Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Totally worth repeating. Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 06/15/2012 to 08/14/2012 with

SUNY Geneseo: El Sauce - Service Learning in Nicaragua

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile, and it has shown me how a NGO typically functions, as well as provided me with valuable service experience and international experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $35
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you take advantage of the supermarket stops, and DO NOT go to the bar too often. Outside of program fun stuff, I'd say avoid it entirely.

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

I was teaching an English class, so it was expected.

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? 300 - Conversation
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? Keep trying to speak the language - its the absolute best way to learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 living with host families, food was good too
  • The English classes
  • The weekend trips
* What could be improved?
  • The laxness in drinking habits and frequency of bar visits among team members. Seriously, it annoyed me A LOT.
  • Perhaps making students even more aware of the dangers of some foods? And sanitation procedures as well, sleep too....basically making sure they don't get sick so often.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I did not need to be so intensely worried...so if you're going, be prepared, but DON'T FREAK OUT! It'll be fun!