Great experience in Mexico Past Review

By (International Relations, Université de Lille III ( The Charles de Gaulle University )) - abroad from 03/28/2016 to 05/13/2016 with

Universidad Iberoamericana / IBERO: Mexico City - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my spanish skills so quickly. I never thought I would be able today to speak such a good spanish in so little time. I also realised how Mexico really was, and realised that sometimes I was complaining about stuff which actually don´t matter. I would say I learned to be way more positive about my situation and also to live with little things.

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.

I took spanish for 6 weeks at the Ibero, which definitely helped me improve my language skills. The groups were about 6 people, which allowed the teacher to help us more and explain everything. However the class was sometimes a little bit too relax.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The team at the student mobility office was absolutely great ! They are always here to help you if you have any problem. However it´s better to come and see them in person as they receive everyday a lot of emails they can´t answer to

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I choose the homestay program in order to live close to the university, discover the way of living in Mexico and get to know exchange people who were also going to the Ibero ! I had a great time with them

* Food:

The mexican food is something you definitely have to taste in your life. Ask the locals where to go and what to eat, they are the best to indicate you this. However, don´t eat fruits in the street. Don´t eat anything who hasn´t been cooked in general in the street, as you don´t know if it has been properly been washed. Try little to little the food here, as it is really different from what you can eat in Europe or in the US. Your system may not be adapted to it and you may be sick for a few days.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Mexican people are very friendly people, who will gladly help you if you have any trouble. However, they might be sensible on certain topic and might interpret that in a bad way

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a medical service at the Ibero, which you don´t pay at the Ibero as you are a student.

* Safety:

The campus and the area is really safe. There is a security staff and the campus is surrounded by fences

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)

Mexico city is rather cheap in comparisom to Europe, Australia or the USA. However in some places like Polanco, you may pay a drink the same price as in Europe for instance.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? A2
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • teachers
  • the campus
  • the fact I made friends from all over the world
* What could be improved?
  • placement test
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? none

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.