Immersion in Salvadoran life Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 05/16/2012 with

Universidad Centroamericana, José Simeón Cañas: El Salvador - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what it important in life, love and family, and how to live in community. and lots of other things. i am still unpacking the experience so it is hard to say more now.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Casa program provides an outstanding academic opportunity. Professors are the top officials in their fields and have extensive knowledge of all material.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

the casa staff is well organized and professional as well as passionate and dedicated to their work

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

not only is the housing great we also have the opportunity to live in community with wonderful Salvadoran scholarship students.

* Food:

nothing better that home cooked Salvadoran food prepared with love by our wonderful cooks

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

perfect

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

the casa has great health resources and relies on them regularly with no issues to be reported

* Safety:

while everyone knows that El Salvador can be a dangerous country, I never felt at all in danger during all 4 months. the program could not be more secure

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)

simple living and low cost of living in El Salvador leads to very low costs while abroad

* 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
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? nop

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

two days a week i was in a Salvadoran community with no support. learning to communicate in Spanish is part of the program no matter what your level is. it can be a struggle but is very rewarding.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Exit level Spanish 2001
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? dont be afraid to be wrong. just speak and learn as you go

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Praxis
  • Community living
  • Learning about El Salvador
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? While i learned a lot i don't know if i would have liked to know anything more before leaving for ES