What made you decide to study abroad?
I decided to study abroad in order to experience a new part of the world and its rich culture. I wanted to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone, and receive an education in a different country for an entire semester. As a Spanish minor, I knew for certain that I wanted to study in a place that would significantly improve my Spanish speaking and comprehensive skills.
Why Nicaragua?
I chose to study abroad in Nicaragua for its reputation of genuine and compassionate people, beautiful nature, and exquisite traditional foods. Furthermore, Nicaragua offered the ideal opportunity for me to better my Spanish by living with a native family and attending a local university. I was also able to complete specific marketing courses that provided me with a unique international business perspective.
What made it an interesting country to study abroad in?
Nicaragua is still considered to be a developing country, which appealed to me right away because I wanted the chance to experience a lifestyle that is far different from my own. From its lagoons to volcanoes, Nicaragua is filled with incredible natural beauty.
What type of person should study abroad in Nicaragua?
I really encourage anyone who is interested in the Spanish language to consider studying abroad in Nicaragua, as I was able to greatly improve my oral and writing skills.
What were your favorite parts about the program?
Becoming close friends with many of the students at UCA made my experience abroad one that I will always cherish. To this day I keep in touch with a majority of the people I met abroad, and I cannot wait for the chance to see them again. I also loved visiting the popular market in Managua, where many hand-made Nicaraguan items are sold.
If you could do it all over again, what's something you would do differently?
I would have liked to participate in more of the many community service opportunities offered at UCA.
Describe for a typical day as a student abroad in Nicaragua.
My day consisted of waking up to a traditional Nicaraguan breakfast that generally included fresh eggs, fruit, bread, and coffee. I would engage in conversation with my host family during this time, and then I would make my way to UCA, which consisted of less than a five-minute walk from my homestay.
At UCA, I would attend one or two classes per day with local Nicaraguan students. Some of my classes were taught in Spanish, while others were in English. After class, my friends and I would grab lunch at one of the many food options on campus or walk to the local mall. On some days, my classmates insisted on showing me different attractions around Managua. For example, we once went to a local carnival for the afternoon.
I usually arrived home around 6:30 p.m., as dinner was always served at 7:00 p.m. This was one of my favorite parts of the day because the food was always delicious, as it was freshly made by my homestay mother. Sitting down to a fantastic meal with great company, while practicing my Spanish, was more than ideal.
Did you experience any culture shock?
I would not say that I experienced culture shock, but I did observe the many cultural differences between the United States and Nicaragua. For example, it is typical in Nicaragua to negotiate a price with a taxi driver before even entering into a taxi. Another example is the way in which Nicaraguans present their addresses. Instead of having numbered houses with street names, Nicaraguans describe their addresses based off of well-known landmarks and descriptive markers, such as a red door.
Looking back, how has your experience in Nicaragua impacted your life?
My experience abroad has not only bettered my Spanish, but it has shaped who I am as a young woman, and my perspective of the world. I can confidently say that I am more open to different lifestyles and views. Studying abroad in Nicaragua has provided me with several life skills, such as the ability to live independently, embrace uncomfortable situations, and recognize that ‘different’ is not necessarily ‘bad’. I formed life-long friendships with people whom I never would have had the opportunity to meet, and for that I am extremely grateful.