Spectacular program Past Review

By (English and Environmental Studies, Austin College) - abroad from 02/01/2012 to 05/03/2012 with

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Confidence in myself and much improved science-writing skills

Review Photos

SFS: Turks & Caicos - Marine Resource Management Studies Photo SFS: Turks & Caicos - Marine Resource Management Studies Photo SFS: Turks & Caicos - Marine Resource Management Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

For the most part, the professors were fantastic and more than qualified for the job. Though there was an issue with one professor's interactions with the entire student body, the issue has been resolved.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was great as a whole, but several issues were not handled as quickly as they could have been and it did affect the overall experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For the location, the housing was great, though there was a problem with "bed-bugs" in one bunk and holes in the screens on windows.

* Food:

Especially considering the circumstances, the food was excellent, and we were always well-fed.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent very little, as meals were always provided, but there were a few local restaurants and stores to buy things from.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Things are much more expensive than you might initially think.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Directed Research
  • Professors, staff and the other students
  • Adventure
* What could be improved?
  • Issues could be handled quicker
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Dr. Bronner's "soap" is fine for laundry and body wash, but does not make a very good shampoo.