Exploring the rainforest and doing biology Past Review

By (Biology, General., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 12/11/2012 with

Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): Costa Rica - Tropical Biology Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This study abroad was a great opportunity to learn out in the field as well as gain experience writing professional papers with great critique from the professors.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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:

Most sites had great food and the cooks accommodated a wide-variety of dietary restrictions.

* 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)

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

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

The spanish language component was for a month in the middle of the program.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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 241
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • 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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Great professors
  • Field work
  • Independent projects
* What could be improved?
  • Improved packing list
  • Greater time for assignments
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What to pack