Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Scary, new and fun adventures. Past Review

By (Counseling, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/19/2014 to 05/30/2014 with

University of Northern Iowa: Guatemala - UNI Multicultural Counseling in Guatemala, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was worthwhile, I learned a lot about another culture and my eyes have been opened. I feel more accepting and less judgemental about people who are not exactly like me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Attempt to bargain if the culture allows for it. Always bring extra, but don't carry it with you everywhere.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Four years of Spanish
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? Looking at a book doesn't help much. The best way is to just attempt to communicate with the people.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Bonding with friends
  • Trying new foods
  • Seeing the landscape
* What could be improved?
  • The dorms
  • Having more free time to explore
  • Having sanitary showers/toilets
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had brought warmer clothes and less summer clothes. I wish I had brought my own blankets.

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 Linguist
You 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!