Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Beautiful Nicaragua Past Review

By (SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 06/15/2012 to 07/14/2012 with

SUNY Geneseo: El Sauce - Service Learning in Nicaragua

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This journey was by far challenging, as I was both vulnerable and adventurous. Living with a host family allowed an inclusive way in to Nicaraguan culture, immersing me into the societal values and norms without inhibition. I appreciate the opportunity to have lived in Nicaragua and wish to return when I am financially able. Naturally my trip was accompanied with some scary and unfortunate moments -my intestinal infection, but that’s all a part of the experience.

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

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

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? Span 306
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? You may know some of the language before going there and once immersed, you will have more advanced speaking skills especially since your host family does not speak any English.

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

  • Local Students
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?
  • I enjoyed that the academic experience did not overshadow the cultural and other components of traveling. The academic aspect meshed well with the overall learning experience.
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked the option to stay longer.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Well, I was surprised to learn about their sewer system not being able to decompose toilet paper, but then I adjusted :-)!