Past Review

By (History/Spanish, Nebraska Wesleyan University) for

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 gained a lot of skill in the language, especially writing and some speaking. I also learned a lot about a country which I knew practically nothing about before (which is sad since it is our neighbor). It was also a nice break from the semester at home.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My grammar class was excellent, and I learned quite a bit in my history class. We read interesting books in literature, although I did not enjoy the class format much.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Good communication, trip planning

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had my own room and bathroom, as did the other girl staying with me. The house was spacious, and the host mom very kind. <br /><br /> The house was close to the downtown area, but not so close to the school. Taking the bus took almost half an hour. It seemed safe, however.

* Food:

Our host mom made us the same sandwiches every day, which got dull. So we ate at school instead, which wasn't the healthiest. It is probably my fault for not requesting something else. Also, our host mom made great Mexican food, but when she tried to make American food it wasn't great. :-)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved being able to see pyramids, natural features, and the colonial cities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I was there when the swine flu broke out, and school was cancelled, so I would say that things were handled pretty well. I felt sufficiently safe, but aware enough in the big cities. There were several students who were robbed, but this was usually at night.

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? Transportation: around $10 per week, plus trips (average $15 fare) Food and Drink: around $25-30 per week Shopping/Souvenirs: probably around $25 per trip
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Expect to spend more on food--you won't always eat just what your host family provides.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?

There were so many Americans and Europeans who spoke English that it was far too easy to speak in my native language. Even living with a host mom who spoke no English, I had a roommate from my university so we lapsed into English too often.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is a great program in a lovely campus and city; Queretaro is a central location in Mexico with easy access to almost anywhere. I recommend it!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Cultura de Mexico

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Far too easy, not enough field trips.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Spanish II

Course Department:
Instructor: Lidia Jiminez
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This was a WONDERFUL grammar course. Lidia was very helpful and excellent at explaining grammar in new ways-from the perspective of a Mexican rather than a foreigner trying to learn the language. She also assigned relevant activities, including significant writing and presentation assignments.
Credit Transfer Issues: No