Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Oaxaca was beautiful. January 28, 2022

By (Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/04/2021 to 12/17/2021 with

SIT Study Abroad: Mexico - Migration, Borders, and Transnational Communities

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a lot of personal, academic, and professional developments. I learned more about Oaxacan culture, immigration, and politics. This experience was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There is a lot of in-person class time per week. The outings and available libraries were limited because of the pandemic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Studying abroad in Mexico has always been my goal. This program was personally significant and allowed me to learn more about subject matters that matter to me.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's best to alternate buying food from local food stands and restaurants.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 300 seminar
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Listening to podcasts, reading, and conversation.

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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host family was very welcoming.
  • The local culture and food.
  • My peers in the program.
* What could be improved?
  • Administrative support
  • Increased Student Spaces
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that my peers and I would mostly be able to spend time with each other during class. I was unaware that the COVID restrictions would not allow us to interact with our peers outside the class.

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 Urbanite
A 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.