Great Experience! Past Review

By (Education, Spanish, Cardinal Stritch University) for

Cardinal Stritch University (CSU): Guatemala City - Universidad del Valle

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am happy that I got to see a different aspect of the Spanish speaking world. It gave me new insight into the Mayan way of life and life in developing countries.

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.

The Guatemalan professors were very nice and helpful. I learned a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Every staff person in the dorm was very nice and helpful.

* Food:

It was really special that we got to try a variety of Guatemalan foods.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt very safe.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring $350 USD. I brought this much and was able to get/see/do everything that I wanted for the the entire trip without worrying about my spending.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I would have liked more opportunities to speak with a variety of natives. It was much easier to do this in Antigua vs. Solola because of the amount of people that we were around.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Guatemala is not America. Don't expect the same conveniences that we have here because you wont get them! Also, don't be afraid to dive in and talk to people or do things. Those are the most rewarding parts!