Questions beyond answers, adventures around Central America Past Review
By Eva D (International Political Economy, Fordham University) for
CGEE: Social Change in Central America: Exploring Peace, Justice, and Community Engagement
It gave me a focus on my interests and passions. I am currently searching for a way to return more permanently post-grad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The speakers were fantastic and really added a dynamic element. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
From a vegetarian stand point it was challenging. It was difficult to explain in the beginning but that was more of a language barrier then a cultural one. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The rural home-stays really puts this program apart. We got to study Spanish under a volcano in Guatemala, dance the night away at a Quinceañera in El Salvador and ride horses while watching a beautiful sunset in Nicaragua. Do as much as possible. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Students' safety was the top priority and they were |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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? | With gifts and souvenirs factored in it may have been $90 a week. Otherwise I would say only about $40 a week on outside food, drink and entertainment. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I was informed, just planning ahead for the spring break. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 201 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke only Spanish so it was easy to be practicing constantly. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone who is looking for an intense experience: academically, culturally, spiritually etc. |
