Trans-formative. Guayaquil - Study Abroad + Service Learning in Ecuador Past Review

By (College of Mount Saint Vincent) - abroad from 08/21/2017 to 12/18/2017 with

IPSL: Reviews from former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to view the world from another perspective. I learned the beauty of adventure and courage. I learned overall how we all connect together on this planet and how much love can change people and the world, one step at a time.

Review Photos

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Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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

Ipsl provided me with the chance to study and serve abroad. Not only to be in the classroom setting but also how to interact with the people and live and experience through there lives.

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? $400.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend your Money wisely, remember you are there for a semester.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? It's best to make friends with local students this way you practice a lot.

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
  • 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?
  • The International Students
  • The trips
  • My host family
* What could be improved?
  • Stable Coordinator
  • More Guidance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to spend my money wisely.

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.