Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exciting Culture Immersion in Puerto Rico Past Review

By (Biochemistry, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/12/2014 to 05/26/2014 with

University of Northern Iowa: San Juan - Studies in Urban Imaginaries in Puerto Rico

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my language skills as well as learned the history of the island. Both were definitely worth my experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed this program because not only was it educational, but it didn't feel like your normal class because you were incorporated into the culture. Because of that, it was easier to remember important ideas about the class, and it was so much fun.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hostel was clean and had plenty of living space as well as bathrooms, which was a huge advantage with 10+ girls in addition to other guests. Also, it allowed you to get to know other travelers.

* Food:

Puerto Rican food is delicious! Try everything!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went out during the day to eat and see the sights as well as at night, where we went salsa dancing and immersed ourselves into the unique Puerto Rican culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Before we left, our orientation addressed how health issues can be handled, but other than that, we never had a problem or experience with the health care.

* Safety:

Very safe. There are police walking and patrolling along the streets every minute of the day. As long as you avoid the parts of the city that are notorious for being unsafe, you are fine.

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)

I was prepared and saved money so that I would not be stressed about money; however, I suggest bringing around 600 dollars for the two week trip because food is pricey in San Juan (about $15 on average for a meal), and shopping is also expensive due to the tourist area.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 200-250 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food at the grocery store for breakfast and lunch to make back at your hostel. It helps to save money, yet you still get the experience of eating out at restaurants for one meal per day.

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

You are encouraged to speak spanish at all times because it is incorporated into your participation grade.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Junior level (Spanish American short stories)
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? Always try speaking. It doesn't matter if you mess up because half of the battle is just being comfortable with speaking. You learn from your mess ups and improve your language skills.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The spanish speaking in daily situations
  • Living with people who were sharing my experiences
  • Learning about the rich culture first hand
* What could be improved?
  • Lengthen the time spent in the country
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Get all your homework done before you come! It helps so much.

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!