Ecuador Past Review

By (Wofford College) - abroad from 08/12/2016 to 12/22/2016 with

IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained many friends and I learned a lot more Spanish which was my main goal

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.

I really enjoyed the classes I took with this program. Through this program I was able to do psychological research with a professor which was a really great experience and I learned a lot. The classes were also all in Spanish and helped me improve the language

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was great. They were super caring and helpful.

* Food:

I was a bit worried about the food before I got there because I am super picky. The food ended up being pretty bland which was good for me. They eat chicken and potatos a lot. the fruit is great here as well. instead of dinner being their main meal it is lunch.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The classes I took helped me get integrated a little more in the culture by taking me to museums and different places in Ecuador.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt in danger while in Ecuador and never had anything stolen. I do however have many friends that were pick pocketed. You just have to be careful like in any big city.

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

I thoroughly enjoyed my time abroad in Ecuador.

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)

I think this is just me because I tend to spend more than I should

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The host families are required to provide three meals a day for you so there is really no need to spend money on that. It really comes down to money you spend on souvenirs, traveling, and clothes.

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

IES requires that you only speak in spanish

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? Spanish 300 level
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? really use this as an opportunity to practice Spanish and you will improve so much

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling
  • Meeting new people
  • the culture
* What could be improved?
  • relations with administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That clothes, toiletries and anything imported is a lot more expensive in Ecuador.

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!