Cloud 9 Past Review
By Brandi (Governors State University) - abroad from 01/04/2018 to 01/10/2018 with
GSU Public Health Brigade to Nicaragua
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it was worth it. I gained a widened world view and a greater appreciation for various resources I took for granted such as hot water and plastic bottle containers.
Review Photos
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
The program kept us indoors at the hostel a majority of the trip for safety purposes. Outside the days work we did not get to explore the culture or go to stores much to interact with community members. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I did not have to spend any money on food. All by choice. I spent about $150 the entire trip. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Spend when necessary, and save shopping for souvenirs the last days/ week of attendance. You never know what will come up and what you'll need money for. |
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? | Spanish II (high school level) |
| 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? | Listen to common phrases in that language and familiarize yourself with them. Phrases like, "hello, goodbye, my name is". This way, you can speak and understand the basics even if you can not hold an entire conversation. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Spanish! |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
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