KIIS Ecuador Past Review

By (Pre-LAw, Murray State University) for

KIIS: Ecuador - Experience Ecuador, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much from this program. I learned that a lot about the courses I studied, a lot about the culture, and a lot about myself.

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.

The grading system and teaching methods were not that much different than what I have experienced in the U.S.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was really eye opening. I now have new respect for other cultures, and other people. The program weaknesses is that the course load was a little extreme, but I believe that was because of the teachers difficulty.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I felt like some meals made me sick, but besides that I learned to love Ecuadorian food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The long weekend at the coast was my favorite part of the trip.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Quito is safe, as long as you're smart. Don't going wandering off by yourself, and stay with a group. But as long as you follow that golden rule you will be fine.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You can get by on very little money in Ecuador. But if you want to do some shopping, and bring things back then you should plan for more. Also remember to barter while in Ecuador.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPA 102
Language acquisition improvement?

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The adventure
  • The scenary
  • The people I met
* What could be improved?
  • The classes