Public Brigades in Nicaragua is a Life-Changing Experience Past Review
By Eloise Orr (Governors State University) - abroad from 01/04/2018 to 01/10/2018 with
GSU Public Health Brigade to Nicaragua
It was eye-opening to see a people with so little, yet who were so content. I never heard one complaint from anyone. It made me reflect on myself and my country. The United States is a powerful and rich country, yet we have some of the most unhappy, ungrateful, and complaining people. I left Nicaragua much more appreciative of the little things I've been afforded (e.g., using a toilet that flushes, having running water that is safe to drink, the ability to shower daily). The things we take for granted are God-given treasures to people in Nicaragua. I try to keep that in my mind as I continue in my daily life in the United States.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our Global Brigade coordinators and translator were awesome. They were very welcoming, friendly, and helpful! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
As this was a service mission program, I did not expect great accommodations. The lack of hot water was definitely challenging to get used to, as well as not being able to flush toilet tissue. However, the facility was clean, and the staff was friendly. |
| * Food: |
We received three hot meals per day. The food was pretty good, and the Global Brigade crew really worked hard to make sure that everyone's meal preferences (e.g., vegetarian, chicken only, etc.) were met. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
While working at the homes of the local Nicaraguan people, I felt very much integrated with the local culture. I do wish we'd had more opportunities after work to explore our neighborhood and talk to other people. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
One student got very sick on the trip. I was very impressed that she was checked out by a doctor first thing in the morning. She was well cared for. |
| * Safety: |
The city of Matagalpa certainly seemed safe, but we were not allowed to explore it, so I cannot say for sure. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Prior to this trip, I have never done missionary work in the U.S. or abroad. To know that I took even a small part in improving the quality of life for the wonderful people of Nicaragua warms my soul. I had never experienced the emotions I felt before. I cried tears of joy and humility. The Nicaraguans with whom we worked were so amazing and appreciative. They have so little, yet were more than willing to share whatever they did have. I fell in love with every family even though we spent only two days together! My heart was truly touched by this experience. |
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) |
Before traveling, we were advised to bring no more than $100 for spending money. Since all of our meals were provided and we did not spend much time outside of the hostel aside from work, we did not spend a lot of money. I brought $100 and returned with most of it. I only spent money at the airport on the way back home. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $0 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | No |
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 |
We were encouraged to speak Spanish. Luckily, I was already fluent in the language when we traveled. |
| 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? | I have a B.A. in Spanish from the University of IL at Urbana-Champaign |
| 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? | Duo Lingo or Rosetta Stone. I recommend a dictionary or a cellular phone dictionary app. Private tutoring before traveling is also a good idea if you can afford it. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known that it was not mosquito season in Nicaragua when we traveled. I spent a lot of extra money on anti-malaria medicine before going, and I never even got one mosquito bite! The people there even said it was silly that those meds were recommended. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
