Group work in the field studying the enviornment December 14, 2023

By (Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2023 to 12/11/2023 with

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Panama - Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to conduct field research, even regarding grants and research in a foreign country.

Review Photos

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Panama - Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies Photo The School for Field Studies / SFS: Panama - Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies Photo The School for Field Studies / SFS: Panama - Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The material taught in the classes was very basic introductory level that did not really go deeper than surface level info.

* 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? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own dinners rather than eating out to save money on food.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? 200 level in university
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Field Trips
  • Community engagement
  • Bonding with groupmates
* What could be improved?
  • Class schedule
  • Research component (not enough time)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There was a significant amount of group work that tended to be a bit frustrating. There was also not a lot of free time and you are not able to make your own schedule.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The 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.