Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Quito: Living in an Andean World Past Review

By (Grinnell College) - abroad from 01/04/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself personally and about South America. I met amazing people that I still keep in contact with today. I also learned Spanish idioms and about different lifestyles.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Coming from Grinnell College, which is super rigorous, I wouldn't say that this program is academically challenging. I think it forces you to conduct academic work in Spanish, which for some people may be dificult if they haven't had that experience prior to coming to Quito. I tink you will elarn a lot about the country itself ecologically, anthropologically, and linguistically, but I wouldn't' say the wok is overpowering. The professors are all great and approachable! I think the best part is that you have ample opportunities to apply what you learn in the classroom. For example, you learn about the different ecosystems in Ecuador and then you ave the chance to go to the Amazon, explore the Galapagos, and different parts of the city to really understand that.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the staff are super friendly, helpful, and patient. They understand the challenges of coming to another country and really ease you into that transition.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was incredibly warm, welcoming, and engaging. I learned a lot more about Ecuador than I probably would have just by living with a host family.

* Food:

The food can be repetitive, but there are a lot of great specialty dishes that are intriguing. Also, learning to eat your biggest meal of the day at lunch and eating something small at dinner was pretty cool too. I felt healthier after leaving Quito.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Ecuadorians are super sweet generally. I think they really take an interest in your being here and teaching you about their way of life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I fell ill once and Gladys, one of the program staff really took care of me by taking me to the hospital and staying with me to take care of all the technical and billing stuff. Amazing!

* Safety:

Honestly, Quito has a lot of petty theft, but if you're smart about the way you present youself you'll be fine. Pay attention to taxis, keep your money hidden, and don't mkae yourself stand out (like speaking in English all the time). Some people in my program were robbed, but I don't think it tainted their experiences at all.

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)

It's pretty affordable. I would suggest saving up beforehand or applying for scholarships that IES provides.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20 maybe, not a lot because you eat at home most of the time.

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

You use it all the time.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I have been studying Spanish for 6.5 years. I had taken Spanish Lit courses prior to departure.
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? Talk to your host parents, make local friends.

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

  • 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?
  • The people
  • The abundance of things to do
  • Practicing Spanish
* What could be improved?
  • More emphasis on safety precautions in the begining
  • Encouragement to take local classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would've known about the scholarships that IES provides.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.