My first time abroad, but definitely not my last! Study abroad in Panama City Past Review
By Jacqueline R (Social work, Grand Valley State University) for
International Studies Abroad (ISA) - Reviews from Former Locations
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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 Beginning Spanish prof. had a attendance policy that didn't allow you into class if you arrived 10 minutes late. As a foreigner I found getting around very difficult, especially because I didn't speak any Spanish. Eventually I just quit the class because i was never allowed in. Trying to hail a taxi and communicate where you are going without knowing Spanish was very difficult. |
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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? |
I was located away from everyone in my program. I had to walk down a dark long road to get to the main road. This made hanging out with peers after dark extremely dangerous. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Visiting the Carribbean side of Panama was a wonderful experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I got a really bad virus while abroad. My host escorted me to the doctor and made sure that I had all of my perscriptions. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Budget well and plan for the unexpected. |
