Spanish Integration and New Experiences Past Review

By (Bethel University) - abroad from 02/01/2012 to 05/23/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Guatemala

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
it was worthwhile. i learned how to be independent.

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?

We spent a lot of time in classes and with each other. Those are both really important, but getting more opportunities to integrate with the culture and the people of guatemala would have been really nice. Though we could do this on our own time, it would have been helpful to have organized time to do so.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Don't walk anywhere alone past 5. it may not look dangerous when it isn't dark out, but there are still dangerous situations present, even in the daylight.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

It was a lot easier in Magdalena to save money. Antigua is more touristy so it was more expensive. The stipend didn't usually cover lunch and dinner costs at the safer, more touristy restaurants.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? budget in advance. plan how much you will spend on food and gifts for people and really try to stick to it.

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 took 4 hour classes, 5 days a week. we were encouraged to speak spanish whenever given the opportunity.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second Year, Second Semester.
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • one-on-one classes
  • host families
  • meeting people from so many new countries
* What could be improved?
  • evening activities
  • integration with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? speak in spanish as much as possible.