I left my heart in Turks and Caicos. I want to go back! Past Review

By (Geosciences, Skidmore College) for

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a major cultural exchange and I found a new love...SCUBA diving!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was more than other abroad programs but wasn't bad compared to my home institution. Took a while to get used to their grading method. The in class teaching was ok, some classes better than others, but all of the field work was great!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was amazing. The people were great. It was mostly girls which was a bit annoying because I like a balanced group.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived on a field station

* Food:

you are told beforehand that you are on a field station with very very limited food shipments so with those expectations in mind the food was pretty good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being in town was great and getting to know locals. Spring break was fun because we stayed in TCI (provo) and were able to relax.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe but it you should travel in groups. I was glad there was a curfew. THere wasn't a big emphasis on partying but that was a nice break from college.

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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The lifestyle of a field station and waking up to the ocean
  • The mentality
* What could be improved?
  • The classes/teaching