Career-Defining Across all Ecuador's Ecosystems Past Review

By (Ecology, Conservation, University of Colorado - Boulder) - abroad from 09/01/2019 to 12/14/2019 with

SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in my language abilities, as well as confidence in field techniques. I gained tools to define effective research methods and complete independent projects to successful conclusions.

Review Photos

SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation Photo SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation Photo SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation Photo SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation Photo SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation Photo

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.

This program provided the most incredible and in-depth field research experience I have had! I walked away with not only a high language level, but also a high degree of familiarity with ecology topics as well as their applications in the field. I would highly suggest this program to any environmental science or ecology/conservation student looking for a challenging but career-defining experience.

* 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?

Much of the time was spent in the field, and therefore there weren't a lot of opportunities to socialize in Quito and meet many locals. The host families made up for this in many ways.

* 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

This program is known worldwide for its high academic caliber. The experiences I had there were invaluable in many ways, and the amount of knowledge I walked away with was more than I ever expected to.

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? 10-40

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? I had some experience doing school in Spain and this is where I learned Spanish primarily.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Music and watching movies in the target 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

  • 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?
  • The field excursions
  • Professors
  • Language learning
* What could be improved?
  • Diversity of topics during walking lectures (entomology for example)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been surer of my abilities before going and hadn't doubted myself as much.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!