Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing experience which will help me so much in the future. Past Review

By (Bilingual Elementary Education, Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 05/13/2013 with

Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM): Queretaro - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to not be afraid to use Spanish, being able to see different cultures is a cool experience, and I was able to travel a lot and get to know the real Mexico, not just the party places. It was definitely worth while.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Spanish courses were helpful, there are courses taught in English also. The courses available with the mexican students are slightly structured differently than the ones for foreigners. Group projects are huge in this school, and a lot of little homework tasks.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt overall safe in Queretaro. The city is very calm and one of the safest in Mexico. The only uncomfortable thing is that in the Mexican culture it´s very common for men to say comments, honk, or whistle to women walking on the street, but they never do more than just show they´re interested. Never felt unsafe at night, or while traveling.

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? About 20 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take out money from ATMS in bigger quantities because of the cost for taking out money and then make sure not to carry it all at once so you don´t spend it faster than you intend.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
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? Make sure you try to make friends who speak Spanish fluently because with the foreign exchange students you will mostly be speaking English.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • Spanish Courses
  • Friends Made
  • Travelling
* What could be improved?
  • Host Families closer to Tec
  • Know how courses will transfer back
  • ----
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How far the host families were to the school because they were amazing, but the walk to and from school every day was rough in the day, with the heat.

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 Linguist
You 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!