Life Changing Experience! Past Review
By Alan Chabot (Williams College) - abroad from 05/06/2017 to 06/17/2017 with
The Intern Group: Colombia, Emerging Markets Internship Placement Program
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My main task in my internship was to write research papers on futurism and predicted future trends in the realms of business, governance, and education. I learned so much about a field I knew nothing about, and am inspired to take more classes in line with what I've studied here for my internship. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Intern Group is fantastic! They know you're here to have a working experience, but they also know you're here to have fun! A small but mighty team, they plan activities for the group to attend at least once per week. They're always available for advice, questions, or emergencies (thank god there were none...) |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The intern group sets you up in the nicest neighborhood in the city. Rooms can range in quality and size but all of them are great (some of them are superb!) I was fortunate to live with two other AWESOME interns that matched my interests and habits. |
| * Food: |
I like Colombian food, but I LOVE Colombian restaurants (especially in el poblado). I've had some of the best food in my life here. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Working in Medellín integrates you into the local culture whether you're hoping to or not. I learned a lot about Medellín form the intern group, but most of my experience with locals was at work (and driving to and from) |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
None |
| * Safety: |
Poblado is a very safe area. But... don't give papaya (don't give people a reason to take advantage of you), because that's a risk in any city. |
| 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) |
NA |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
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 |
They encouraged us to speak spanish all the time! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | AP Spanish Literature and Culture |
| 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? | immerse yourself and be ok with feeling uncomfortable |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
