Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learned so much exploring the beauty of Ecuador! Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/05/2019 to 07/24/2019 with

IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the lasting impacts of colonialism and capitalism enacted by the Global North on the Global South and how local environmental issues are so closely tied to global political and economic issues. I was also able to make some incredible friends, especially in my host families, that I hope to have lasting relationships with.

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.

This program was very fast paced, rigorous and time intensive, however I usually did not mind because the material was relevant and engaging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved both of my host families so much!

* 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)

The only thing I ever needed to pay for was transportation which usually only cost $1-2 a day!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10-15

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

I was living with a family that did not speak English as well as taking a Spanish language course taught only in Spanish, so I was using it constantly!

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had never taken a Spanish class before.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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?
  • host family stay
  • the trips to different ecosystems
  • learning to speak spanish
* What could be improved?
  • the workload was way too intense
  • I wanted more detailed pre-arrival information
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had more information about cost/pricing of everything we would be doing, as well as clear info about how transportation would work and when I would be traveling alone.

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.