An Adventure of a Lifetime Past Review
By A student (Biology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/11/2014 to 08/12/2014 with
CIEE: Monteverde - Summer Tropical Ecology and Conservation
I gained a lot of confidence in my own abilities and I learned a lot about myself and how far I can push my limits. I learned so much just by being in a different environment, immersed in a different culture and exploring various ecosystems. It was one of the best decisions I've made.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was a lot of coursework especially considering the shorter summer semester, but the classes were rigorous and very rewarding. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration is amazing- everyone at CIEE is very kind and welcoming and put your interests and experience there first. Even the smallest details are seen to and there are always back-up plans. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Overall, the living arrangements were taken care of very well during the field trips and at the station. I felt that my homestay could have been better placed based on the form I filled out, but this was determined by the program that manages Spanish classes. |
| * Food: |
The food is provided through the program, and it is excellent! There is a lot of variety and accommodations for vegetarians, gluten free, etc. It is a bit harder to eat out at restaurants since the town is a bit of a walk from the station, but I never felt like I needed to eat out much. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
During the homestay and independent project was when I felt the most integrated with the local culture because my host family included me in their daily activities and conservation, and invited me along to some events. I had contact with many locals when I worked on my independent project, which was a great experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Everyone in the program puts you first, especially your health! I didn't face any health issues, but those in my program who got sick/injured were treated immediately and their comfort and health was their priority. |
| * Safety: |
The station is very safe and the town is too. It's always safer to walk in groups when it's late though. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I didn't spend much money because all the meals are covered by the cost of the program. Most of what I spent was on souvenirs. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$10-20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat out often (unless you really want to), the food at the station is great. Some souvenir places are cheaper than others- get a general feel for what things should cost. Tourist towns will likely have higher prices. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We all mostly spoke English throughout the program to other students and our professors/TA's. The Spanish classes encourage speaking only Spanish during class |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | No Spanish classes |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Reach out to your homestay family, no matter how awkward the language barrier might be. You only spend a short time with them and they have great stories to tell and love having conversations with you! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that I can exceed my own expectations of what my limits are (physically, socially). I would have pushed myself more during the program. |
