27 Charcos is amazing and the fresh tropical fruit is the best Past Review

By (Civil Engineering., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 04/24/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Traveling - International Challenges in Water Resources Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
totally worthwhile. would have rated it 100 but I didn't take the time to study the language before I left. Also thaught it would be easy to find a spanish/english dictionary when already there. Get one before you go. So make the most of it with preparation.

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

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

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 0
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? schedule time for studying. the time for departure creeps up on you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Dam analysis
  • 27 Charcos
  • Fresh fruit
* What could be improved?
  • require students attending to have vested interest in senior capstone design project
  • hotel is nice but there are much better beaches
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now to avoid the haitian solicitors unless I'm really in the mood for spending on knicknacks. In addition, there is a definitive difference between the tourist price and the local price.

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!