The Island of Enchantment Past Review

By Ernesto U (Political Science and Government., University of California - Riverside) for

UCLA: San Juan - Political and Social Movements in Puerto Rico

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I would do it again in a heartbeat. If I had the option, I would move the location of the program closer to the University of Puerto Rico or at least to a more residential setting.

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.	Experiential learning was highly valued in this program. There was a fair amount of work (reading and writing) but it was not overwhelming. The material we learned in the classroom was real and observable in the streets. It was less demanding than your average on-campus course but you learned so much more. Great for students interest in ethnic studies too.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Our faculty leaders were very familiar with PR and able to guide us in our learning. The program, however, required a lot of independence and initiative.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The housing situation was near perfect. The hotel was a resort. It was so nice that it was a little too nice. Great for tourists but it made it harder to immerse yourself in the culture. Food was not provided, but lots of places to eat with different prices. Also, transportation was sometimes an issue but that's a city problem. Using the bus (guagua) and taxi was fairly easy but took some getting used to.
* Food:	Easy to get stuck in your American ways but there was a lot to eat. I noticed it was a little difficult (boring) for vegetarians but you won't starve.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	If you like music, especially Salsa, there is lots of opportunities to learn or simply enjoy the music. Great for nature-oriented folks (beaches, forests, etc). Check out Vieques, the bioluminescent bay, Old San Juan, and Piñones.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Like any other big city in Latin America. It helped, in terms of comfort, to go out in groups. As always, there is safety in numbers. Overall, never once felt unsafe. The mosquitoes were vicious though.
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)