Nicaragua was a Summer of Life-altering Adventure Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

EXCELLENT. The workload was very manageable, the grading system was normal, but what stood out was the teaching method. Dr. Kennison taught the coarse in a way that we never even knew when we were in class, because whether we were in the classroom or on a weekend trip, we were always relating our experiences and discussions back to the books that we were reading. I cannot say enough good things about this trip, the "classroom" experience, or the amount of valuable information that I truly learned while in Nicaragua.

On-site administration of your program

The two Geneseo program advisers in El Sauce were very helpful from day one when they picked us up from the airport. They immediately prepared us with relevant and helpful information for each activity/trip. I think the size of the group was perfect, because it allowed us to move quicker through the country. ALL expectations were met and exceeded.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Didn't need to bring anything to settle in. Everything was included, along with a WONDERFUL host mother who quickly became my second mother. Area was safe and lively. I gain a wealth of knowledge of the culture and traditions by staying with a host family. If I had to do it all again, I won't change a thing.

I am a vegetarian, and my host mother made me dishes with soy meat. If doesn't sound very appetizing, but let me tell you - I was in love with it (and I usually don't like soy substitutes). The rest of the food in Nicaragua was delicious, of course. Not many options to dine out in El Sauce, but a plethora of locales in bigger cities like Leon and Granada.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went zip lining over the capital of Nicaragua. We went hiking and swimming in the gorgeous and secluded mountains, and climbed active volcanoes...and then boarded down the side of said volcanoes. We visited coffee plantations and saw how coffee is made. We learned to dance merengue, and see ancient sights and stories of colonialism. Myself, I also participated in a veterinary internship and was able to vaccinate cows, pigs, and dogs. How is that for 6 credits and 1 month during the summer?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health case great. None of us got sick, so we never needed to go to the hospital (which is brand new in El Sauce). Malaria vaccination was optional. There was one mandatory vaccination that was quick and easy to get before I left. As long as you always use your bug spray and sunscreen, you should be good to go.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans