Guatemala is amazing. Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 03/13/2015 to 03/22/2015 with

Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Antigua - Spring Break in Guatemala

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my spanish speaking skills and i got to work with the professional soccer team Guatemala GFC so it was really worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers were great and made it really interesting for us every day.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful and made sure we were all having a good time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

MY host family was very nice and they were always looking out for me and my roommate.

* Food:

The food was always really good and I was always willing to try anything new.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone was very friendly and open to talk.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had stomach ache one day but my teachers and host family were quick to help.

* Safety:

I got lost my first day, but the local people helped me get to the school and we did not have any troubles the entire trip.

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)

It was very affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at small food places and always shop in the shops outside.

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

During class we were not allowed to speak English.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3540
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? When you talk with your friends while on the trip be sure to continue speaking the language that you are trying to learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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 school.
  • The trips that we took such as hiking a volcano.
  • The food.
* What could be improved?
  • The amount of time we were out there.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do more research into Antigua so I can experience different things during my free time. I also wish I would've just made up my mind sooner.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.