This experience was un-Belize-able! Past Review

By (Anthropology/Archaeology, University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 06/14/2013 to 07/11/2013 with

University of Texas - San Antonio: Maya Archaeology

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what good/humble/motivated people are capable of. It was a life-changing experience and definitely worthwhile.

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.

Learned archaeology in the field! Learned how to be flexible to the climate and other situations. Learned the meaning of teamwork, the pleasure of a hard day's work, the pride of adaptability and being able to succeed in any situation. What an experience!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Belize is an amazing country with amazing hard working people. Even if they did not understand what was being said they always were inviting and had big smiles on their faces.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We got a chance to experience life in the field.

* Food:

Belizean cuisine is more than just stewed chicken and beans and rice. I loved the cuisine I experienced.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone was so warm and welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There were problems but they were addressed in a timely and effective manner.

* Safety:

I had no worries.

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)

I didn't miss one meal.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bargain with the tricket peddlers. They want money period. Don't go for the asking price.

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

It was an English/Spanish speaking culture so I got to brush up on some Spanish.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Immerse yourself. Take the initiative to attempt to understand their language and it will be appreciated and respected.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • UTSA faculty/students
  • The people of Belize
  • Archaeology
* What could be improved?
  • More students
  • More interaction with the locals
  • Educating the locals about Mayan archaeology
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How easy it is to go abroad and interact with people.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.