A Life Changing Experience in Quito, Ecuador! Past Review
By Jessie T (International Economics, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/02/2014 to 12/14/2014 with
IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito
Studying abroad in Ecuador was the best decision I ever made. I not only improved my Spanish skills, but I also learned a lot about both the Ecuadorian culture and my American culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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? |
Living with a host family was difficult at times, but also extremely rewarding. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Taking classes at the local university made it easier to make friends with Ecuadorians and get involved in local activities. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health issues that needed medical attention, but the IES staff helped other students access healthcare. |
| * Safety: |
Like any big city, Quito has its areas that are less safe than others. The main safety concern is petty theft on public transportation. If you keep you bags close and in front of you, there shouldn't be any incidents. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
The cost of food and transportation is very low, and 3 meals a day are provided with by your host family, so the cost of living is very cheap. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40, more if I traveled during the weekend. |
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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Use the language all the time. Speaking only in Spanish is the best way to learn it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? |
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 wish I knew that the first couple of weeks of transition would be difficult, but once I got through them this past semester was the best one of my college career. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
