Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Semester Past Review

By (Ecology and Biodiversity; Spanish, Sewanee: The University of the South) - abroad from 08/25/2016 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?
I better understood what I do and do not want for my future. The exposure to many different topics helped show me what I enjoy doing.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program covers a lot of different subjects and is extremely intense.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved the administration, they were extremely welcoming and friendly. My only complaint is that there were times that they didn't seem to understand our needs.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My first home stay in Quito was alright, the family was very reserved and never really made me feel like I was a part of the family. My second family during my ISP period was AMAZING. I absolutely loved them, we all cried when I had to leave.

* Food:

Food is good and very cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was not a lot of time spent in Quito to explore. Although we took Spanish classes and were able to understand some cultural/political aspects, there was not enough. The program is entirely focused on Ecology and not on the current politics/culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not require health care but the people in my program who did received help from the program administration and healthcare professionals.

* Safety:

I never really felt entirely safe in the city, but that's not the programs fault. You just need to be aware of your surroundings and act accordingly. Also its better to be with a buddy.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Of course I would do it all again, the people and the places were incredible.

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)

Very easy. The only time I spent money was if I wanted to go out with friends or but souvenirs. Your host family is responsible for feeding you while you are in Quito and the program is responsible for feeding you while you are on excursions.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? less than $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You don't need whole lot of money. Just make sure you take some personal money when you go on excursions in case you find something you like.

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

When we were in the field and when we were together as a group we primarily spoke English

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
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? 495
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? Try and practice with your host family, that's one of the reasons you are staying with them. Also try and practice with the other people in your group, get into a habit of speaking Spanish with each other.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My fellow students
  • The administration
  • The nature!!!!!!!!!
* What could be improved?
  • More time in Quito
  • Emphasis on cultural/political aspects of Ecuador
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The amount of work involved. If you are looking for a program where you can just coast by with minimal work, this is not the program for you. This program is extremely intense and the administration expects a lot from you. That being said, if you put the work in and enjoy yourself, it is extremely worthwhile.

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.