My Heart is in Central America Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The best classes for me were the two final courses in Nicaragua regarding history and political science. I felt that I learned the most in those courses, but that may have been due to having new teachers in both the Liberation Theology course in Costa Rica and the Spanish course in Guatemala. The courses are intense -- Augsburg is expecting an entire semester's worth of learning and reflection within a one month period in each country. But the greatest thing was having such hands-on learning experiences incorporated into your classes as well. Nearly every day you're meeting inspiring and educational people who are telling you about their countries, their programs, their struggle and history and in each country you visit rural communities so you have a better picture of the land between its cities and its fields. It really brings the course materials into focus.

On-site administration of your program

Our program facilitator was absolutely great and accompanied us to each country. We did not see much of our facilitator in Guatemala, but we spent extensive time with our Costa Rican and Nicaraguan facilitators. All were understanding and friendly, though I admit they have very little training in conflict mediation and resolution which proved to be a big problem in my particular group of students. However, if you need a shoulder to lean on, these are the people who are willing to go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and safe. In any hospital visit, they made your health and comfort their number one priority and they were focused on making sure your home stays were welcoming.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Each home stay is so unique in every country, and I would recommend that within each country you visit the home stays of other students in the program as well because (at least for my semester) everyone had very different arrangements. Some lived in different living styles (compound housing vs. bi-level houses), some in different living conditions (large, very poor family vs. small, wealthier families), etc. I am more of an introverted person and was nervous before every stay, but the families are all experienced with hosting students and making you feel welcome. If you ever feel uncomfortable, however, mentioning it to the program facilitator allows them to move you to a more accommodating house. The bonds you get to form with the families are great, and I feel entirely comfortable returning to the countries and seeking the families I stayed with once more.

Everything organic all the time, you hardly have to cover your own food costs (only if you want treats or want to go out), and everything is so filling. I'm writing this review after ending the program a month ago and I'm currently going through withdraw from the fresh and amazing food every day! All the host families understand how to clean and disinfect food properly, so as long as you refrain from eating street food or lettuce in certain places, you will never get a bacterial infection.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Costa Rica is the only country where I didn't feel entirely integrated with the local culture, but that may have been because there was so much more homework to do for the course in that country. In Guatemala, it's impossible not to interact with the local community since you'll encounter it in the walk to and from school every day and in the field trips with your professors. However, in Nicaragua you may have to seek local festivities and activities for yourself to get a taste of the culture. I found myself in an active host family who enjoyed going to the park and participating in local festivals when they arrived. Overall it was great and I felt you could really see the personality of each country reflected in its people.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was great! The program's insurance covered everything, the program administration really took charge to make sure you were well-cared for in a timely manner and if it was taking longer, they made sure you were fed and comfortable. Be sure to get all of your vaccinations before the program and definitely bring bug spray because Zika was extremely prevalent in Guatemala. You will also need bug spray when you visit the rural areas. Don't worry about running out of bug spray though, because once you get to Nicaragua there is a plethora available in the CGEE house! Administration also takes care to procure mosquito nets when necessary.

Although we were advised that we were inhabiting dangerous areas, I never felt unsafe while abroad with this program. However, I am aware that I also understand the measures you must take to protect yourself. Never flash money around, keep your bags close and if it has a strap, make sure it is across your chest. Understand where you're going and who you are with. One annoyance to me was that as part of the program, there are times where you may be prevented to venture out on your own and so you will have to convince another student in the program to accompany you wherever you wish to go. Be aware that if you are white and/or American, you will instantly be identified as wealthy and may lead to more vendors and beggars reaching out to you.

I would choose the same program but I would hope for a bigger group of people. Any unpleasantness during the program was more due to issues in the small group of students I was in than the program itself.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I allotted myself $200 per country initially, and I found it extremely easy to live in Nicaragua on that budget (in four weeks, I had hardly spent $100). However, in Guatemala I went over-budget because I traveled to Tikal and Panajachel, so if you would like to visit more locations outside of the program or do touristy activities, it is going to cost more. Costa Rica was the most expensive country in the program, even according to my host family there. Do not forget about allotting money for fall/spring break as well! The program does not cover any costs for this period.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

While in Costa Rica and Nicaragua you will not speak much Spanish in the courses, you will speak with your host families and the speakers as well. I feel much more comfortable with my Spanish after the program.

Select all that apply

• Other
• Host Family
• Hotel
• Hostel

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• Local Students
• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students

• The countries visited
• The courses taken in Nicaragua
• The food, the people, the active learning experience

• Conflict mediation/resolution training for administration
• Liberation Theology course
• More field trips

The Academic or Linguist