An incredible semester Past Review
By Katie Harvey (University of Rochester) - abroad from 01/08/2016 to 05/08/2016 with
IES Abroad: Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment - GAIAS
See previous question. Yes, of course.
Review Photos
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. |
Really interesting courses, but not very academically demanding |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Pretty good - lots of resources available. I wish information (about trips, etc.) was given out more than just 24 hours before the event, though, and also that we didn't have so many orientations at the beginning of the program - it was a little bit overkill! But better too much than too little :) |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really, truly loved my host family in the Galapagos |
| * Food: |
Please, more veggies!!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As GAIAS students, we were definitely in a bubble. I really enjoyed volunteering, soccer, capture the flag, and other activities that helped us engage with the local people more - I wish more of that happened! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Daniela, the on-site IES person, was awesome about getting me to the hospital, and the hospital itself was very clean and efficient and excellent. |
| * Safety: |
I felt pretty safe, but all students should be on their guard for petty theft, and women (unfortunately) need to be aware that Ecuadorean men will catcall them/not take no as an answer right away. It was jarring at first. Be prepared to ignore men and before going out to a party/bar/etc., decide what your limits are and stay with a group. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I gained so much out of this program. In terms of academics, I learned about environmental biology, ecology, policy, and more. Outside of academics, I gained working Spanish language skills, built my confidence, and made so many new friends. I don't think many other programs immerse the students in the culture the way we were immersed in the Islands. |
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) |
Food was cheap, which was great. Clothes and other imported items are expensive though! Always try and bargain things down :) |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy food (read: vegetables, I definitely did not eat enough of those) and cook at home or at a friend's house! |
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 |
I wish I had used it more |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish in 10th grade |
| 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? | Force yourself to practice! Talk to your host family! Use duolingo! Pick a day or two per week where you attempt to only speak in the foreign language with your friends! You won't get better unless you really make an effort (and try to not be afraid of screwing up). |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | It's a good idea to brush up on your language skills ahead of time! And skype your friends and family....it's good to keep in touch. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
