Applicable to Future Studies Past Review
By A student (Literature, University of California - Davis) - abroad from 01/28/2015 to 05/12/2015 with
SIT Study Abroad: Nicaragua - Youth Culture, Literacy and Media
True, I learned a lot about Nicaraguan culture. But perhaps even more valuable is the outsider's perspective on American culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There's something real, applied, and amazing about the opportunities SIT Nicaragua has given me. I'd like to highlight the experimental aspect: I've met people and experienced things that could only be done as a study abroadee. The program was fun yet rigorous, constantly facilitating reflections and cultural exchange. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site program director and assistants are incredibly invested in the abroadee's adaptation, education, and health & wellness. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Homestays are the heart of the program! Our homestay families are carefully chosen and matched by the program coordinator. Many of our homestay families are so supportive, whether it's by greeting us when we return from an excursion or congratulating us after our final project presentations. Homestays are also a place where cultural differences are cultural exchanges and dialogues. |
| * Food: |
I personally never had a problem with food. During orientation, we are thoroughly informed about food safety. Moreover, our homestay families are always aware of the program's cooking/preparation guidelines. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There are so many different cities and parts of the country that we've visited. During each excursion, we would have many organized lectures and social outings. We would also have ample free time to explore! What's important is being mindful of your own personality and needs. As an introvert, I needed more personal time, and I was selective with the nighttime events and outings. Still, there was so much activities happening that I felt very connected with the local cultures. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I needed treatment for my bug bites, and I was able to get it immediately on the same day. There's a pharmacy less than a block away from where I lived. |
| * Safety: |
Being safe is about making smart decisions. During orientation, our program director would invite former students to share their personal experiences and advise. This proved to be very helpful; I personally never encountered a safety issue in Managua. When I went on program excursions to Cuba and the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua, however, I felt that the safety talks we had during orientation week were not sufficient. Cuba and the Atlantic Coast are not "more dangerous".... nevertheless, they are very different from Managua, so it would be helpful if a different conversation took place. |
| 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) |
The program provides a stipend; it is manageable to live on this stipend. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 or more, depending on occasion |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I spent most of my money buying souvenirs. Instead, spend it on cultural experiences -- going to a concert, etc. Also, during Semana Santa, we found that going to touristy places (e.g. San Jose) would be very expensive. Instead, find another more affordable (but equally beautiful) place. Tap into the alumni network and ask where they went. |
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 |
Our study centers are Spanish-only. By the end of the program, I felt very comfortable using Spanish with Spanish speakers and fellow abroadees. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate spanish |
| 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? | Use Spanish with your fellow abroadees. (Versus using English). |
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? |
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? | A stronger understanding of Spanish. |
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! |
