Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad in Mexico City Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/22/2017 to 06/10/2017 with

Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM): Mexico City - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I gained more independence, awareness of reality, firmness, decisiveness, and confidence.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic rigor can intense since it is a different style of learning. Unfortunately, the university dies not have enough resources to help its students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was under the administration of the University of California in Mexico. The administration did everything it could to help us out the best it could.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Good job in choosing apartment and area. It was a good neighborhood. It was also close to public transportation and to the university.

* Food:

We were responsible for our own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like it was home. The fact that I already knew the language, had done my research beforehand, and that it was my patents' country of origin really helped.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I cannot review this because I never visited the doctor. I already all my vaccinations in check. Nothing out of the ordinary. Pharmacies are easyli found throughout the city and medicines are cheaper than in the United States. Diarrhea and stomach issues are the biggest and most common problems. Nevertheless, if you take care of yourself, it will pass.

* Safety:

Mexico City is one of the biggest cities in the world. Obviously, this comes with its dangers. Fortunately, I never had a problem. Not one I would recommend to have good judgement depending where you are and with who.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would because with all its ups and downs, it really makes you grow as a person. It is the perfect environment to become more independent, determined, aware, and less fearful. University of California did an excellent job supporting the students when our own university struggled with it. Although the host university is a challenge, it makes you learn from it.

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)

At this moment, due to several economic and political factors, Mexico is a very low cost place to travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not more than $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Your student ID will get you free or with a discount to several places such as museums, restaurants, and movie theaters. Also, Metro (the subway) is a very cheap and efficient way to get throughout the city.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • Living Arrangements
  • University of California support system
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • University of Texas support system
  • Flexibility with deadlines for documents and changes from UT
  • Flexibility with credit requirements from UT
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How different the host university's system is. Also, what are the requirements, options, and deadlines from UT.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!