Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great trip for those wanting to peak their interest in more than one way! Past Review

By (Eastern Florida State College) - abroad from 06/18/2018 to 03/28/2019 with

Eastern Florida State College: Explore Guatemala and Belize

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Social understanding of the local culture. Ecological differences in tropical locations. Diversity of animals, plants, humans, etc.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Educational experience was phenomenal and provided for those who wanted to explore more. The program wasn't extremely intense due to the nature of the trip being more of an exploratory and introductory course to tropical ecology. That didn't mean for those who wished to be more intense in the learning aspect weren't provided with the information and tools needed to do so, because we were most definitely provided with unlimited resources to broaden our knowledge of what we wished to pursue.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was extremely pleased with all of the educational programs we were a part of. The people and educators were friendly and welcoming.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Considering the circumstances of being in a third world country and experiencing no central A/C and hot water for showers, I was comfortable and enjoyed my stay in all of the locations we visited. With the humidity and heat , the cold showers were a nice end to the day. Fans were provided and made sleeping with a sheet comfortable as well. The locations were all beautiful and I loved that we got to experience being in places that were not overran with tourists.

* Food:

I love trying new foods and my taste buds are not picky by any means, so the food was great! I especially liked having the locals cook up their traditional foods to get a taste of what their everyday dinner was like. Also, to make us feel more at home, we even had some spaghetti per request by one of the more picky eaters on the trip when we were asked if we wanted anything specific. I thought it was an extremely nice gesture.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was by far one of the best aspects of the trip! Being welcomed into the village and homes of the locals in the rainforest was overwhelmingly amazing. They shared their lifestyle and everyday tasks with us and even taught us how to make foods, plant woven fans to keep us cool, and showed us how they washed their clothes in the stream. We were welcomed into another local village when we were en route to the keys. They shared their local music and dances with us, even teaching us how to play the drums and cooked up one of their traditional dishes for us for lunch. YUM!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't experience any issues or hardships with this.

* Safety:

I felt safe everywhere I ventured and never felt concerned for myself or others within the group.

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

There was so many opportunities to learn and experience different things during this trip that I know every time would be unique.

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 trip was considerably cheap and I brought along some extra spending money, but more than needed. Everything was practically included besides spending money for souvenirs and some other small wants rather than needs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent no more than $125 on souvenirs and other small things that weren't included.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? All depends on how much youd like to take home with you. Meals were included in the traveling expenses and the rest of the spending money you need is totally dictated on individuals.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Snorkeling in the coral reefs
  • A night hike in the rainforest
  • Interacting with the locals and their way of life.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing that I can think of
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there is such a place that is more humid than Florida!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!