Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Alternative Spring Break Trip to Jamaica impacted my life in a positive way! Past Review

By (Education, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse: Alternative Spring Break - Jamaica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an understanding for how much I have taken for granted in my own life. As a future educator, I had the opportunity to observe in the classrooms and to interact with the children. This experience has provided me with stories as well as ideas that I can bring back to the American classrooms.

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.

N/A

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program supervisor was very knowledgable about the host country. The amount of people on our trip was perfect, and my expectations were not only met, they were exceeded. We accomplished everything, if not more that we had wanted to, and there was a great balance of working, having fun, and enjoying the culture.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everything was planned out and provided for us!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of the trips/special events were very memorable! I wouldn't change a thing! One of my favorite cultural events was attending a Jamaican church service! I will NEVER forget that experience!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt VERY safe with my group! I listened to what my group supervisor had to say about safe behaviors given her knowledge of Jamaica, and I made sure to never travel alone.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Everything was very well-planned out! We had an agenda for everything, including free time!
* What could be improved?
  • It may be a good idea to prepare students for how to interact with the people. We were informed of how forward the locals would be, but it may have helped to feel more prepared for how to start a conversation, or when to respond or when not to respond to certain comments.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Enjoy your time and don't hesitate to interact with the Jamaican culture.