An authentic, experiential learning opportunity in a beautiful country Past Review
By A student (Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions., Ithaca College) - abroad from 07/21/2012 to 08/04/2012 with
Ithaca College: Ecuador - Faculty-Led Summer Program - Healthcare & Culture
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Even though I went to educate others about how to assemble adaptive equipment out of local resources for individuals with disabilities, it was I that felt I was the one learning the most from the locals and the culture. Absolutely worthwhile. If the trip wasn't as expensive, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
A great, hands-on, experience where experiential learning was key. Fully submersed within culture. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $250-$300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Prior to studying abroad, research into that country's currency system. Get a general feel for how much meals cost. If you have this idea, it helps you plan how much money to bring for food (also, bring extra $$ for water), and then allows you to leave room to budget for souvenirs. |
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 |
No one we met in Ecuador spoke English, so when there wasn't a translator available we had to rely on our Spanish. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | College 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? | Review the language, learn basic communication skills, & carry around a dictionary! |
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? | That where we were in Ecuador wasn't as much of a third-world country as I had anticipated. |
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