Nicaragua, the eye opening and humbling experience abroad Past Review
By Ryan R (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 12/27/2014 to 01/09/2015 with
University of Northern Iowa: Managua - UNI Winter Capstone Socio-Economic Reality of Nicaragua
I learned a lot about myself, including the very important things in my life and making sure to emphasize them. I also learned a lot about Central America. Prior to the trip, I had many stereotypes. These were all broken when I was there. I think it was definitely worthwhile and I would love to go back!
Review Photos
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. |
This class had the perfect balance of educational opportunities, along with tourism factors. The assignments and items needed for the grade were very manageable and not difficult at all! |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
These were very good conditions for our location. |
* Food: |
The cooks tried to do a very good job of instituting traditional Nicaraguan dishes into our diet, but supplemented it with some food we are used to in the United States. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be sure to know the currency rate and don't get swept up in the conversion. Sometime items are cheaper, but don't let that convince you to spend more then you have budgeted. |
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 |
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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? | 4 years of high school 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? | Take a review course or try to learn some basic words before leaving. It makes things much easier to communicate! |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think going in, I didn't really know anything about the trip. I think this made it more surprising and added adventure, so I don't think I would like to have known anything more! |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |