First International Trip (besides Canada) to Nicaragua a Success! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload was fair for the course. There were a few papers and reading assignments. There was enough time allocated for these assignments.

On-site administration of your program

The host country support was excellent. The program directors took care of the students. The host support provided excellent scheduling and opportunities to explore the country while we were there as well. They were great and helped lessen the stress of traveling to a new country.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host families. In El Sauce, the host family treated us as guests, but also as good friends. The family enjoyed talking with us and helping us. For instance, one of the boys in the family walked with us to help us find a certain store. The only extra things I bought while living in El Sauce were snacks for in-between meals. In the second living arrangement, in the Mountains of Ocotal, the host family was also very hospitable. They provided extra blankets when needed and were flexible with our eating habits and customs. The only downside was I wish I was able to interact with them more. When living in the mountains, people operate during the day and so when we were free during the night, most of them were sleeping. The only extra things I purchased for this stay were snacks, toilet paper, Purell, and wet wipes (cloths). I also enjoyed staying with a fellow American from my school. This helped with adjusting to a new country's culture.

Both host families were very willing to accommodate my eating habits. Especially in El Sauce, my host family made adjustments to our tastes and treated us with juice boxes and more meat than I think was custom. However, at times, it was difficult to get used to eating rice and beans everyday (or every meal). I liked how the program allowed for time to eat American food on a weekend excursion. That break helped ease the transition to the new foods.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The host program did a great job arranging field trips and special events. I loved spending time in the city of Leon on one weekend trip. The cultural excursions to a cathedral and an art museum were wonderful and supplemented my cultural experience and understanding of Nicaragua.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The host program leaders were very willing to assist if any health issues arrived. Luckily, there were no health issues. I was actually over-prepared because I brought an anti-malarial medication. Based on my experience, I got maybe one bug bite and no one else in the group brought the medication. Based on what I saw, I didn't think it was necessary, but because I have never been in a potential malaria area I felt more secure taking it just in case. I would recommend consulting a travel doctor for advice on anti-malarials. As for safety, I felt very safe in Nicaragua. So long as you have street smarts like watching your personal belongings and dressing appropriately, Nicaragua felt very safe. The only safety issue I had was when at a crowded fair, someone pick-pocketed my digital camera. Even though it was in a pretty secure bag, I would recommend keeping those items in a place where it is really difficult to reach. It is important to know that even though I felt safe, it's good to be aware of your surroundings at all times and especially (for women) to dress in a way as to not attract any more attention. Luckily, the cat calls were at a minimum because I dressed more modestly and just ignored them. However, at night, I would recommend traveling with a guy or a few people. I felt that it was better to not be alone while traveling in Nicaragua.

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

I used Spanish everyday for everyday interactions with my host family as well as in my service project of interviewing women in a business cooperative in a mountain area in Nicaragua. The consistent practice with Spanish greatly improved my speaking ability and grasp of the language. The host family was also patient and helpful when I didn't know an expression. Overall, learning Spanish in Nicaragua was fun for me and a great experience.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

• Opportunities to volunteer like the interviews in the mountains and teaching English as a foreign language.
• Seeing cultural sights in our weekend trip to Leon.
• Living with host families.

• It would have been great to be aware of the physical stamina required for the trip. This way, I could prepare more in advance.
• Advice about clothing. Coming from winter in the U.S., Nicaragua was already hot and wearing the recommended jeans made me more hot and uncomfortable when in El Sauce.