Why did you choose this program?
I chose this program because I wanted to travel to Mexico to continue learning my Mexican Spanish by practicing with native speakers. I also enjoyed that this program was pretty independent and catered to the individual - I had a lot of choice in exactly the type of work I would be doing. I also liked that the program took care of housing.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The provider provided me with housing, work placement, school placement, and pick-ups from the airport. My program director also showed me how to get to my work assignments, but I had to talk with the work directors one-on-one to figure out the exact work I would be doing. Also, I had to schedule the flight back home, food, and errands like laundry.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I would make sure the person knows a fair bit of Spanish before going, because the people I lived with (other than the other people on the program) only spoke Spanish. Also, there were a lot of mosquitoes, so make sure to buy bug spray when you get there. Having a good cell phone connection with Google Maps is essential, as well.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average day for me looked like working on graphic design work from any cafe of my choice for 4-5 hours, then coming home, walking to yoga, and hanging out with friends after. Because I was already working in the design industry and had graduated from college when I joined this program, my specific program was very independent, and the hours were basically up to me.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was being away from my family and partner for so long (3 months). In reality, though, I was so energized and busy with fulfilling work and exploring Oaxaca that I didn't feel negatively towards being away from home. Talking on the phone with people from home helped, and I found that the experience in general helped me with my independence and gave me more self-confidence.
"How did you make friends abroad?"
I downloaded this app called "Bumble Friends," and I met up with this girl at a public coffee shop, and we became friends quickly after. Bumble Friends is a great way to meet up with people safely and in public, and it's a great way to meet people from the country you're visiting.