Ecuador through an environmental lens Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 05/31/2019 to 06/22/2019 with

KIIS: Ecuador - Experience Ecuador, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
-Language skills -Biology knowledge -New experiences

Review Photos

KIIS: Ecuador - Experience Ecuador, Summer Program Photo KIIS: Ecuador - Experience Ecuador, Summer Program Photo

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.

* 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

Absolutely, no hesitations

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? $15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Getting the house special (el menu in Ecuador) provides a cheap and fulfilling meal of local cuisine, often at much better quality than ordering American food

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? Spanish 103
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? Keep a downloaded (off data) language dictionary on your phone and look up words you don't know or want to learn how to say. It's a quick and easy way to build vocabulary

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Local tour guides
  • Going off the beaten path
  • once in a lifetime experience
* What could be improved?
  • Course expectations
  • More time for homework completion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do your readings before the trip, you'll be too busy during

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.