BCA Xalapa Past Review
By Sam H (Anthropology and Spanish, DePauw University) for
Universidad Veracruzana: Xalapa - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about Mexico and hope to return again soon. I am currently considering a career based in Latin America as a result of my experiences.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workload was sufficient, though loose course structure took adjustment. Tests were often not scheduled more than a few days in advance and homework was sometimes unclear at the UV. The School for Foreign Students (EEE) was a much more American-style set up. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
On-site director was very competent and helpful. Met/exceeded my expectations. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing determined by interest. My house, near the Humanities Faculty, was wall-stocked and well-kept. My host family always treated me well. Food was excellent. |
| * Food: |
Try the Pizza Toscana at Postodoro. Food around Xalapa generally good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Program had some very worthwhile travel opportunites (ex. El Tajín, Mexico City, Chiapas). |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Xalapa was very safe, and the single time I had to visit a doctor it was easily done. Medicine was readily available. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Expenses were minimal, with most expenditures being either travel or alcohol. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | N/A |
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? | SPAN 430 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Spanish was absolutely essential in everyday conversation. Some people spoke English, but relying on English alone would not have been possible. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Go only if you're willing to learn and will work to do it. |
