Immersion in Salvadoran life Past Review
By John B (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 05/16/2012 with
Universidad Centroamericana, José Simeón Cañas: El Salvador - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
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 |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* 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 |