The Need to Know: Suggestions for Studying Abroad in Nicaragua

Before you come:

·         DO research Nicaragua before you come. Although much of what you find will be fear mongering safety warnings or naive blogs praising the country’s beaches, it is good to come in with a basic knowledge of what to expect. Fun Facts like 24 Cordobas = $1 US dollar are useful to know.

·         DON’T fret about your visa. When you arrive in the country, you will purchase a 90 day tourist visa for $12 dollars at the airport or border crossing. You don’t need to apply ahead of time. After 90 days you will need to renew by either leaving the country to Costa Rica or by going to the Immigration office in Metrocentro. Beware: Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala have a separate travel agreement, making it easy to pass from one to the other; however, leaving to any of these countries and returning does NOT renew your visa.

·         DO look at your options for the malaria vaccine. Many see that anti-malarial drugs are recommended and get the vaccine no questions asked, but do talk to your doctor. I did not get the vaccine and have had no problems. And actually, some students have more problems with the vaccine than they have with actual malaria.

·         DON’T buy an expensive international phone. Universidad Americana (UAM) will provide a basic pay-as-you-go phone. (Prepare to re-acquaint yourself with ABC and T-9 texting; it was one of the more difficult adjustments). The phone only works in Nicaragua so plan on using Skype, Facebook, and email to communicate back home.

·         DON’T bring anything you are particularly attached to. Sweat, dirt, and grime will accumulate in your clothing, street wear will destroy your shoes, and traveling will result in lost, damaged, and stolen items. My graveyard includes 3 pairs of sunglasses, 1 watch, 6 T-shirts, 2 pants, and 2 pairs of shoes- I wish I were kidding. 

Upon arrival:

·         DON’T be frightened. Many people, including your host family and Nica friends, will tell you things are unsafe- The bus is dangerous, taxis are dangerous, walking is dangerous, everything is dangerous. However, in reality, Nicaragua is the safest country in Central America and its quite safe if you are smart. 

·         DO be smart. It’s necessary to use common sense everywhere in the world.  Be logical, don’t walk alone at night, know your surrounding, don’t flash valuable objects in crowded areas. Be smart and you’ll be okay. 

·         DO relish in things from home. Yes, cultural immersion is important but every once in awhile, watch a movie in English or eat Oreos. It’s good for your sanity and will help you put into perspective the things you appreciate from home.

·         DON’T compare yourself or your experience to anyone else’s. It’s easy to look at another international student’s spanish and feel inadequate but don’t. Your experience is entirely your own, not better nor worse than anyone else’s. 

·         DO ask the locals. In a country where street names and bus schedules don’t exist, the locals will be your best bet if you are lost or unsure. Do trust them, but always with a grain of salt.

·         DO laugh. Adjusting to life in a new country is difficult- you will fumble your spanish, you will stand out like a sore thumb, and you will get frustrated with cultural things. In these instances, laugh or you will cry. For example, Nica Time dictates that everyone is 30- 60 minutes late for everything. So when you’re sitting outside in your dress, waiting for your ride to go to the club, laugh when they call saying it will be another 30 minutes.

·         DO take a deep breath and know that everything will be okay. In the beginning, everything is difficult- Nica Spanish will seem impossible to learn, the heat will be suffocating, and even texting on your T-9 phone will be a challenge. Take a deep breath and know that things will get better. You will make friends. Your host family will adopt you as their own. Your spanish will improve. I don’t know if you’ll ever really adjust to the heat, but you’ll learn ways to escape it (like the movie theater). You will adjust and just breathe deep until you do. 

- Anna  Kroos