Best international experience ever Past Review
By Lonnie H (Spanish, ) for
Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM): Queretaro - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
A resounding "yes." Of three such programs, this was the best I ever attended. Host family and university were very friendly and helpful. Cultural and travel opportunities abound. Food is great! Located in a very historical area of Mexico. The overall experience has greatly helped my ability to communicate in Spanish and given my a deeper and clearer insight into Mexican culture. I would do it again, and highly recommend Queretaro and the Tec program.
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. |
I found the experience very similar to my American situation. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
University staff were very thorough, professional and attentive. Especially helpful were the student advisors, who helped students with a variety of issues. Facilities were excellent on campus. Staff and faculty made every attempt to make my experience the best it could be. My expectations were surpassed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Excellent experience. Host mother was attentive but not instrusive. Accomodations were excellent. Food was first rate. Family was very friendly and experienced keeping international students. A most pleasant and helpful experience. Had daily opportunities to speak Spanish with the family. |
| * Food: |
No nutrition or dietary problems. Always had plenty to eat. Campus had several small cafes where you could eat or have coffee. Several nice cafes and restaurants near my host family. Availability and diversity of food selection was very good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Mexicans are very friendly. Had excellent opportunities to interact with a variety of people. Field trips were excellent, especially field trip to Huasteca Potosino. Enjoyed personal trips to San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Excellent on-campus medical care. Several health facilities and pharmacies near home and campus. No special health problems. Felt very safe, especially near campus and neighborhood where I lived. Felt safe traveling by myself to various cities. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Improved especially in my reading and listening skills. Had daily opportunities to speak Spanish in a variety of situations. Many people spoke English, but I used Spanish extensively. Spoke Spanish with school staff, fellow students and host family. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Must be curious and independent. Excellent cultural and travel opportunities abound. Student must be willing to embrace the number and diversity of experiences that will be presented. A valuable cultural experience. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
La cultura mexicana |
| Course Department: | H2028 |
| Instructor: | Dr. Raul Gonzalez |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | Very intereseting and relevant. Excellent field trips and guest speakers. Professor succeeded in making course interesting and helpful to further understanding of the Mexican culture. Excellent in-class discussions. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | Not currently known. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
La literatura mexicana |
| Course Department: | H3021 |
| Instructor: | Lourdes Gallego |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | Several interesting readings from various time periods. Professor gave an historical perspective with each reading. Excellent in-class discussions and cultural insights. A variety of authors were presented. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | Not currently known. |
