Thanks Ailola! Past Review
By Cassandra (HS Heilbronn) - abroad from 02/29/2016 to 05/24/2016 with
Ailola Lingua: Quito - Spanish Language & Volunteer Programs in Quito
I improved from a2 to c1 and learned to take life easier
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
well prepared, small groups, focus on student's interests |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
very flexible and helpful staff |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The host family I stayed in was incredible. |
| * Food: |
Breakfast and Dinner were included, and my host mom was a great cook. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
With classes during the day, activities in the afternoon, and the evenings at home in the families your get to experience the culture by heart |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had private insurance, but did not have to use it |
| * Safety: |
Quito is as dangerous as other big cities. I did not have any problems. Furthermore did the administration explain exactly how to behave, and what to avoid. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I was very unsure about going to Ecuador but it turned out as one of the best choices of my life |
Finances
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* 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
You can get a proper meal for less the 3$. You can travel from Quito to Cuenca for 12$ one way. Activities are also very cheap if not for free. Transport in Quito is 0,25$ |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | With weekend trips including hostels 150-200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Avoid anything that is imported, because it is expensive. Bring personal care products, because they are also really expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | a2/b1 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | stay in a host family |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There is no point in being scared. I have never felt so well taken care of |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
