Life in Mexico: Not what you would think. Past Review

By (Biology, General., Valparaiso University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience will be with me for the rest of my life, and I am thankful for it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We had a contact person, but she was very absent the first half of the semester. The administrator in the international office was also very busy, as she had all of the international students to deal with.

* 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:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $2,000 (which includes daily food, nightly entertainment, trips and random costs.)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Remember that you'll probably spend more on your night life abroad than you do in America.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Level 300
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

It was all grammar and speaking. I still have no idea what my final grade was in that class. We learned things that I never used in my daily conversations, which was frustrating, because I could not practice what I was learning.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students