Arica, my lifechanging and unforgettable experience Past Review
By Janae H (Accounting, University of Northern Iowa) for
University of Northern Iowa: Arica - Culture and Intensive Spanish Program (CISP)
I have became more open to change, aware of different cultures, my spanish abilities have improves immensely, and most of all i have found a place that has many friends and family of mine that I plan to return to some day!
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. |
The grading and workload was a bit tough but it pushed me and in the end it felt very rewarding. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Kim was a fantastic leader! There were some problems with the director here in Arica but Kim handled them very well and made this trip seem very smooth and a lot of fun and educational at the same time! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My house was not the greatest, not always clean and sometimes I questions the safety of eating the food because I did get sick once. But I never would trade my family, they were so sweet and helpful. |
| * Food: |
I got sick once because they tend to leave food out after lunch on the stove for our late dinner at night. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I met so many great friends on this trip! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe! |
| 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? |
My professors, other students in my group, students form the university, friends I made in the city. I had to use Spanish everyday, rarely did someone know English. |
| 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? | A student that is open to change and a different life style would benefit the most from the program! I recommend speaking as much spanish and remembering words you are taught because they will be very helpful throughout the two months! |
