Once in a lifetime experiences Past Review
By Sarah Tobey (Colby College) - abroad from 09/02/2018 to 12/14/2018 with
SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation
I gained confidence in myself, as well as an appreciation for familial bonds and a different perception of life and family structure. I learned about important environmental issues while visiting some of the most beautiful and biodiverse places in the world. I also made amazing friends who share my passions and values, both from Ecuador and the US.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Our two main professors emphasized early on that this program is not a "vacation." The semester went by very quickly, so we quickly dove into our studies. The experiential learning style that is characteristic of a field program like this allowed us to learn any time of the day and in any setting. There were many guest lectures by experts that enriched the overall experience. The courses are pre-selected and everyone in the program participates together. |
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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? |
The homestay was one of my favorite parts of the program. I made a connection with a family who showed me how they live and made sure I was comfortable and happy in Quito. There were two other host family opportunities as well, for shorter time periods. I ate well and learned a lot from my hosts! |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There were a couple of required vaccines for the program, including Typhoid and Yellow Fever. This was mostly due to the visit to the Amazon, but since the majority of our time was spent in the mountains, the most common health issues were related to food. However, the amazing people who run the program were always on hand and ready to help students whenever they had issues. My host family was also very attentive and caring. |
| * Safety: |
A couple of students were robbed during the program, but both admit that they could have been more attentive and might have avoided the incidents. The public transportation feels safe, as long as you are aware of how you're presenting yourself and you avoid it at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program included everything I wanted for my abroad experience, including the opportunity to travel, the homestay experience, Spanish immersion, an intense research experience, and learning with other students who share my values and passions. As an environmental science student, I learned so much about conservation issues, ecological principles, and the research process. |
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) |
I brought $400 in cash to Ecuador and had leftover when the program ended. Most of this was spent on going out to eat with friends or buying souvenirs, because everything else is included. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Public transportation is cheap! And sharing a cab also helps, although this also costs much less than the US. |
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 |
When the students were together in a classroom setting or out on an excursion, we communicated in English. The homestay provided the most opportunities to practice 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? | 131 - Spanish Conversation and Composition |
| 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? | Speak with your homestay family and to people in the class building. Also ordering food and engaging with people in the community. |
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? | The professors care about your safety so some of their conversations will stress you out, but understand that everything works out. Flexibility is key. Also, it is good to dress conservatively to not draw too much attention, but the culture in Quito is not as modest as I expected. Girls, you can bring a bikini if you want. |
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. |
