Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ecuador-Ama la vida!! Past Review

By (Geology, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/02/2017 to 05/17/2017 with

IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Spanish skills, adopted a new culture, experience traveling, being independent and learning how to work things out.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito Photo IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses are extensive and rigorous. Professors were available, competent, friendly and engaging. I improved my Spanish skills tremendously.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program ran very smoothly. I have no complaints regarding to the on-site administration. Very good job

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Homestay family. Everything I expected and more. I could not be more satisfied.

* Food:

Homestay cooking. Will vary depending on who you stay with. Satisfied with my parents' cooking.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel Ecuadorian. I was able to connect with Ecuadorian students and make new friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yellow Fever Vaccine for the Amazon trip. I cannot really comment on the country's health care because I never got sick during the trip or had gone to the doctors.

* Safety:

Safe but be cautious as always. You are spending time in a foreign country. Taxis at night. Never walk back home along at night. Otherwise, I felt safe the whole time. Never in danger.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

One of the best college semesters I have ever had. I fully integrated myself in Ecuadorian culture-connected with my host family, made local friends, traveled as often as I could while studying in Spanish. Quito is such a fun city, with so many things to do. The locals are friendly.

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)

Ecuador is on the cheaper side. But expect to spend 400-500 dollars per month on varying expenses-Travels, Food, souvenirs etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your homestay family as often as you can.

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

With your homestay family, at the IES abroad center and with friends and strangers. Encouraged to practice as often as you could.

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? Spanish Advanced Grammar
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? Take classes before studying abroad.

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
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Host family
  • Local friends
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Classes offered are limited (no science classes)
  • Classes offered prior to coming were narrowed down to just a few
  • Orientation is too long
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not bring too many clothes on this trip. 2 pairs of jeans, 6-7 shirts, 1 pair of shorts, swimsuits... etc.

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 Adventurer
The 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.