An amazing integration into Panamanian culture Past Review

By (Zoology/Animal Biology., Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 01/27/2014 to 05/11/2014 with

SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about my self than I would have in years back at home. It was absolutely worth it and I would do it all over again

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.

The academic rigor is lacking but is made up for by the experiences you have and what you learn by living with the propel from all over the country and how you learn to live on your own.

* 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

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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend money on food, its provided at all times.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Highschool spanish 3
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? You have to really put your self out there and leave the student group to practice. It can be hard because you travel so much you don't get to develop relationships with locals as much.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • 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?
  • Culture Integration
  • Home Stays
  • Variety of experiences/travel
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Grade Return
  • Packing List
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to dress like a peasant girl from Spain in the 1920's. I looked like a French maid.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Spanish

Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Edwin
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: It was challenging and had a lot of participation. The entire class was taught in spanish which was good, but when difficult concepts were explained in spanish it was increasingly difficult to learn.
Credit Transfer Issues: It is an upper level spanish class, one below fluent level class however I only received credit for intro spanish 1