The craziest and best experience of my life that I will never forget! Past Review

By (Geology, Western Washington University) - abroad from 09/07/2012 to 11/27/2012 with

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): Fall Semester in the Amazon

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself then I have ever known. I learned how to work well with others and great leadership skills for both small and large groups. I learned outdoor skills, environmental studies, biology, ecology, and more!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, this experience has changed my life. It was physically and mentally challenging throughout the course, and I have learned skills that will be used for the rest of my life in both the front country environment and the back country.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I'm not sure how to rate this one because we camped outdoors for 80 days. I enjoyed falling asleep in a hammock or tent to the sound of toads, frogs, millions of bugs, and monkeys though!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There is a week long cultural section where I stayed with a family that didn't speak any English. I learned so much by playing with the kids and eating meals with the family. My favorite part of the course for sure.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I mean, I'm in the Amazon, so everything there is trying to consume me. The instructors did a good job at reminding everyone to try and stay clean.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

N/A because it's included in the tuition which ran about $15,000 USD.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? N/A because it's included in the tuition

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? 4 years of spanish in high school
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? Learn ahead of time! Plenty of sites online can help out for free. I used a CD which helped me learn fast. byki.com or mangolanguages.com

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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 challenge
  • Being in the Outdoors
  • Living with a local family
* What could be improved?
  • Harder classes; too basic
  • Lower Price
  • Longer hiking and cultural section
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would be totally worth it and there should be no hesitation in applying if you love the outdoors, nature, and learning!

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.