Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible! Beautiful! Wonderful! Amazing! Past Review

By (Communication (Journalism) and Environmental Studies, Santa Clara University) - abroad from 08/16/2012 to 12/16/2012 with

IES Abroad: Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment - GAIAS

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I cannot even describe everything I learned. Of course I learned a ton in the class room, and doing field work, but I also learned way more Spanish, about living in a unique culture, about interacting with others, being on my own, how to deal with different situations, independence... the list goes on and on...

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: USFQ - Quito, Ecuador GAIAS - San Cristobal, Galapagos, Ecuador
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.

The classes were challenging, but worth it! You learned everything in the field - first hand. It was AMAZING!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They made sure we had what we needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was very nice. Although houses were run-down on the Islands it was a great experience living with a host family. I would recommend it.

* Food:

I am a vegetarian, so sometimes meals were difficult, but overall it was fine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I got to know many locals, but still hung out with the American students. It was easy to get by without speaking much Spanish - but I wanted to speak more!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any issues, but healthcare on the islands isn't a great system in general.

* Safety:

The Island if a very safe, small community.

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)

I like SCUBA diving, so that gets costly - but otherwise all meals were accounted for. (thanks IES!)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Average $50? I'm not really sure - but it was only for pleasure
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't expect to go clothes shopping on the island - it is super expensive and there isn't much to offer.

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

We were encouraged but it was not necessary.

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? Spanish 3 at SCU
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? Speak with your host family and the locals as much as possible!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The Environment/ Location
  • The Other Students
  • The Courses/Topics
* What could be improved?
  • Internet access was rare - but that's okay!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I would miss it once I left.

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.