Great opportunity for field work and research Past Review
By A student (Muhlenberg College) - abroad from 09/01/2019 to 12/13/2019 with
SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation
I have so much experience that I feel comfortable pursuing a career in biological research. Learning in the field, being exposed to different field methodologies, carrying out an independent project, and gaining lots of experience with scientific writing fulfilled much of that. Secondary learning in language and culture was also available.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very rigorous for a study abroad program, but this provided a lot more experience for future career paths. The language component and exposure to research pushes students but offers a lot of reward. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It is clear that this is a well established program and all administration knows what they are doing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * 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? |
The staff of SIT was incredibly helpful at taking possible health issues seriously and assisting students right away to address problems. |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The research experience and time in the field was invaluable. The sheer amount of learning was a lot, sometimes making for overwhelming points in the semester, but leading to a rewarding experience. I would not have had opportunities to this degree in many other programs. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Each week I was not required to spend any money on food or expenses. Taxis, Uber, personal food, and cell plans were all very cheap and my only regular expenses |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Saldo packages (usually free whatsapp, fb messenger, calls to 5 numbers, and 3GB of data for $10) will mean you can easily get a cellphone plan for that will last a month, for only the 10 dollar fee. |
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 |
Most class time (in the classroom and field) was conducted in spanish. Students also gave some presentations and did some writing in spanish. Other presenations or assignments students were given the option of either language. Students were also encouraged to talk to each other in spanish, but this only occured some of the time. Homestays required spanish as most families could not speak any english. |
| 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 Conversation and Composition 1 |
| 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? | Reviewing beforehand will create an easier transition, but you will improve no matter what from amount of time using the language. |
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? | I feel confident in continuing biological research. |
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. |
