Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My second home in Ecuador Past Review

By (University of Redlands) - abroad from 01/08/2018 to 05/18/2018 with

IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only was able to improve upon my Spanish and gain invaluable skills for my future but I had some of the most incredible travel experiences that I will never forget. It was beyond worthwhile and it's all I can talk about

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito Photo IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito Photo 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? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed the challenge of all my classes being in Spanish while also having a Spanish grammar class

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were always willing to help and were super friendly. The program was going through some changes so it wasn't always easy to figure out some of the logistics like class registration but they were very transparent about it and I knew I could always talk to them if I needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the perfect host family and I was felt comfortable and welcome in the home and like a part of the family.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is a personal choice, you have the opportunity at your finger tips and it's yours to take if that is the experience you want.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any experience with needing the health care while I was there so I cannot speak to this personally but I know some of my friends needed it and received the health care that they needed

* Safety:

There are definite precautions that need to be taken, mostly with theft, but there was never a point in time where I felt physically unsafe (even after having my phone taken from my pocket. As long as your smart about it, everything is fine

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

I would still pick this program because it allowed me to take classes with other people in my program at the study abroad center while also meeting locals and other international students at the University.

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)

The great thing about Ecuador is that they use the US dollar and for the most part everything is very cheap. Travel (buses, hostels, tours) were all very economical which took out the burden of wanting to travel all the time. Food is inexpensive but you will find yourself wanting to go out and try all the local places even though you have free meals at your homestay. You will definitely spend money but luckily because it's significantly cheaper than the US you'll save

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ask your host family to pack your lunches to bring to school so you're not buying lunch every day

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

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?
  • The opportunity to take classes at the center and University
  • The freedom to travel on my own and with the group
  • The small group size and feel was much more personal
* What could be improved?
  • Better class registration process
  • More class variety at the center
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would've known that I was not going to want to leave on the end date of the program. I had already purchased my return ticket but I wasn't ready to leave directly after finishing finals. I was actually able to extend my say through the weekend which I preferred but I would have like to stay even later

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 Linguist
You 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!