A scintillating and rigorous summer Past Review
By Nehemiah N (Tesol, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/31/2012 to 07/30/2012 with
University of Northern Iowa: Arica - Culture and Intensive Spanish Program (CISP)
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A whole new cultural perspective. The experience was 100% worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
At times the workload was intense and a bit overbearing, but the professors were all very helpful and understanding. |
|
* 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? | 20-40 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eating with your host family saves a lot of money also be scrupulously attentive to your possessions as there are those who will try to rob you (a problem we experienced in our group) |
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? | An advanced writing course |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | As hard as it is, speak in Spanish with the students coming from the United States with you. As I'm sure you've all heard before, the easiest way to learn a language is to immerse yourself and this is a great opportunity to do so. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | One thing I wish I would have done was brought more empty space/suitcases. The souvenirs you buy when abroad add up quickly and it's easy to overestimate the free space in your luggage. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
Featured Program Providers
