Best program ever!!!! Past Review
By Ellie Mendelson (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/04/2019 to 05/04/2019 with
IES Abroad: Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment - GAIAS
A new perspective and a lot to think about. It was the most worthwhile experience I have ever had. I loved it so much!
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. |
The classes themselves were not difficult compared to my home university science classes, but the field trips and exposure to scientific field work was absolutely amazing and an experience that no class at a general university in the US could teach you. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration for IES was great. You will have support both from the GAIAS staff and the IES staff, which allows you to have a wide range of help if you needed it. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living with my host family. They were so kind and loving. Living with a host family definitely made my abroad experience better and more meaningful/enriched. I learned many things from my host family about San Cristóbal and Ecuador that I would have never learned if not for living with them! |
| * Food: |
It is an island, and most of the food is imported from mainland, so depending on the day of the week there are more vegetables available - this required a bit of flexibility. My host mom was great at cooking vegetarian food so I didn't have a problem. I would recommend being explicit about what you eat on the forms beforehand and communicate with your host family to come up with a situation that is good for you! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very comfortable with my host family and they invited me to family events and shared the culture with me. There isn't a true "Galapagos culture" because people come from different backgrounds. In terms of getting to know the locals, I found it difficult to get to know them, seeing as many of them were more interested in things other than platonic friendships. However, I didn't see this as an absolute barrier, but it did limit the options of friends to make! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had any health issues but the hospital is free which is great! |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Galapagos. Quito was a little bit less safe but if you are careful and keep your belongings close to you, you'll be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $30-40 a week on food and $300 on trips during spring break |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get the $4 almuerzos!!! |
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 |
You should practice!! Speak to your host family!! |
| 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? | High school spanish and a placement test in college |
| 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 to your host family and listen to podcasts/movies. |
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? | Don't bring that much stuff to wear in Quito. The packing list is too much |
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. |
