The most AMAZING experience of my life May 07, 2025
By A student (Biological Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/10/2025 to 05/10/2025 with
IES Abroad: Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment - GAIAS
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Self-awareness, independence, clarity about career, ecological knowledge, fieldwork skills, practice with ArcGIS, and the most amazing group of people that I have ever met.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program allowed me to explore the huge biodiversity of Ecuador (Amazon, Paramo, Galapagos) and learn all about the ecology of the country. It also allowed me to practice Spanish with my host families. |
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? | 100 |
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 |
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| 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? | Intermediate Spanish 1 and 2 |
| 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 Spanish with your friends. |
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? | 0 |
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? | You will spend more money than you think! You will meet the most amazing, smart, like-minded people and make some beautiful friendships. |
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