Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Nicaragua, eye opening Past Review

By (Education, University of Northern Iowa) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A simple answer may be to say that one appreciates what they have much more after visiting a country like Nicaragua. However, the real lesson and experience to be taken does not come from the conditions or surroundings but from the people and their way of life. You will realize after your travels that very little is required to live a happy life. The cultural attitudes and values toward family and friendship are great to see. Also interesting are the many detailed aspects of life abroad such as the food, business, dress, and attitude towards work.

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.

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is a rare opportunity in your life to go to an area not much traveled.