Best two weeks of my life! Very eye-opening, as well as fun. Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 12/31/2012 to 01/17/2013 with

SUNY Geneseo: El Sauce - Service Learning in Nicaragua

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater understanding of the world outside of the US. It was very worthwhile; while I did not take any classes specifically, I feel like I learned more in those two and a half weeks than I did any semester I have spent in the program.

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:

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? $100 - based solely on my own spending (souvenirs, going out, etc)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy big bottles of water and fill them at your host family's house! I kept buying new bottles every day - a small cost, but still a cost nonetheless.

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? 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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Brush up on your Spanish beforehand (try practicing speaking with someone who knows Spanish - don't just read from a book like I did).

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • People (locals)
  • Food
  • Activities
* What could be improved?
  • More information prior
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How important Spanish would be! The host families know no English, so I wish I had a greater handle on the language.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'