Nicaragua is Incredible!! Past Review
By Mollie K (Latin American Studies., Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 12/10/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: Nicaragua - Youth Culture, Literacy and Media
I learned so many things it is hard to state just a few..I learned that group decision making is huge in a small group so someone really needs to take charge to help make decisions. I learned the culture and history of Nicaragua. I learned issues and current events of the population. I learned the effect the US has had on other countries, something I was never taught in school.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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: |
My host mother wasn't a great cook but I ended up not always eating at home . I told her all of my likes and dislikes though so I didn't have to eat anything I really couldn't stand. |
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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? |
I made multiple visits to the doctor and had a week stay in the hospital for Dengue Fever. I was treated great and my program director kept my parents informed and updated everyday on my status and condition. Unfortunately there is no Dengue vaccine but I did get rabies vaccines and took Malaria pills (don't take docycline even if it is prescribed by a travel clinic because it is not the right strain for Nicaragua). Dengue is quite prevalent but using bug spray, wearing longer clothing, using a fan and bug net at night all help. |
| * Safety: |
It is the safest country in Central America but robbing is highly prevalent. No one in my program was robbed but I have Nicaraguan friends who did get robbed while I was there. No one is really looking to hurt you, solely to steal because it is such a poor country. Do not wear any good jewelry out, try not to walk around with bags, limit carrying a laptop (and only walk around with it in a bag or backpack if you must, and have a friend or male accompanying you while doing so) |
| 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) |
It depends on how you spend your time. Each cab ride costs between $.60-$2.00 so if you are going out, you need to have a cab to the destination and back. Alcohol is incredibly cheap, about $1.00/bottle. Cafes are a bit more expensive and drinks can range from $2.50-$4.00. Food is generally very cheap. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40-55 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at places like pupusas (an El Salvadorean food) where you get enough for for $2.00. Cafes and restaurants charge a 15% tax and a small suggested tip, which they will automatically take if you are paying in cash. Try to go to the more homestyle places where they won't charge you tax or tip. |
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? | 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? | I have taken courses since I was 12, including every semester of college. Advanced courses. |
| 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? | Make friends that speak the language! Speak with your homestay families! |
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? | Nicaraguans wear jeans for pretty much any and every occasion despite the heat. Shorts are acceptable, even though not common, and may attract catcalls, it is not inappropriate. |
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! |
