Ecuador: Unforgettable, affordable, and unforgettably affordable. Past Review

By (Theatre and Communications, Trinity University) for

Universidad San Francisco de Quito: USFQ Cumbaya Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, but it wasn't a study abroad experience for me.

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 assignments are easy and a perfect score could easily be accomplished by doing the bare minimum. However, that does not deter from how interesting the subject matter is. Thumbs up!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Their website needs some work, to say the least. The administration is significantly disorganizes and difficult to work with in contrast to an American university, but efficiency has always been the Achilles heel of us South Americans.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with my family during my time in Ecuador. Needless to say, it was awesome.

* Food:

My mom cooks quite well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I <3 Ecuador.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Make no mistake, Quito is a dangerous city in terms of theft.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? Don't remember.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't let the cab drivers rip you off.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • It's home.
* What could be improved?
  • The government, but I don't know if that could easily be improved...