Spectacular beyond belief Past Review
By Brad O (Environmental Studies., Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/26/2012 to 12/08/2012 with
SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation
Definitely worthwhile. I learned that nothing is in your control when you're in a different country, and once you accept that, it's not too difficult to go with the flow. Also, it was very rewarding learning about the various ecosystems of Ecuador with Spanish and Environmental focuses.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned a significant amount, especially in terms of Spanish |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Faculty Drama.... |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a wonderful host family! The best! I would definitely recommend them for future students. |
| * Food: |
Delicious authentic food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt pretty immersed, but there seemed to be a dearth of free time so I didn't fully integrate myself with local people |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt pretty safe, but I definitely saw many fights in the streets at night and heard some rape stories. I suggest a taser for safety, which I have given to my sister who will be attending the same program this spring |
| 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) |
So cheap there, it was awesome! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat meals with the host family. If imbibing alcohol, find a bar that sells the big Pilsner bottles for cheap |
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 |
Thoroughly encouraged to speak in spanish, which definitely improved my confidence and knowledge of the language |
| 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? | SPAN0325 |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to sound stupid. Everyone makes mistakes and that will be the only way to improve. It's like a game, the better people you interact with, the better you will become |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | The drama that resulted with the faculty members. |
