SIT Study Abroad: Mexico: Migration, Borders

Oaxaca clarified my ambitions for the future, made me reflect on my interpersonal relationships because of the depth of kindness that I found in complete strangers, introduced me to lifelong friends and some of the funniest and most dedicated people I've ever met, taught me about what community efforts can humbly accomplish, and brought back a piece of myself that was lost in a lot of rush and struggle that this new pace of life and focus on more pressing issues washed out. The SIT program coordinators and the excursions we took were highlights of the program.

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If you are even considering Oaxaca and it falls in your area of interests (or not specifically, but does grab your attention)I would highly recommend! One of the first things you are told is to be open with each other because you will build life long connections, which couldn't be more true. You will experience a great deal of culture and heavy topics that will bond you closer with each other as you all learn how to navigate being abroad, being immersed in immigration, local indigenous communities, and transnational communities in excursions. Outside of classes, you'll have amazing meals with your families and families of you friends, which adds so much to the experience as you meet their families and they let you into their culture. While the topic of immigration is very heavy and a difficult topic to prepare someone who has never witnessed the situations of the borders, the teachers and speakers do a great job of preparing us for what we are going to see and how we may feel. Most importantly, you are not alone in any of the experience while in Oaxaca.

Overall, I enjoyed the program. There were various opportunities to interact with locals and practice Spanish outside of a classroom setting. The various excursions are the best aspect of the program as they were well organized, in various locations, and offer insight into the topic of immigration, local indigenous communities, and transnational communities. The host program offered engaging classes and the staff were very kind and accessible. The host family living arrangements were safe and comfortable. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience that gave me the opportunity to learn more about a topic that interests me. I would recommend it!