The craziest and best experience of my life that I will never forget! Past Review
By Quinn B (Geology, Western Washington University) - abroad from 09/07/2012 to 11/27/2012 with
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): Fall Semester in the Amazon
I learned more about myself then I have ever known. I learned how to work well with others and great leadership skills for both small and large groups. I learned outdoor skills, environmental studies, biology, ecology, and more!
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, this experience has changed my life. It was physically and mentally challenging throughout the course, and I have learned skills that will be used for the rest of my life in both the front country environment and the back country. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I'm not sure how to rate this one because we camped outdoors for 80 days. I enjoyed falling asleep in a hammock or tent to the sound of toads, frogs, millions of bugs, and monkeys though! |
* Food: |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There is a week long cultural section where I stayed with a family that didn't speak any English. I learned so much by playing with the kids and eating meals with the family. My favorite part of the course for sure. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I mean, I'm in the Amazon, so everything there is trying to consume me. The instructors did a good job at reminding everyone to try and stay clean. |
* Safety: |
|
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
N/A because it's included in the tuition which ran about $15,000 USD. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | N/A because it's included in the tuition |
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? | Beginner |
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? | 4 years of spanish in high school |
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? | Learn ahead of time! Plenty of sites online can help out for free. I used a CD which helped me learn fast. byki.com or mangolanguages.com |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That it would be totally worth it and there should be no hesitation in applying if you love the outdoors, nature, and learning! |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |