We were strangers but left as friends sharing a once in a lifetime experience. Past Review
By Angala S (Nursing., North Carolina Central University) - abroad from 06/15/2013 to 07/14/2013 with
Study Abroad Programs in Puerto Rico
I was able to experience the culture, live amongst the people, learn the language and become a local. It was beyond worthwhile...this is not a weekend getaway or a spring break trip, it's an amazing learning experience.
Review Photos
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. |
This program was amazing. I went into it speaking very little Spanish, but now I speak and understand a lot more Spanish. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone involved with the program was dedicated to providing extraordinary instruction, care and services to the students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorms were clean and very well maintained. |
| * Food: |
We had a light, continental breakfast and lunch came not too long afterwards. You will not be hungry! The food was so delicious and true to Puerto Rican cuisine...it was not tourist food, it was authentic!!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You have no choice but to be integrated! Our dorms were located at one location and our classes were offered at another facility. We rode the bus with the locals, ate with the locals, had conversations with the locals...we LIVED in Puerto Rico! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did have a medical situation occur during the trip, however, I didn't need medical attention. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe everywhere I went. The instructors and advisors made us aware of the areas that we should not go into. Travel with at least one other person as a precaution. |
| 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 was easy! I could make it on about $100/week, but I didn't eat out in the tourist areas. I ate where the locals ate. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | In order to eat, you would probably need around $25/wk. Anything more would depend on how much you want to spend on souvenirs and other excursions. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat where the locals eat...there is a place near Universidad del Sagrado Corazon called El Mezon de Juan!!! His prices are really fair and inexpensive, it's family run, the food is delicious and it's very close to the university. A plate of food that would cost $15-20 in Viejo San Juan would only cost around $7 at Juan's. |
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 |
Our professors spoke to us in Spanish with minimal English forcing us to hear the language as spoken by native speakers. |
| 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? | Spanish I |
| 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? | Speak it, hear it and do both constantly! |
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? | 10+ |
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? | It was a difficult transition when returning home to the states. There was an adjustment period. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to say goodbye to the instructors, the people of Puerto Rico, their way of life and the other students you experience these things with. |
