Best trip ever! Past Review
By Elizabeth L (Spanish Language and Literature., Frostburg State University) - abroad from 06/03/2013 to 06/28/2013 with
World Endeavors: Study in Mexico - Universidad Internacional
I gained confidence with my grammar. Because of the locals and the host university being so gracious as well as my host family I had to go back Spring semester! I am so happy to be back finishing my major in Mexico.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had the best challenge which is why I ended up going back to study at the same university this Spring semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were always helpful with my questions of going back to the airport to transferring my credits. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my living arrangement. I met the best host family! I had two amazing host sisters. My host aunt was awesome. I am actually staying with them this semester and I am so happy. They made the experience so much better. |
| * Food: |
Mexican food is hands down the best food. It was amazing. My host aunt and host sister can cook really good food. I was never bored of the food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very integrated, I talked to some of the Mexican students. I went to the center and got a taste of Cuernavaca. I went to Taxco which was amazing. Locals were always friendly. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It is very easy to get medicine and they have really good health care. Luckily, nothing happened to me besides stomach pains but that was because of the spicy food. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe. I didn't stay out late alone. I took the same precautions as I would if I were back home in DC. |
| 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) |
I had to learn to manage money, I had to pay to get my laundry done. Sometimes I went out so I had to learn to manage how much to spend in a weekend. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40.00 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Learn to save money ahead of time. Really make sure it is worth it. If you live close enough to your host house walking saves you money instead of taking a taxi all the time. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Our school is a Spanish school, you have to learn Spanish one way or another. We had three hours of grammar and three hours of conversation it helps ease students into having confidence that they can speak Spanish. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Spanish 335 |
| 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? | Make mistakes it is okay not to be perfect. You will get more confident. The professors are not trying to criticize you they want you to improve and gain confidence. Practice really does make perfect. Take notes and try to use the language when you get home. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I reviewed some grammar before going down to Mexico. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
