Amazing! Informative! Transformative! Amazing! Past Review
By Felicia M (Elementary Education, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 08/04/2014 to 08/17/2014 with
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Cross-Cultural Learning, Costa Rica
This was definitely a worthwhile experience. Dr. Armstrong is beyond amazing. He has changed my life and how I will view the world. I learned that the world is much larger than I ever thought as an American. The views of others are different and valid and that we must do more to learn about the mosaic of cultures entering our schools.
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Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This was the most amazing opportunity that I have been afforded throughout my pursuit to higher education. Dr. Armstrong taught me and gave me exposure to things that I dis not know existed (boundaries, cultural relevancy, multi-cultural experiences within a culture, overcoming obstacles and so much more). It was nice to see the world outside of my Western view. |
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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: |
The food was very different to what I was accustomed to. I later realized that the American industry had processed foods to the point that there was no recognition of what natural food tasted like. I have changed my diet since returning from Costa Rica. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | $0 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would tell anyone desiring to study abroad that churches and support groups really help. I also was able to attend the trip by working on a job for only two months. The experience is worth it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Yes. There are several online programs that can be found simply by googling (especially, Spanish). Take advantage of the free programs and learn survival language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish that I really had known what culture meant and how I could help my students. Since I have been back, I have practiced with my students what I learned and it is working. They are responding and are so happy that I have taken time and the effort to learn about their culture. |
