Mexico: (No te arrepentiras) you won't regret it, is a place where your dreams can come true! Past Review

By (Spanis B.A and Hospitality Managment, Indiana University of Pennsylvania) for

Universidad de las Americas - Puebla / UDLAP : Puebla - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much, I got a chance to interact not only with local students but also with students from all around the world! I saw things in different perspectives and learn how to see things from other people's eyes. I learn that there are so many people out there that thing similar to me just in different languages and different cultures. we are all different but equal at the same time. I learn how to appreciate, how to respect things that I have no knowledge of before knowing about it.

Review Photos

Exchange: Puebla - Universidad de las Americas Photo Exchange: Puebla - Universidad de las Americas Photo

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.

In some classes we had a good amount of material to learn inside of class, some of the classes had assignments outside of class and you had to spend good time on them. the methods they used in teaching are similar to the ones the teachers here at mi university use. But one difference that I saw is in the way teachers try to make every single student to get involve in the host university, every person participated at least once in each class and I liked that.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I just think that I had to do a lot of work and requirements to be available to get in the program I wanted, I was expecting less stress with the paper work as I heard it was much easier from other people that study abroad in other countries.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had to take a bus, and taking a bus is an every day thing back in Mexico, sometimes it was hard to get in one bus that had empty seats available, the bus that I had to take from home to the school was the only thing that I did not like that much. On the other hand, I felt really safe in my house and on the neighborhood, the school was only about 35 to 40 minutes walking so sometimes we walk there or for the nightlife just took a taxi. I felt part of the family as I was treated as a member of the family, I was not a host student, I was a member of the family, the environmental was awesome, I felt like in home!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Every trip we did, every time we hang out it was just amazing times and amazing places, I felt so good that I did not want that time to be over.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? spanish 340 I believe
Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced with all of the friends I made including my host family. I did need the host country language in every day interactions, and a good amount spoke English but most of the people only spoke Spanish, but did understand some English.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is a Challenge but rewarded program where you would find what you are really made of,do not be afraid to discover a whole new world, because I can assure you that after a few months you would discover a new you, new friends for life and unforgettable experiences, so if you are ready to get involve in a real one-to-one interaction with the Mexican culture and live in a real Mexican environment, this is the perfect program for you, Mexico te espera! Mexico is awaiting for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

literatura mexicana

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: spanish
Comments: this course was challenging, it was. But I believe it really help improve my reading skills, the teacher was well-prepared for this course, and all of my classmates participated in class, it was a class of all, and not just the teacher reading or talking.
Credit Transfer Issues: