Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Nicaragua, the eye opening and humbling experience abroad Past Review

By (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 12/27/2014 to 01/09/2015 with

University of Northern Iowa: Managua - UNI Winter Capstone Socio-Economic Reality of Nicaragua

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, including the very important things in my life and making sure to emphasize them. I also learned a lot about Central America. Prior to the trip, I had many stereotypes. These were all broken when I was there. I think it was definitely worthwhile and I would love to go back!

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Managua - UNI Winter Capstone Socio-Economic Reality of Nicaragua Photo University of Northern Iowa: Managua - UNI Winter Capstone Socio-Economic Reality of Nicaragua Photo University of Northern Iowa: Managua - UNI Winter Capstone Socio-Economic Reality of Nicaragua Photo University of Northern Iowa: Managua - UNI Winter Capstone Socio-Economic Reality of Nicaragua Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This class had the perfect balance of educational opportunities, along with tourism factors. The assignments and items needed for the grade were very manageable and not difficult at all!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

These were very good conditions for our location.

* Food:

The cooks tried to do a very good job of instituting traditional Nicaraguan dishes into our diet, but supplemented it with some food we are used to in the United States.

* 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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be sure to know the currency rate and don't get swept up in the conversion. Sometime items are cheaper, but don't let that convince you to spend more then you have budgeted.

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? Intermediate
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? 4 years of high school spanish
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? Take a review course or try to learn some basic words before leaving. It makes things much easier to communicate!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Volcano Boarding
  • The ocean
  • Staying at the ranch and participating in the New Year's celebration
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think going in, I didn't really know anything about the trip. I think this made it more surprising and added adventure, so I don't think I would like to have known anything more!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.