Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Pennsylvania State University - Altoona) for

Penn State Altoona: Guanajuato - Escuela Mexicana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was very worthwhile. I enjoyed meeting the new people and using my language skills in a place where the language in spoken.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: La Escuela Mexicana
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.

I felt that this program was an excellent educational experience as well as an excellent personal experience. Living in a country where the language is spoken is something I recommend for any student wishing to learn a foreign language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The professors were both extremely helpful in all aspects of the trip.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really liked the host family that I stayed with. The house was located in a safe area of the city.

* Food:

My host mother was an amazing cook.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? n/a

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPAN 110
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Living with a host family really helped to improve my Spanish skills, but many of the people around town spoke English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Conversation

Course Department: Spanish 499
Instructor: Dr. Costantino
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The course was challenging but I thoroughly enjoyed studying language.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Mexican Culture

Course Department: Span 497A
Instructor: Dr. Costantino
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I really enjoyed this class, I loved that we talked about the historical significance of many of the places that we visited while in Mexico.
Credit Transfer Issues: