Study Abroad as a form of Homecoming December 29, 2022
By Daphne B (Latin American Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/14/2022 to 12/23/2022 with
IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito
As someone who identifies as Ecuadorian, this experience taught me more about my culture and gave me the opportunity to live in it. I also gained research experience through one of my classes and got to strengthen my spanish.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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? |
I unfortunately had been placed with a host family that was not a good match, but IES was quick to move me the minute I expressed a concern! Got moved to a wonderful family that made me feel at home. |
| * Food: |
As someone who is used to Latinx cuisine there was no shift, however I have been told by friends that it is harder for students with dietary restrictions and identify as vegetarian/vegan |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were some adjustments I had to make coming from an American standpoint, however I identify as Latinx so a lot of cultural practices were not new to me. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got covid during my time abroad, but IES was quick to make sure I was being taken care of, sending a medic to the house I was staying at, and doing daily check-ins. |
| * Safety: |
Like any major unknown city, you're going to run into some safety concerns when you first arrive but as long as you don't flash valuables, speak English out loud, and avoid traveling alone at night you will be fine |
| 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) |
Cost of living is very low in Ecuador compared to major US cities especially in local restaurants and businesses and Uber expenses |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to not get overwhelmed by the cheaper prices and overspend because it is cheaper than the US |
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? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | AP Spanish/I am a heritage speaker |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Wish I had more info about Quito program as pre-departure orientation sessions offer more information on Galapagos program |
