Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best semester I've ever had! Past Review

By (Claremont McKenna College) - abroad from 08/28/2016 to 12/10/2016 with

SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Ecuador is an amazing country, and if you're interested in science or love the outdoors, there's no better way to experience it for a semester than through this program.

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?

My homestay was wonderful!

* Food:

On excursions, we ate really well. Ecuador doesn't tend to be known for its food, though, so if you want good food, you'll have to seek it out.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, but I'm also male. I know some of my female counterparts didn't always feel super safe, due to some catcalling and leering glances.

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)

You can get a three course meal for $3 close to the school!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not very much at all. Only really when going out or buying souvenirs.

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 literature
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? Talk to your homestay family as much as possible. Also, talk to the professors in Spanish!

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

  • 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?
  • Excursions to the highlands, cloud forest, Amazon, and Galápagos!
  • Small, cohesive group!
  • Great professors and support staff.
* What could be improved?
  • Communication was not always fantastic.
  • Lack of integration with Ecuadorians our age.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is pretty much all science. As a non-science student, I wasn't fully prepared for that. That said, you can still have an absolutely amazing time so long as you're willing to put in the time and effort!

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.