Great experience in Oaxaca

Ratings
Overall
5
Impact: 4
Support: 5
Fun: 5
Value: 5
Safety: 4
Review

I spent three months in Oaxaca studying psychology. Understandably, this is a difficult discipline to study as an intern due to the often confidential nature of the work. Despite this, I felt that the program coordinator Carlos did a great job connecting me with local psychologists to learn, assist with presentations, practice Spanish, observe therapy sessions, and even lead sessions on my own. I wanted to learn what it would be like to work as a psychologist and I feel Adelante helped me reach this goal. I also was afforded plenty of time and flexibility to travel throughout Oaxaca and to spend time with my brilliant housemates. The language courses were much-needed and I felt much more prepared going into my work placement having that introduction. The best part of this experience for me was the housing placement. Myself and the girls I lived with were placed with an extremely hospitable family from Oaxaca. Talking with them was the best practice I had for my Spanish. They were also some of the most pleasant people I have met and I felt they really embraced me as part of the family.

If you are thinking of traveling with adelante, I recommend it. It was extremely affordable compared to other programs I have seen. The process was as stress-free as possible, from the pre-departure materials and interviews, the arrival and integration with language classes, and the departure, everything was well-organized. It was also important to me to have independence and to be able to tailor the program to my goals, and this was fulfilled. Everyone I worked with from Adelante was pleasant and helpful. If I decide to study away again, I will likely choose adelante.

If you are thinking of traveling to Oaxaca, also, I recommend it. Some of the best food I’ve had on my travels, some of the kindest people I’ve met, and some of the best places to visit, from the vibrant city to the ruins to the mushroom mountains and to the beaches on both sides. One could spend a lot of time studying and traveling Oaxaca, and by the end, they will want to make it home. Carlos was great as a program coordinator. If you have any concerns about speaking Spanish, I entered the program knowing a decent amount of Spanish but mostly unable to communicate at all with native speakers without great trouble. Through the classes and being integrated I quickly grew in confidence and was able to communicate much more clearly.

if you have any specific questions about the program you want to ask a former participant, I am happy to chat. My email is Jacob.gerber@alumni.furman.edu. Bon voyage.

Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would
Year Completed
2021
Private Note to Provider (optional)
My only feedback in terms of things to improve is continued support during the program. At a certain point after getting set up with my internship, I felt as though I no longer needed Adelante’s infrastructure. While it was nice to know that you were able to assist me with questions, I felt I could take things over myself after making connections. Perhaps preparing excursions at set points during the program or something might help future participants to feel Adelante’s presence more strongly. But overall, I thought it was a great program. Thank you for all the assistance.
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