So Ecua Past Review
By A student (English, Spanish, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/12/2014 to 05/25/2014 with
IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Everything. Independence, language skills, friends, maturity, initiative. It was worthwhile, but if I could do it again I'd choose a program that encourages and allows for even more independence - maybe a direct enrollment program. But that's a reflection of my own desires, not a fault of the program. It does what it does well.
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. |
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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: |
Just be smart! I never had any problems with crime, but I took a lot of precautions. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Food and transportation were VERY affordable |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When you travel, buy fruit/bread from markets and bakeries and save on restaurants. |
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 |
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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? | Beyond 3rd year level (literature classes) |
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? | DON'T LET YOURSELF SPEAK ENGLISH |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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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? | I can be independent. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
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