IGER is Absolutely AMAZING: Educational & Inspirational Past Review
By Shambre T (Mass Communications & Spanish, North Carolina Central University) - abroad from 06/15/2013 to 07/14/2013 with
Study Abroad Programs in Puerto Rico
I learned about the Puerto Rican culture everyday. I also feel that my understanding of Spanish has also improved. Everyday we were highly encouraged to speak Spanish. It was a very worthwhile experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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: |
The food was absoutely amazing. Everyday I got to enjoy a different authentic Puerto Rican dish |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyday on the way to school or even on the weekends I got to meet different locals. The Puerto Rican culture is amazing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt pretty safe while I was there for the entire month. I would reccommend to never go anywhere alone. |
| 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) |
I would recommend to bring at least $400 because you will be there for an entire month and you will want to enjoy the Puerto Rican lifestyle by engaging in different activities and foods. |
| 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? | Do not dine out everyday unless you have the money to do so. I would recommend going to the local Wal-mart or Walgreens to get snacks and other food for your dorm room. |
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? | 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? | Intermediate Spanish 1 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
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 had knew to bring more bug spray. The bugs there are serious. |
