An educational adventure where I learned to love insects and cold showers Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course work was definitely manageable and was never busywork, but there were times where multiple major assignments would be due; however the teachers were very understanding and would give extensions when necessary. There was a balance between outdoor learning exercises and indoor lectures. The two biology and one environmental science class would build on one another and fit well together so it did not feel like three separate classes.The courses helped prepare me for work in future classes and research opportunities. The small class size was also great so everyone had opportunities to ask questions and lectures would feel more like discussions. Overall the courses and living at the field stations were wonderful. The spanish course is brief and varies depending on what level you are in.

On-site administration of your program

I had little interaction with the program administration but when I did they were helpful.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements varied for each site visited, some did not have hot water for example, but were always comfortable considering we were in the forest.

Some of the sites did not have great vegetarian options and did not have a lot of variety (consisting mostly of rice, beans, and fruit), but overall the food was great.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During my homestay I was able to talk with my host family and interact with locals around the city, but while we were at the research stations there was not a lot of interaction with the local culture. We did have some field trips to visit local farmers or schools but I think the program could benefit from more local and cultural interactions.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Overall I always felt safe and was given proper safety warnings for both the research stations and in the city.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

You only need to spend money during spring break for housing and food, other than that the only thing to spend money on is snacks and souvenirs.

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

While the main courses were taught in English our professors encouraged us to practice our Spanish with them and when we went on field trips to farms, the farmers would not speak English so we would practice then too.

Select all that apply

• Other
• Host Family
• Hostel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Having class outdoors
• Living in the research stations
• Conducting independent projects

• More free time
• More local interaction
• More supplies for the independent projects

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