Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Realizing the differences of culture, but the similarities of all people Past Review

By (Communicative Disorders, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/07/2012 to 05/19/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Managua - UNI Socio-Economic Reality Capstone in Nicaragua

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that those in the U.S. could live much more simply and still be very happy. I also was able to experience the closeness of families. I also learned that the people can be helped the best if they are given the opportunity of education so that they can create positive change themselves.

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?

When we were in the city of Managua I felt very separated from the local people, however we were very integrated when in Siares, the village in the mountains.

* 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? I bought souveneirs and spent about a 100 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It can be confusing when you have both cordobas, and U.S. dollars so I would recommend not exchanging because you can keep track of your expenses better this way, and every place we went accepted U.S. dollars.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intro to Translation
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? ask questions, and don't always rely on translators but try to communicate with others using their language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Playing and teaching kids in the school crafts and English
  • Meeting and interacting with host families
  • sight seeing
* What could be improved?
  • There could be more of a focus on learning Spanish
  • Some days could have less traveling and more down-time
  • There could be more information about the practical aspects of the trip at meetings beforehand.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it is so different from the U.S. and that I would experience challenges with different living styles, but don't worry because you will make it home safe and just soak it all up.