not the average study abroad experience but in a good way Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 02/08/2012 to 05/20/2012 with

CIEE: Monteverde - Sustainability + The Environment

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
learned more during this program than i did in my first 2 and a half years of college, tons of experiential learning. definitely worthwhile

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Family was awesome, provided me with everything i needed and more. Made awesome food, got along with everybody in the family.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Went to many local cultural events with the family and had a great time, met tons of locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20 max in a normal week

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? hang out with your host family and talk to them

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the location and the knowledgeable professors, local researchers, and community members that we worked closely with and were readily available
  • awesome fieldtrips around the country
* What could be improved?
  • a little less work and more free time to to touristy shit
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? i didnt know we would be so damn busy all the time, that wouldve been nice to know, but it was worth it.