Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Taught me to reflect on my privilege as a citizen of the US Past Review

By (Women's & Gender Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/28/2015 to 05/12/2015 with

SIT Study Abroad: Nicaragua - Youth Culture, Literacy and Media

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new sense of confidence, a greater understanding of my position and privilege as a citizen of the US, and an appreciation for the abundance of resources that I have. I also gained an incredible group of friends that I know will be in my life for a very long time. It was definitely worthwhile. I learned so much about myself while also learning about a country so vastly different from my own. It was a humbling experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

Nicaragua is definitely not the safest city to live in, but our academic advisor and her assistant were good about addressing safety concerns such as catcalling, walking around at night, and going out with people we may not know too well. While there were moments of concern, there were never moments where I felt like my life was in danger.

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? Our program covered food costs
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget and don't buy things you really don't need. Going out is great but there are also many opportunities for fun cultural excursions that are inexpensive. It's all about researching or even asking local friends.

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Native Spanish Speaker
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? DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH. I regret speaking too much of it. It can also just come across as rude when you speak it in front of locals who may not understand.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • My friends
  • Academic Director and Staff
  • Cultural Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Some of the lectures
  • More opportunities to interact with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not expect to have any of the same luxuries that you have at home (ie running water, hot water, air conditioning, cars, etc.)

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.