Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

HANDS DOWN MOST IMPACTFUL, CREATIVE, FUN, REWARDING & IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE Past Review

By (American University) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 05/20/2019 with

Pachaysana Institute: Ecuador - Rehearsing Change

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was looking for a challenging, different abroad experience, and Rehearsing Change pushed me to reach beyond my potential, forge international friendships, and develop new perspectives. I never could have imagined how rewarding this program would be, and it was truly the most impactful semester of my entire educational career.

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.

* 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

Experiencing an RC semester was hands down the best decision I have ever made in my life. I took a chance by participating in a program that none of my friends did, and I left Ecuador with friends (both international and national) that will last a lifetime.

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)

We received a stipend for food and taxis, as part of the program! All of the students my semester, SAVED money while having incredible experiences

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 always encouraged to use the language, both inside and outside of classes. I made a LOT of mistakes, but this is how I truly transformed my language abilities!

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • UNIQUE classes based on hands-on and collective learning
  • cultural immersion
  • unbelievable trips around the country with local and international students
* What could be improved?
  • literally nothing
  • nothing
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that there is literally no other program as immersive, just, and real as Rehearsing Change. It challenges you to grow, love, and connect. I had no reason to be scared to take the leap...

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.