Such a great program for personal growth! Past Review

By (International Business, Tennessee Technological University) - abroad from 08/15/2014 to 12/14/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Santiago, Dominican Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can get around a country using basic Spanish skills as long as you are willing to try your best to communicate!

Review Photos

ISA Study Abroad in Santiago, Dominican Republic Photo ISA Study Abroad in Santiago, Dominican Republic Photo ISA Study Abroad in Santiago, Dominican Republic Photo

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.

Awesome Program

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Hard to get support from the School, and the ISA advisor wasn't the best at answering questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had an emergency and got the appropriate care in the same day!

* Safety:

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

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 spent a lot of money on traveling!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 4,000

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? 2020 Intermediate spanish 2
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? Talk to the locals as much as possible. Most people didn't know any english which forced you to use your skills

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?
  • Getting to know the Locals
  • How easy it is to travel on bus
  • Making new friends that love to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Host family should be interviewed more
  • The advisor at the school wasn't helpful
  • The school didn't give an appropriate orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? So many things, but mostly what to pack. I under packed and underestimated how many clothes you wear during the semester. BRING BUG SPRAY!!!