Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Take me back!!! Past Review

By (History And Anthropology, SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 05/21/2013 to 06/18/2013 with

SUNY Geneseo: El Sauce - Humanities Course

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was life-changing in the best way possible. While it wasn't all candy canes and butterflies, it all led to some incredible personal growth, lasting friendships and unforgettable experiences. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was great! The administrators were more than that -they were also our friends. It was incredible!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was just that...a family. They were very welcoming and despite language barriers, we were able to have lengthy conversations because they put in such effort.

* Food:

AMAZING. I still make Nicaraguan style food here at home...though it's not nearly as good. If avocados and mangoes are your thing -highly recommend.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

VERY integrated! Living with host families, speaking the language, playing sports and teaching classes with Nicaraguans...if you are looking for immersion, this is the place to go!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick towards the end of the trip and received excellent care after it became clear that the issue was a pretty serious. I was fully recovered after about 2 or 3 days.

* Safety:

People on the street can sometimes be creepy (especially towards the ladies). You just have to keep an eye out and be careful.

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)

Spent $150 dollars the whole trip and I barely had to watch my money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20. Mostly on water...
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get the big waters, but otherwise money never really presents itself as a problem. Even 2 Liter waters are are less than $1.

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

It was advised to know some Spanish. It definitely helps, but you can still go on this trip with only a few words and some fluent friends. Plus you'd be surprised what you pick up there!

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? I took Spanish in High-school. I took Russian in college to the 201 level.
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? Practice. Speak all the time. Always ask people how to say things and then say them yourself. Carry around a pocket dictionary -they help! Write down a list of important words and call it 'The Book of Knowledge". Seriously, try it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The people
  • The sights
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • My language skills
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? 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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.