An unforgettable experience Past Review

By (Western Kentucky University) - abroad from 05/12/2018 to 06/09/2018 with

Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned different manners in conversation and have been able to understand more conversational Spanish and could understand the language better.

Personal Information

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.

Enjoyed courses especially because I had one on one experiences with one of my courses and it allowed me to learn the language even better.

* 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:

Always keep belongings such as your back pack in front of you and always be alert. Overall I enjoyed my time in Oaxaca.

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

This was my very first time outside of the United States, I was very afraid but having the directors always around and there for you before and after class made me feel safer. I would definitely study abroad with them again.

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? Around 100-200 pesos a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don’t buy everything as soon as you arrive. There’s so much more to see, although if you would like something at a specific excursion I suggest buying them because we likely won’t return to that same place.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Junior or 300 level course work.
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? Always watch and listen to music or tv in Spanish with Spanish subtitles. Whenever you have the opportunity to use the language take full advantage of it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Excursions
  • Food
  • Mezcal
* What could be improved?
  • Time spent in different excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would need a laptop.