Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Adventure of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Fairleigh Dickinson University) - abroad from 08/23/2015 to 10/23/2015 with

Cape Eleuthera Institute: The Bahamas - Gap Year Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have more confidence in myself then ever before, and I now have the skills to pursue my life dream of working with sharks. I miss Eleuthera and the people everyday, and thank them for the positive impact they made on my life! I would recommend this program to anyone who loves the ocean, conservation, and adventure!!

Review Photos

Cape Eleuthera Institute: The Bahamas - Gap Year Program Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes we took were far better than any classroom experience I had previously had. We were able to teach the classes ourselves, using applied learning! Our teacher was amazing and incorporating experience in the field made me learn and retain so much more!!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I have never experienced a place like The Island School and the Cape Eleuthera Institute. Every single person I met greeted me with open arms. Everyone has such a passion for what they do there, it is impossible not to get inspired!! to say the least, the place does not attract "duds"

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living in the dorms with the other girls. I wasn't used to the heat at first, but my body adjusted and slept very happily. Missing it very much

* Food:

The kitchen always had something prepared that I liked to eat! The salad bar was fresh and often had lettuce from our very own aquaponics garden! I loved it!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our program leader made it a point to teach us about the culture of the Bahamas and Eleuthera. Talking to locals at the marina, staff working on campus, and everyone we met on our down island trip greeted us with open arms! I loved getting to work with the students at Deep Creek Middle School as well, it gave me really great insight into Bahamian lifestyles.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

though there is not a hospital on the island, my medical issues were always well taken care of! The doctor on the island was incredibly nice and helpful. Jay in the medical office is a pleasure to spend time with, and always helped me when I had a problem!

* Safety:

I felt very safe living on Eleuthera, program leaders showed us what areas were safe to go- I never felt unsafe and fell absolutely in love with the island and its people

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The Cape Eleuthera Institute Gap Program changed my life! Everyday was a new adventure, I had never been so excited to wake up in the morning before!

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)

The program covered the cost of room and board, so any money I needed was purely for snacks or some gifts!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The People
  • The activities
  • The wildlife
* What could be improved?
  • nothing! I enjoyed every moment
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring something to write with!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.