Incredible experience; so good - I've come back to do it all again.. Past Review
By Jack Hailstone (Swansea University) - abroad from 01/18/2015 to 04/17/2015 with
The Intern Group: Colombia, Emerging Markets Internship Placement Program
Aside from a new language, I experienced a completely new culture to what I was used to. I learned the warmth and friendliness of the local people and gained countless new friends and contacts. The work found for me was challenging yet incredibly rewarding. Was it worthwhile? Yes, two years on and I'm back hoping to stay for longer.
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. |
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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: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Immensely! The interngroup consistently kept us up-to-date with events local and nationwide to ensure we took away the most that Colombia has to offer! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The interngroup were extremely helpful when giving advice about injections for domestic travel. They told us the prices, exactly where to go and exactly what is required/to be expected before visiting other cities. |
| * Safety: |
Medellin has a slightly tarnished recent history but it is nothing like what it used to be! I have lived here for over 6 months and have never had any problems. If you stick to the advice of locals and be extra vigilant trouble won't come knocking! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program is with you every step of the way. Right from the airport pick-up, settling you into your new home, assisting with language programs, continuously organizing events and even now (after two years) the program coordinators are still helping me achieve what I want (I've returned to Medellin and recently found myself a job). |
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? | 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? | Beginner French at school |
| 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? | Go to some of the less touristy areas, make conservation with locals - they are always more than happy to share a conversation. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 10+ |
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? | More Spanish - but sometimes, talking to locals and getting by with broken Spanish is all part of the fun...! |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
