A great experience to take advantage of if the opportunity is given. 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?
I learned about the culture in Oaxaca, Mexico. It was worth it, especially seeing the “exotic” food that people would eat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was already a native speaker and the classes were pretty much not helpful for me. I wish I could’ve done some volunteer/community service instead.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our administrators, Ena, and Daniela were amazing. They were always there for us and when I had questions, they would be so kind and answered all of them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Yes, I loved the house I stayed in. I felt welcomed and the trust between the family and I grew very rapidly in a short amount of time.

* Food:

Food was delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

A friend of mine did not receive good healthcare when she get sick. I don’t think she went to the hospital when she probably should’ve.

* Safety:

Other than the cad-calling, it was very safe for everyone I think.

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

Like I said, it was a great experience and I honestly wish it could’ve been longer.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always carry money on you. Make sure the first week you don’t go crazy with gifts because that way you’ll have more for the next weeks or just to save.

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 4 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? Practice makes perfect.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Puerto Escondido
  • Volunteering at the Down Syndrome School
  • Free time
* What could be improved?
  • More access to athletic facilities
  • Transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That some of the peers at my school are really cool and this opportunity brought us together and I’m very happy for that.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.