Immersive Semester Abroad in Ecuador Past Review
By Nicole C. (University of Denver) - abroad from 09/03/2017 to 12/16/2017 with
SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation
I had never traveled abroad before this experience. First, I learned a lot Spanish and increased my confidence in speaking. I also learned a lot about different perspectives in regards to culture, ecology, and conservation issues. One thing this program stresses is our responsibility as students and guests in another country. It was extremely worthwhile!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was a strong focus on academics. The workload is high but rewarding. The professors are extremely devoted to the program and very knowledgeable. Academic excursions can be intense and learning is the priority but they are also lots of fun! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All the on-site staff are very supportive and helpful with everything from academics to cultural and health questions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a host family was great! All the families are chosen within close proximity to the school and are really excited about having exchange students. If there are any issues or concerns the program is really good about moving students quickly. You will be in a total of 2-3 homestays depending on where you conduct your independent research project. |
| * Food: |
As a vegetarian I had no problems maintaining my diet with my host families and on excursions. Food can be cheap but you have to be careful that it is well prepared. The fresh juices and bread stores were my favorite parts! Stomach problems are very common but a dose of parasite medicine at the end of the semester will wipe out anything you may have picked up. You should not drink tap water and the host families and programs will always make sure you have filtered water available for drinking and brushing teeth. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with a host family helps integrate into the culture. However, this is a structured and intensive program so you spend a lot of time with the class group. There is little to no interaction with local students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Health issues are addressed very well. The staff are very knowledgeable and know tips and tricks to dealing with the inevitable stomach illnesses and parasites. Malaria medication and yellow fever vaccine were absolutely required for this program. |
| * Safety: |
There is a high level of theft in the city of Quito. As with any city you have to be aware of other people and not advertise your cell phone or wallet. There is a very low level of violent crime so the city felt very safe in this regard. Taxis are a generally safe and reliable method of transportation after dark. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This was an amazing program. As with any program there were little hiccups along the way, but overall I felt so lucky to have this experience. The classes are engaging and the majority of your learning is done in the field. The group is close-knit and very supportive. The staff are great as are the guides and people you meet on excursions. The independent study project is something that makes this program so unique. This experience is so special because it can be used to immerse more in the local culture, further research experience, study a topic of interest, work towards a senior thesis, etc. |
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) |
The program provides stipends for travelling to and from meet-up locations and stipends for the research period that were adequate for most students. Every meal was provided by a host family or by the program so expenses can be very low if you try. There is not a lot of time for extra travel on the program, so expect little expenses to go towards travel. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat meals with your host family as much as possible, but also try the local restaurants. There are many places where you can get a good lunch for $3. |
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 |
Ecology classes were split about 50/50 between English and Spanish. Guides on excursions spoke only in Spanish. Spanish classes are small and focused and really help encourage and build language skills. Host families only speak Spanish, as do the majority of Ecuadorians you will encounter around the city and in the field. Most assignments were optional English/Spanish. |
| 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? | Spanish Minor |
| 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? | Music, Spanish television programs, and language programs like Rosetta Stone or Mango Languages (provided by the program) help with vocabulary. Confidence is a big part of learning to speak! |
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? | 0 |
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? | You are a foreigner in another country and will be treated as such. This can be frustrating but also what makes this experience so rewarding. Bring an open mind and curiosity and you will get so much out of this program personally and academically! |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
