Study abroad in Guatemala opened my eyes to the world Past Review
By Andrew B (Environmental Studies, Providence College) for
Study Abroad Programs in Guatemala
I think the most important aspect of my experience is that I returned home with a sense of global injustice, but also a sense of gratitude for my life. Many of the people I saw and met in Guatemala live with next to nothing, but they were some of the friendliest and good-hearted folks I have ever encountered. Also, after returning from a third world country, you appreciate the small things in your life such as paved roads and clean tap water.
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. |
My learning experience in Antigua was unforgettable. The workload was appropriate as well as the learning environment. We were in class for 5-6 hours a day Monday-Friday, but took frequent field trips to apply our the material we were learning in a cultural setting. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program overall was very good. If I could point out a weakness, it was that the teachers let us use English to communicate with them when we did not understand instead forcing us to rely on our Spanish skills. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Safe and cozy as far as the regional standards apply. The host family spoke very little English which forced us to rely on our Spanish skills in order to communicate. The family was very inviting and friendly. |
| * Food: |
Local cooking was easily accessible as well as the food cooked within the household. All food experiences were wonderful. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Many unforgettable field trips to ancient ruins, tribal ceremonies and festivals. The program set up several intimate meetings with local weavers, medicine men and spiritual leaders. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
While the area is becoming more tourist friendly, no chances were taken by the program. we were always escorted by police and local guides. Luckily, no hospital visits were experienced. No vaccines needed. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The predominate language there was is Spanish. While many of the locals spoke little English, they were very eager to help us learn the language and were very patient as we worked though our communication with them. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be ready to open your mind to a different way of life. Do not bring an attitude, unless it is positive. Listen more than you speak and eat as many different foods as you can. |
