Mexico- A Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (Latin American Studies., Austin College) for

Universidad Veracruzana: Xalapa - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned I could survive (and later thrive) in a foreign country so that had a big impact. I also learned to appreciate all the things I have back home that I took for granted.

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.

It was much more laid back than at AC, but I was still challenged so that was good.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had a few difficulties with the director, but we're very different people so it could have been that. He was very knowledgeable and helpful whenever I had questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Delicious food, but I got sick for the first two months or so trying to get used to it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went to Tajin and Oaxaca, and the school would have cultural functions occasionally so that was fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Just be intelligent, don't go around alone at night and you should be fine. There was one shootout in a Chedraui while we were there but it was just a robbery, nothing drug related I don't believe.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's pretty cheap, you shouldn't have too many issues.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 450
Language acquisition improvement?

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 did you like most about the program?
  • Great Host Family
  • Great Culture
  • Awesome Food
* What could be improved?
  • Director and I didn't get along
  • Bad Culture Shock
  • You'll be sick for awhile getting used to it
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid to change host families, it made all the difference in my trip.