A great international experience that lets you really see into how the other half of the world lives Past Review

By (Management: Business Administration, University of Northern Iowa) for

University of Northern Iowa: Arica - Culture and Intensive Spanish Program (CISP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Spanish speaking skills improved dramatically. I have greatly increased my cultural awareness and interest. I plan to continue studying business and the international affairs related to it.

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.

The workload and grading system were very fair and reasonable. I enjoyed the professor's teaching styles and felt they had lots of knowledge to share with us.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program almost had too many leaders and administrators that I believe important information slipped through the cracks as there were uncertainties about who was going to relay the information to the participants.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Neighborhood was very safe. Very close to the University and my classes. Farther distance from restaurants and nightlife. No items needed to be purchased. They provided me with an electrical adapter, hair dryer, etc. Treated as a member of the family.

* 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:

Vaccines for the trip were expensive- not covered well by health insurance. No major health concerns- sprained ankle, healed on it's own My family was very concerned with my safety and helped me when I had a common cold.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

My host family. The Spanish language was needed daily to communicate. Only our group members and occasionally professors used English.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

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  • Host Family