Studying in Nicaragua was teh Best Class I Have Ever Taken Past Review
By Ryan G (Finance, University of Northern Iowa) for
University of Northern Iowa: Managua - UNI Socio-Economic Reality Capstone in Nicaragua
It inspired me to start my business.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was the appropriate amount; enough that we all gained from the experience, but not overwhelming (we were able to take everything in). The teaching methods were great! Learning in the field is the best way to do things. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were met. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The locals treated us like royalty. Really nice people. |
| * Food: |
We ate a ton of rice and beans. It was funny that the host family didn't tell us we were eating cow tongue, and its probably good that they didn't say anything so that we would actually try it. While the diet got old (even though I shouldn't complain because it was only a couple of weeks), we got to go into town every few days and buy snacks that we wanted. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I thought that touring CECOCAFEN/SOLCAFE, Angelita's coffee farm, CEPAD training farm, and the sewing co-op were all beneficial field trips. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Siares was definitely safe. Every morning a couple of us would go on walks down the rural roads and were completely fine. In Leon, we were able to go out at night and be in no harm (we also had our translators close behind us). In Managua, while not a safe city, we were held in safe locations and around good people. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students who have a taste for the outdoors and don't want to do the typical Europe study abroad should definitely consider going to Nicaragua. |
