Past Review
By Katelin S (Math, Wellesley College) for
Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): San Jose - Tropical Biology on a Changing Planet
My study abroad experience was wonderful. I learned things that I could not have learned at my college. The program made me realize my desire to pursue a future in medicine and global health, and gave me an entirely new perspective from which to view my country and the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were challenging and I learned about topics that I would not have been able to study in my own university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff of the Organization for Tropical Studies were very helpful to the students and willing to accommodate any of our needs. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We traveled between different biological stations, hotels, and homestays. <br /><br /> We spent most of the semester at OTS biological stations which were very comfortable and provided great food. We also spent a few weeks at a homestay where we took intensive spanish courses. Both the homestay assignments and the stations were wonderful places to stay. |
| * Food: |
The food is fantastics! All meals are provided by the program. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program is very academically intense so there is not very much free time for social events. |
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | less than $40. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The only things you will have to pay for are Spring break, side trips, and souveniers. Estimate spending no more than $600-800 all semeste. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared to work hard and have an incredibly unique and rewarding experience. |
