Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This was the experience of a lifetime! Definitely choose this program!! Past Review

By (Environmental Science, Spanish, University of Virginia) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I realized how interested I was in ecology and actual research. This program only served to increase my passion for environmental science and protecting nature. Even though I've been sick for a while after returning, I would do it all over again without hesitation. The only thing I was upset about was having to leave!!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had a fantastic educational experience! The greatest thing about this program's academics was getting to learn about everything in the field. I also was able to form great relationships with my professors and talk to them about anything. The material wasn't that intense, but we definitely kept busy between our excursions, assignments, and trying to explore Quito. Some background in ecology is a good idea, but you don't have to be an expert going in to do well, you just might have to work a little harder.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

I almost never had to pay for anything essential during the program--for most extra meals or costs, I was given money by SIT or it was directly paid for by SIT. I did end up spending quite a bit of money on souveneirs, but of course that was my own choice. I also purchased the recommended field guides before the trip, and I didn't realize that they would not be necessary at all.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't by the field guides unless you're particularly passionate about a topic. When you go to the market, make sure you haggle the prices, don't just take the price they give you. Try going with your host family and speaking Spanish when you're there.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

I definitely used my Spanish in class, in my homestay, and on the excursions. Amongst the students, we spoke an awful lot of English, and I tried not to do that but it just didn't work. The program definitely encouraged my use of Spanish, though.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? 3000-level
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? Make sure you speak Spanish with your host family--they will appreciate it. Talk to the program staff outside of class, as well as the staff at the various places you visit. Participate in class and really do everything you can to speak!!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Excursions
  • Field-based learning
  • Homestay
* What could be improved?
  • Avoid Stereotyping Americans
  • Having a one-on-one meeting somewhere in the middle of the semester (like October) to discuss any non-academic issues
  • A follow up a few weeks after the semester ends, just to check in
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wouldn't have purchased the field guides for the program, because they were heavy and expensive. I would have packed lighter--no one really cares how you dress. I wish I had known how difficult it would be to come back to school the semester after being abroad.