Neotropical Field Botany and Spanish Language Past Review

By (Environmental Science, Western Washington University) - abroad from 01/01/2014 to 03/19/2014 with

Western Washington University: Worldwide - Independent Study Projects

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was an independent study abroad sponsored by WWU. I seriously appreciate that WWU students have the opportunity to design and pursue unique international studies. This was an amazing experience and I loved connecting my love of plants and Spanish language as I rode my bicycle from El Salvador to Panama.

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.

* 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? $50

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

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High School Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • International Students
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?
  • People
  • Independence
  • Language Immersion
* What could be improved?
  • There could be fewer hoops to jump through before leaving the country
  • NA
  • NA
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? So many things! I understand the foundations of plant systematics of Central America, I speak Spanish better than ever before, I know how to fix five broken spokes when stranded in the middle of nowhere in rural Panama, and I know so many wonderful people who shared incredible generosity with me along my journey.

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.