Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

First Time for Everything! Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 06/05/2017 to 06/30/2017 with

Association Pop Wuj

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a sense of humility and pride for the work we did. It was extremely worthwhile to work in the conditions of the clinic and help such a well thought out set of programs.

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?

* 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

This school was also a place of sustainable social work that I'd truly making a difference in the lives of many individuals. I would recommend the education and medical work to anyone looking to study in Central America.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always bargain for a better price when you can!

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? Advanced
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? Medical Spanish (to finish my minor)
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? Talk with your host family all the time!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • The peoplen- students and teachers alike
  • The sense of community of everyone related to the school's functioning
  • The medical experiences of many different kinds
* What could be improved?
  • The scheduling and administrative organization
  • The supplies organization throughout the school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Getting sick will happen in some capacity- it's best not to let it get you down. The language skills will come even if it seems like they won't- keep using them. Get your application in as early as possible.

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!