Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Nicaragua: An Unforgettable Experience Filled with Great Adventure Past Review

By (International Business., Fairfield University) - abroad from 09/17/2012 to 12/07/2012 with

Fairfield University: Managua - Semester or Year in Nicaragua

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an unforgettable experience in which I was able to meet many lifelong friends and explore a completely different culture from my own. I also gained much knowledge in the Spanish language. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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? Roughly $30.00 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of how much money you are spending per week and adjust your spending accordingly. Write down all purchases made in order to budget your money.

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? 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? Spanish Conversation and Composition
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? Do not be afraid to try to speak the language with people on a daily basis. Engage in as much conversation as possible and always be on the lookout for opportunities to better your speaking, writing, and listening abilities. Attempt to read local newspapers or books regularly. Watching television in the language can also be very beneficial to your overall language skills.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The natural beauty of the country
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • The academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know that there is nothing to fear in terms of going to a different country that speaks a different language. There will always be one or more than one person willing to help you better understand and learn the language.

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!