Exploring Conservation, Research, and Fieldwork in Ecuador's Diverse Ecosystems Past Review
By Ellie C (Biology, Psyhcology, Tufts University) - abroad from 09/01/2019 to 12/14/2019 with
SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation
This program allowed me to pursue my academic interests (environmentalism, conservation, biology), improve my Spanish skills, learn about a new culture, and make friends with like-minded people. I had many experiences that I never would have been able to have as a tourist or visitor in the country. I felt very well supported by the staff and my peers.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
A wide diversity of field experiences, guest lecturers, and hands-on opportunities in a multitude of environments. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Staff was fantastic and really prioritized our safety, enjoyment, and learning. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Host families were great! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Everything necessary was provided by the program! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | <$30 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Classes were all in Spanish, however, we were never forced to speak Spanish with one another outside of class. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | College Level Spanish Conversation and Composition I and II |
| 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? | Engage with your host family! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Everyone came into the experience from very diverse backgrounds and levels of experience, don't worry if you have never done research or fieldwork before! |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
