Learn Spanish, serve others, and see the world differently. Past Review
By Abby E (Spanish education and TESL, Bethel University) - abroad from 02/01/2012 to 05/23/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Guatemala
I learned so much about culture, economics, and people in general. I was forced to step out of my comfort zone, invest in others, and love selflessly. I saw so much beauty in the Guatemalan landscape and people with whom I interacted. The experiences I've gained are priceless.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The educational aspect was very challenging and interesting. Resources were made available, but not always easily accessed. Taking classes from teachers back in the U.S. was often difficult. |
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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: |
It was hard for me to get used to the food! I wished I could communicate desired foods more easily without offending host families. |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
Try not to walk alone, especially at night. |
| 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) |
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| * 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-$25 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to find free places to study or hang out. It's not always easy, so if you can't, try not to splurge on expensive food and drinks very often. |
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 |
We had a large group, so whenever we were together we spoke English, but when we went to school, did service work, and interacted with the culture, we always used Spanish. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 305 |
| 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? | Take advantage of meals and interactions with host families! Initiate conversation and invest in relationships with them. It will really help your language skills. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | I wish I would've realized that host families host students a lot, so they are not automatically going to want to know everything about your life. Building those relationships and practicing Spanish takes time and effort on your part as well. |
