Have fun learning about Ecuador's ecosystems in the field and beyond. Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/30/2014 to 12/13/2014 with
SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had very little fieldwork experience before my program, and knew the minimal amount of ecology for my program. After the program, I was by no means an expert, but definitely knew a lot more than when I began the program.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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
|
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? | approximately $40-50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Always make sure you have some money hidden for special occasions, you do not want to miss out on an opportunity to do something because you do not have the funds for it. Also, if you have to take out a loan, do it. When else would you get an opportunity to do something like study abroad? |
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 |
|
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None, I am a Native Spanish Speaker. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Listen to music in that language and talk to lots of people. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | What to pack, I severely overpacked and took things I did not need. By the end of the program, I ended up donating almost and entire carry-on bag's worth of clothes and stuff. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
Featured Program Providers
