Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventurous, wet, and nature filled Past Review

By (Ecology, Evolution Biology, Berea College) - abroad from 05/31/2019 to 06/22/2019 with

KIIS: Ecuador - Experience Ecuador, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I love to travel, especially out of the country. The experience was definitely worth it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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?

* Safety:

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

This program pushed me to become more open and take charge of my education.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20-$30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Only buy what you would truly want and spend less on food so you can buy other expenses.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 sites
  • Field work/classes
  • The animals
* What could be improved?
  • More scheduled/programmed interactions with the Ecuadorians
  • More time at certain sites
  • More planned sites to visit
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To have a sturdy rainjacket and learn how to swim.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Tropical Biodiversity and Conservasion
Course Department: Biology
Instructor: Stephanie Synder
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course made me challenge how society view animals and the different policies we have in place to protect them. We were given exams in the beginning and the end, and also homework was to be turned in.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Herpetology
Course Department: Biology
Instructor: Malcolm Frisibee
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was challenging but was very fun to take. The field classes were very helpful and seeing what was discussed in class was worthwhile.
Credit Transfer Issues: No