Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying Outside the Classroom Past Review

By (Geosciences, Tufts University) - abroad from 06/16/2015 to 08/06/2015 with

IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained new experiences and memories which really matured me to take on more responsibility. Now I feel like I can plan more adventures because the whole experience was all just one spontaneous moment after another.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? All meals are provided by host families or the program, but snacks are extra!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You are only in Ecuador once as a student. I feel it is okay if you break the budget for this trip, but be able to walk away if the price is not what you were expecting. They see "gringos" and associate us with money; thus, just go with your gut. If it feels like too much (for Ecuadorian standards) then look else where.

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? 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? Sophomore Year of high school was when I last took spanish, and I do not remember any of it.
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? Talking to your host family will really help you learn the language better!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • THE FOOD!
  • THE PEOPLE!
  • THE SMALL AND BIG ADVENTURES!
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between the school, IES, and professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That life should not be stressed over. Having stress lets us get things done, but we miss the whole painting if we just focus on perfecting the corner.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'