Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning the land and cultures of Ecuador June 16, 2022

By (Biology, Berea College) - abroad from 05/25/2022 to 06/15/2022 with

KIIS: Ecuador - Experience Ecuador, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it was extremely worthwhile. I learned a lot about my own likes and dislikes. I also learned about people's values and how to live outside of my comfort zone for an extended period of time.

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? No

I wasn't prepared for the level and amount of hiking we would do and the students that went with me were hard to get along with.

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? $50

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? 102
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Learning about Biomes
  • Going to the Charles Darwin Station
  • Visiting the Galapagos
* What could be improved?
  • Make students aware of hiking
  • Increase positive group dynamics
  • Less driving
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much hiking we would be doing.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!