Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing adventure Past Review

By (Davidson College) - abroad from 08/27/2014 to 12/09/2014 with

SIT Study Abroad: Nicaragua - Youth Culture, Literacy and Media

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Intercultural understanding, Spanish, Nicaraguan history and culture

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The curriculum for this program really encouraged you to integrate what you were learning inside and outside the classroom. Lots of reflective assignments. Also, ISP is amazing. One month to study whatever you want, wherever you want. It's insane.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff of this program is amazing. They will become like your family.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everyone on this program lives in the Colonia Maximo Jerez, a working class neighborhood in Managua. It is definitely safe. An interesting learning experience.

* Food:

You will learn to love gallo pinto!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We moved around a lot, so I did not feel super integrated within a culture of young people in Managua. However, it was worth it because of how broad of an understanding we got of the country as a whole. Also, ISP is great for really immersing yourself somewhere without your friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Excursions
  • Independent study
  • Nicaragua!
* What could be improved?
  • Being more integrated
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Enjoy every minute, it flies by!

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 Linguist
You 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!