"Best thing ever" Past Review

By (nursing, Salisbury University) for

CEDEI: Cuenca - Semester in the Andes

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I understand how people see our country and how I am viewed as a typical american girl.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was one of the best things that I have ever expierenced, and am looking trying to go. It enhanced my Spanish so much, now I need a refresher course.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was small, but that was ok because I knew everyone that went with me. My advisor had been many times before and told us what to expected.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The country is in poverty so things were good considering the country. We stayed in some hotels and the food was ok and beds were ok.

* Food:

I ate lots of fresh bread and juice. I had rice with almost every meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program had us out doing stuff every weekend which was great. I went to a special needs school, an elementry school, and saw lots of great things.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There was only one part of the city which my host family told me not visit.

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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

The only time that I spoke English was with other students that were there, everyone else was strickly Spanish.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everyone should do it. You learn so much about yourself and your country.