Questions beyond answers, adventures around Central America Past Review

By (International Political Economy, Fordham University) for

CGEE: Social Change in Central America: Exploring Peace, Justice, and Community Engagement

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It gave me a focus on my interests and passions. I am currently searching for a way to return more permanently post-grad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The speakers were fantastic and really added a dynamic element.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

From a vegetarian stand point it was challenging. It was difficult to explain in the beginning but that was more of a language barrier then a cultural one.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The rural home-stays really puts this program apart. We got to study Spanish under a volcano in Guatemala, dance the night away at a QuinceaƱera in El Salvador and ride horses while watching a beautiful sunset in Nicaragua. Do as much as possible.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Students' safety was the top priority and they were

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? With gifts and souvenirs factored in it may have been $90 a week. Otherwise I would say only about $40 a week on outside food, drink and entertainment.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I was informed, just planning ahead for the spring break.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 201
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Most people spoke only Spanish so it was easy to be practicing constantly.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? Someone who is looking for an intense experience: academically, culturally, spiritually etc.