Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Shot in the Dark that Turned out Incredible Past Review

By (Lick-Wilmerding High School) - abroad from 06/09/2019 to 06/29/2019 with

Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was definitely worthwhile. I gained so much, including an understanding and appreciation for another culture. I also learned a lot about the United State's place in the world, which I found really interesting. I now am also much more comfortable speaking Spanish to native speakers, although I don't know if my Spanish skills themselves have improved. I definitely can understand better, though.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Excellent. Ena Aguilar was an incredible program director.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My family was friendly, accommodating, and patient. Wonderful people.

* Food:

Got a little sick one day (mostly my fault. Ate some street food), but 99 out of 100 times the food was excellent and safe to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As integrated as I could feel surrounded by my English speaking friends from school.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I got sick (very minor), my program director made sure to check in with me to see if I was alright. Although it resolved itself, Ena made sure to tell me my options for getting treatment if it came to it.

* Safety:

Personally, I was never in a situation where I did not feel safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would choose sol abroad again in a heartbeat. But I wouldn't go back to Mexico. I'd want to choose a different country.

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)

My parents but $300 into my bank account for the three weeks, and I didn't spend it all by the end. And I was not stingy either.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? probably around 750 pesos, which equates to approx $35-40.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat out! But not too much.

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

We were constantly being reminded.

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? Spanish 2 Honors
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? Don't be afraid to speak to native speakers! By the end of the trip, you will definitely be more comfortable speaking Spanish (even if your skills haven't increased), but until then, speak!

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Director of the program
  • My host family
  • The itinerary
* What could be improved?
  • the schedule we were given at the beginning of the trip was not reliable. Plans changed.
  • Send pictures of our host family before our trip. It might help ease the nerves.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? People are very patient, and you can make yourself understood with a minimal amount of Spanish.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!