Puerto Rico- Not the paradise some want to claim yet very beautiful and rich in culture! Past Review
By Shakari H (Social Work, Marygrove College) for
University of Puerto Rico: Rio Piedras - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
This trip was very much worth while. I learned some things about myself and was able to connect with other students and form an aliance.
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. |
we didn't really get to see their methods |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
it is similar to America |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorm rooms at the University that housed us were very uncomfortable. The beds were hard and the pillows were from old couch pillows that had pillow cases on them. Both me and my roommate became sick from the ongoing central air unit that ran at night. The building backed onto a street and because there were no real windows our room became very noisy. |
| * Food: |
Go to the street vendors!!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The rain forest was wonderful! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The area was ok but safety issues were dealt with |
| 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke english but spanish was used frequently. The co-facilitator used spanish with people from Puerto Rico but did not frequently teach or practice the language with the students. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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 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? | A student who is not looking for a lot of free time would like this trip. All of our time was taken up with activities and outtings. There was no time to just rest and take in the experience, people, culture, and area. |
