A WONDROUS EXPERIENCE Past Review
By Kelly Velligan (University of Houston) - abroad from 01/02/2020 to 02/15/2020 with
Mexico Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
It was worthwhile. I gained friends, family, wonder and awe from all the places and people i have met.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
A Wonderful and at your own pace educational experience. It can get a bit intense, because learning a language is just that difficult for me, but the teachers and the directors were all very patient and so helpful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My SOL directors were AMAZING! Such inspirational people, so caring and patient with each one of their students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Having the Host Family i did, was a blessing. I made life long friends with them, and invited them to my home in the United States. They were so caring for my every need and want, and made sure i was comfortable and that i had everything i could think of while living in a different country and surrounded by people who spoke a different language. The language barrier was there for a few days, but i learned quickly and was able to really form a bond with my host family. |
| * Food: |
the food in Oaxaca is so delicious, i miss it! So healthy and natural! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt the plunge into a different culture, but i enjoyed it very much. I did as much as i could there with my host family, directors, and friends that i made to get more of the experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Its safe, just stick with the buddy system, and you will be fine. But there were even some days i walked around town by myself, and i felt completely safe. There are a lot of tourists walking around and the people of Oaxaca also love to talk to them. So you feel very welcomed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
SOL is great!! and i want to see my host family again!! i miss them terribly! |
Finances
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* 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) |
5 |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | i bought A LOT of stuff... but surprisingly only spent about 350 $$ but that is over a span of two months |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | pack light, so you can bring all the stuff back home. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
5 SPANISH ALL THE TIME |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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? | Intermediate Spanish 2 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | speak with your family and friends. go out and buy things from the market people. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The weather... i packed for cold weather.... and it was heckin hot! |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
