rewarding, enriching and truly inspiring experience Past Review
By Adam T (Durham University) - abroad from 08/24/2013 to 10/05/2013 with
The Intern Group: Colombia, Emerging Markets Internship Placement Program
To conclude, I would absolutely recommend the Intern Latin America program. Aside from the issue with the accommodation, it was a fantastic experience and any keen linguist should seriously consider it as an option to improving their written and spoken Spanish.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I would certainly consider my time in Medellin as a rewarding, enriching and truly inspiring experience. As a language student, perhaps one of the most important aspects of an extended stay in a different country is the opportunity to meet locals and this is the only way to really challenge your grasp of a language. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I worked at the local government where I essentially had an administrative role. Whilst this was at times mundane, I was constantly talking Spanish and I met many interesting people from all the different echelons of society. For instance, I attended a national conference which was attended by the Colombian President but at the same time I was fortunate enough to visit the poorest communities with local politicians and attend meetings in which these locals addressed the problems that they felt needed immediate action. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Perhaps the only issue that I should raise, and I do feel that this should be acknowledged, is that if you apply for a home stay with a Colombian family, that family has no obligation whatsoever to involve you in their daily activities. The term 'homestay' is actually misleading as in reality you are just renting a room within the house of a Colombian family. My 'homestay' consisted of an unemployed Colombian women who stayed in her bed all day, chain-smoking. (Her name was Olga. If you do end up applying just say I don't want Olga!) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If you want to improve your Spanish and you go to Madrid, Barcelona or Buenos Aires you will find it infinitely harder to meet locals and it is very easy to stay in your comfort zone and socialize solely with fellow travelers. However, during my stay in Medellin there was an abundance of invitations from work colleagues, friends of work colleagues and this provided me with an instant platform to improve my Spanish and also to experience a completely different culture. In terms of social life, Medellin has an area full of nightclubs called Parque Lleras which is great fun; there are also nights out organised by InternLatinAmerica and this gives you an opportunity to socialise with other interns from all around the world. Whilst I was there, there were interns from the US, Belgium, Holland, France and the UK. |
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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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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? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
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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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? | My only critical feedback relates the accommodation. If I were to do the program again, I would choose the option to stay in an apartment with other students. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
