Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt the Dr. Khan was very organized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was very gracious and made my living experience extremely comfortable.

* Food:

My host mom was a wonderful cook. I still miss the food that she cooked for me everyday.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt that being taught by a teacher who's first language was Spanish was very beneficial. Also, I felt that they could give insight into the Spanish culture that other American born teachers could not offer.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I became ill one time during my stay. I visited a local clinic and was treated accordingly.

* Safety:

I felt very safe during my stay in the Yucatan.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat the food that your host family provides for you.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

My host mom spoke no English so speaking Spanish was essential.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 1000
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? Talk to locals as much as you can and PRACTICE.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The city
  • The food
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have stayed longer.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.