Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Bittersweet January 30, 2023

By (Environmental Studies and Hispanic Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/05/2022 to 12/03/2022 with

IES Abroad: Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment - GAIAS

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Study abroad is always worthwhile. I gained focus and perspective on my likes, dislikes, and have more confidence in my options for careers in the future.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IES was wonderful, but the USFQ international program was lacking a lot.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved being able to challenge myself and learn more about field research.

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)

If you want to do extra activities such as diving the cost adds up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your host families, and get 5$ lunch deals in Galapagos.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 111 (high)
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? Take time to talk with your host family. Talk to other students in spanish. Make friends with USFQ students.

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

  • 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?
  • My Galapagos Host Family
  • My classes
  • Being in Ecuador (the culture)
* What could be improved?
  • Communication from international USFQ program about expectations.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To expand and meet more people that are not on my program.

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.