Mexico: I had such hopes for you, way to disappoint. Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., 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?
Yes, but I think it would have been a lot better at another university.

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.

The workload was a joke, the professors were a joke, and the academic rigor at this university is one of the worst I have ever seen.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Difficult for vegetarians to live in Mexico.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really didn't see as much of Mexico as I wanted, this was due to my own budget problems, however.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very safe, people should stop listening to American conservative demagogues and realize that the U.S. is more dangerous than Mexico.

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

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? $50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Stick to your budget, and be realistic about prices.

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

Language acquisition improvement?

Just my professors. And most of the Mexican students there were fluent in English!

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Partiers, bros, sorority girls and their wannabes, club kids, heavy drinkers, and those who are politically apathetic.