Oh, Mexico... Past Review

By (Math, 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?
It was absolute worthwhile. It has shown me that I can accomplish anything I set out to do. I can very easily live in an environment very different from my own.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Pat McCoy was a great resource, very helpful when picking classes, planning trips, and other advice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not get along with a few of my suitemates (including my roommate) and I did not speak to them often as a result.

* 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? 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? about $80 USD per week. That includes food, social, and travel expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Medicine for health issues. I ended up at the clinic twice and needed to buy medication both times.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
Language acquisition improvement?

Everyone spoke Spanish except the other English-speaking exchange students.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Outgoing and exploratory people that aren't afraid to go outside of their comfort zone would benefit most from this program.