Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Trip of a Lifetime! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/06/2019 to 02/26/2019 with

IES Abroad Galápagos Islands January Term - Marine Ecosystems

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program taught me so much about myself, my place in the world, and the importance of preserving our environment. I also learned that cultures around the world are more similar and interconnected than we typically think them to be and that plantains are an incredibly versatile food!

Review Photos

IES Abroad Galápagos Islands January Term - Marine Ecosystems Photo IES Abroad Galápagos Islands January Term - Marine Ecosystems Photo IES Abroad Galápagos Islands January Term - Marine Ecosystems Photo IES Abroad Galápagos Islands January Term - Marine Ecosystems Photo IES Abroad Galápagos Islands January Term - Marine Ecosystems Photo

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.

This program was the perfect balance of classroom work and exploration. Our daily classes were often supplemented with trips into the field which added so much more value to the material we covered in class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The USFQ and IES administration staff were all incredibly kind and easily accessible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The majority of the program is a homestay on San Cristobal (which was amazing) and then when not on the island, IES gave us accommodations in a hotel!

* Food:

While Ecuadorian food is delicious, be aware that you probably won't get too many vegetables in the islands. Expect lots of rice and plantains!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was pleasantly surprised to find that after only a few days, San Cristobal already felt like home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I loved basically every aspect of the program. The Galapagos Islands is an incredible place that managed to surprise me each and every day.

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)

Breakfast, dinner, travel to and from the islands, and IES sponsored trips were all covered in the program fee. The only money I spent was on lunch (between $5 and $10 depending on where you eat), souvenirs, and extra adventures.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $50 including food and extra excursions.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 200-level Spanish
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? Dive headfirst into the language immersion when spending time with your host family or the local community! The program itself is in English and Spanish isn't necessary, but you can definitely find time to practice and improve your language skills!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • I loved the location--the Galapagos Islands can't be beat!
  • It was wonderful to stay with a host family.
  • I liked that the program was small, we all got relatively close by the end of our 20 days.
* What could be improved?
  • I would have loved to have been able to visit more Islands (especially Isabella)!
  • More access to Spanish-language learning resources before the program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think the only thing I wish I had known before starting the program was to spend a bit more time brushing up on my Spanish.

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.