Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Oaxaca: Best Decision Ever Past Review

By (Western Kentucky University) - abroad from 01/01/2018 to 04/14/2018 with

Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about interacting with strangers and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. I felt safe and supported and that environment helped me flourish.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I spent a lot of time on the verb conjugations that I needed to practice. I absolutely loved the small class sizes. I was the only student in my grammar class and there were three of us in conversation. I was really able to practice what i needed and my language ability increased dramatically.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Ena, the coordinator, is one of the best people I have ever met. She is so kind and treats all of the students like her own children. I felt so taken care of and at home in Oaxaca because of her.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The home and area i stayed in was beautiful. I would have enjoyed spending more time with my host family, but they were very kind and I had everything I needed.

* Food:

The food was great. Eat at El Mayordomo!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I spent so much time exploring the city and interacting with the locals. I would not trade that for anything. I bartered with artisans, talked to people in coffee shops, and exchanged experiences with taxi drivers. Our neighborhood was like a family and we spent the nights chatting with neighbors. I miss the social aspect of my time in Oaxaca so much!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had an issue, but some of my friends got food poisoning and Ena and the teachers were very understanding and made a point to check on the students.

* Safety:

I felt very safe the entire time. I would recommend not going anywhere alone at night, and the standard keeping your stuff in your sight at all times.

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

I fell in love with the people and culture of Oaxaca. My language ability grew exponentially.

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)

4, food is provided in the program expense so you have everything that you need. However snacks during morning break and being able to really experience what the city has to offer requires some spending money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75, for souvenirs mostly
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don’t buy everything you see. Artisans are everywhere, andsometimes it’s better to get something you love than it is to buy every pretty thing you see.

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

All of my classes were in Spanish and I was able to speak Spanish with the director. My host family also spoke to us in only Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 370: Conversation
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? I would recommend speaking to yourself in Spanish. It helps get a conversational speech pattern down.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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 people in the program
  • Ena, the director
  • The colorful and welcoming culture of Oaxaca
* What could be improved?
  • Having more cultural food at home
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been less nervous, and that I had understood how open and welcoming everyone would be.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'