Learning about Myself and the Environment in Ecuador. Past Review
By A student (Environmental Studies., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/29/2012 to 05/12/2012 with
SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned so much about who I am and realized I can do anything now! I also learned a lot of local Spanish.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved my host family in Quito. They were incredible. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Having the home stays really helped me to integrate into the culture and learn about it. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There was Malaria and Dengue Fever prevalent. There was a list of vaccines I needed before I left the U.S. in order to participate in the program. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe with my host family and on trips with the advisors. Quito can be dangerous if you are not careful though. |
| 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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Barely any. I would spend it on snacks or other things if I wanted them. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Intermediate Spanish |
| 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? | Just try to use the language as much as possible. Talk with natives. |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | What I would actually need to bring with me. I think I overpacked. I guess that is better than under-packing. |
