An Incredible Semester! August 19, 2026
By Daniel S (Bucknell University) - abroad from 01/26/2026 to 05/10/2026 with
SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation
Through this experience, I gained a multitude of research experiences, lifelong friends, and many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It was absolutely worthwhile!
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had wonderful homestay families that welcomed me in throughout my time abroad. |
| * Food: |
Amazing! |
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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
The semester I spent in Panama was by far my favorite thus far in college. The community that surrounded me, from students to professors to homestay families, was incredibly welcoming and supportive. The places we were able to explore and study within allowed for a deeper understanding of the material presented. The final month of the semester served as a great way to demonstrate the lessons learned and give back to the communities that were so welcoming. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be sure to save some money for souvenirs and some nice meals. Enjoy yourself! |
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 |
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| 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? | High school Spanish |
| 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? | Take every opportunity you get to practice your Spanish. People always appreciate the effort! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Some materials on the packing list were highly emphasized, but never used. Others were not as highly advertised, but I was very glad I brought them. Better communication of the flow of the semester, and thus the required materials with explanation for each, would have helped highlight essential gear. |
