Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying in Quito was a amazing. I learned so much and had such a great time. Past Review

By (International Studies and Spanish, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/10/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to depend on myself more, I learned about the ecuadorian culture, and greatly improved my Spanish.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought the classes as USFQ were challenging but not overly difficult.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the administration was very kind, helpful, and very supportive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My home-stay family was a great family, they were very inviting and made my experience very enjoyable.

* Food:

I had more than enough food and it was great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt that it was hard to make local friends because everyone already had their own groups and some were reluctant to make friends with new people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health issues were addressed quickly and thoroughly.

* Safety:

I always felt safe in my home city, I had no bad experiences although I did here that some of the students at my school were robbed at knife point.

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)

on average I spent $200 a month. Under that, I had trouble making money last the whole month.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your host family as much as possible.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Spanish
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? Make sure you use spanish even when you are around other people who speak english.

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

  • Local 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?
  • Traveling to different places
  • Friends I made
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • interaction between locals and study abroad students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Places near Quito that you could travel to on the weekends.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!