Ecuador Past Review
By A student (Wofford College) - abroad from 08/12/2016 to 12/22/2016 with
IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito
I gained many friends and I learned a lot more Spanish which was my main goal
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really enjoyed the classes I took with this program. Through this program I was able to do psychological research with a professor which was a really great experience and I learned a lot. The classes were also all in Spanish and helped me improve the language |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was great. They were super caring and helpful. |
* Food: |
I was a bit worried about the food before I got there because I am super picky. The food ended up being pretty bland which was good for me. They eat chicken and potatos a lot. the fruit is great here as well. instead of dinner being their main meal it is lunch. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The classes I took helped me get integrated a little more in the culture by taking me to museums and different places in Ecuador. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
I never felt in danger while in Ecuador and never had anything stolen. I do however have many friends that were pick pocketed. You just have to be careful like in any big city. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I thoroughly enjoyed my time abroad in Ecuador. |
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) |
I think this is just me because I tend to spend more than I should |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150-200 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The host families are required to provide three meals a day for you so there is really no need to spend money on that. It really comes down to money you spend on souvenirs, traveling, and clothes. |
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 |
IES requires that you only speak in spanish |
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? | Spanish 300 level |
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? | really use this as an opportunity to practice Spanish and you will improve so much |
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? | 10+ |
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? | That clothes, toiletries and anything imported is a lot more expensive in Ecuador. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |