Best experience I had abroad. Past Review
By Menelik M (Sociology., Southern University - New Orleans) - abroad from 04/17/2011 to 04/22/2011 with
Ciudad Vieja Spanish Academy: Sacatepequez - Study Abroad Spanish Immersion Program
I learned that every where you go people are basically the same.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The instructors will challenge you, but it is not overwhelming. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration of the program was excellent. My instruction was very knowledgeable and helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very pleased with the living arrangements. The school is very cozy and the family who helps run it was very kind. |
| * Food: |
You will eat. The food was excellent. I wish I would have tried more local cuisines, but Pollo Campera was just to good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The local culture was great. The people were very kind and gentle. Ciudad Vieja is a poor, but beautiful city. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues while there. |
| * Safety: |
I felt really safe. I walked around the city and caught the bus at night. Never felt anything but safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
It was pretty easy to live on a student's budget being that the dollar is worth so much more than the local currency. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Everything is pretty inexpensive in Guatemala. Eat at the school if really need to save money. Also, learn how to haggle at the market for the best prices. Do not go for the first or second price you are giving. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | level 2 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Try to only speak in spanish when in the city. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How poor the locals were, I would have brought more gifts for the local kids. Bring gifts from America if you go. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Spanish |
| Course Department: | Language |
| Instructor: | Olga |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish/English |
| Comments: | The course was challenging. The school take advantage of it's location in the instruction and make excellent field trips relevant to the class. I participated much more than I would have at home. I was assessed by oral and written exams. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I had no problem, but make sure it's approved with your school first. |
