Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Androsian Adventurers: The Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 05/19/2017 to 05/27/2017 with

Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Andros Island - Science and Schooling

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from this trip. I was exposed to so many different things while in Andros. We learned so much about the ocean life and the culture of the Bahamas. We also learned so much about education and diversity when we had the opportunity to teach in their local schools. It was definitely worthwhile and I would suggest it to any education major.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, I feel that this experience has truly made me a much more rounded person and educator. I learned so much about different educational settings, students, teaching, and the world. I feel that I even learned more about myself!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We had several different advisors/ interns on site that generally led everything we did while in Andros. They taught some brief classes on the history of Andros, and also taught us several things during our snorkeling sessions and land excursions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living conditions are not extravagant, but I do feel that it is part of the experience. The cabins were in good shape. We slept with mosquito nets because of the bugs at night. We had one sheet to sleep with, but often did not use it because it was so hot. The rooms definitely could have used additional fans.

* Food:

The food was always very good. My only complaint was that they served chili on one of the hottest days there. But they have the best blueberry bread that I have ever eaten. Everything was homemade and definitely filling. The cooks were amazing and always very kind. They do not have access to cold water or ice, so everything is always very hot.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was skeptical when going on this trip how the locals would perceive us and act around us. However, I was completely taken aback at how accepting and friendly each person was towards our group. The students showed so much love for us when only being with us for two days. And many of the locals were excited to see us and speak to us. Even when venturing away from the base and into town, locals would always wave and greet us, and if time allowed, also spoke with us.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any experience with health care, but was informed that they had the resources if needed. We would sometimes get medicine, sunscreen, and bandaids from the office if needed.

* Safety:

I never felt threatened or unsafe while visiting Andros. The culture was so friendly and accepting that I never worried about going into town or sleeping in the cabins on base. We also always traveled in pairs or in large groups.

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)

Scholarships were provided to help with the program expenses. During the trip, all food and meals were provided. You only needed cash for visiting stores or shops. Money was spent on small or extra things such as ice cream, drinks, and souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 maximum
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring money for shopping and small food items. We ate ice cream and bought cold drinks every day at a local shop down the road from our site and it was definitely worth it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Teaching
  • Snorkling
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • The drinks
  • The fans in the rooms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have packed several pairs of long, tall socks to help prevent the sand flea bites. Calamine or non itch lotion would also be helpful.

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 Linguist
You 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!