Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Reef Check: Dominican Republic coral reef monitoring program Past Review

By (Marine Sciences, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 05/14/2017 to 05/28/2017 with

Reef Check: Worldwide - Ocean Education Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The trip was worthwhile. I learned how to communicate with others better, despite the language barrier. I also learned more about science diving and coral monitoring.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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

I learned a lot from Dominican students, and I had a good time.

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? I did not spend any money on this trip, it was all financed by Reef Check.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/A

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Diving
  • learning about the culture
  • mofongo
* What could be improved?
  • communication
  • travel logistics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? the Spanish language

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.