Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing experience for the better. Past Review

By (Occupational Therapy, Utica College) - abroad from 11/28/2016 to 12/09/2016 with

Utica College: Occupational Therapy in the Dominican Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to communicate effectively with or without the use of translating the common language. I learned how to "treat" others in another country and culture and to be culturally aware of similarities and differences. I learned how to respect others. Absolutely worthwhile.

Review Photos

Utica College: Occupational Therapy in the Dominican Republic Photo

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience during this fieldwork trip to Dominican Republic. It expanded my cultural and professional development in ways I never imagined possible. I am extremely grateful for the staff and their utmost professionalism and dedication to supporting this trip. Thank you.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Excellent

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Humbling and necessary for the experience of the cultural development during this fieldwork assignment.

* Food:

Very good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Superb. There were opportunities abound for cultural experiences throughout the entire trip.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Preventative measures were given to us and educated very well.

* Safety:

Excellent.

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)

Very affordable and came home with more money than expected. Total spent $150 and that included food and souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Exchange with school only. Shop at markets only, not at airports or souvenir shops.

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

Challenged me to utilize second language of Spanish. Enjoyed doing this as I had taken Spanish many years ago.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2nd year college of 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? Maybe use the rosetta stone.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The administration
  • The cultural experience
  • The education provided
* What could be improved?
  • Can't think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Only things I would suggest, is to bring extra wipes and sanitizer. Also extra baggies, laundry detergent, fabric refresher to help with laundering between the trip.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
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.