Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Adventure of a Life Time! Past Review

By (Geography and Cartography., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/22/2012 to 07/11/2012 with

IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Of course it was worthwhile! I did more in these 6 weeks than I have in my entire life it seems like. I got to see amazing nature and animals that most people will never see in their life. I was lucky enough to travel around and experience multiple destinations, from the metropolis of Quito, to the Amazon Rainforest, to the Galapagos Islands all in 6 weeks!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of San Francisco - USFQ
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

* 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

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)

* 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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food is very cheap in Ecuador, however, clothes are not! Don't waste money shopping in Quito, save your money for hand-made items in the artisan markets in Otavalo!

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

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? None
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? Listen to music and watch tv shows/movies in that language! Get accustomed to hearing it so that it sounds familiar when you get over there.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Our class consisted of multiple outdoor field trips!
  • Chance to travel from Quito to other cities and the Galapagos Islands!
* What could be improved?
  • Language placement tests.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Sickness WILL occur due to new foods and routines! Bring necessary precautionary medicine so that you don't have to pay for prescriptions over there. I wish I knew we were going to be doing 6 hour hikes at high altitudes...this program should include a note about being physically fit!