A super positive experience in Ecuador! Past Review
By Claire R (Sociology, Whitman College) - abroad from 01/25/2015 to 05/09/2015 with
SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Development, Politics and Languages
I gained so many great friendships and relationships with various people in my experience abroad that I hope to maintain for the rest of my life. I also feel like I learned a ton and as though I gained new perspectives on various social issues as well as a greater awareness of others and of myself. The experience was certainly more than worthwhile!
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was definitely challenged to think critically and deeply about many issues, and I always felt like I was learning and stretching my mind; however, the academics certainly felt more relaxed in regards to the amount of homework we had. I think this was necessary, though, it allowed time for engaging with host families and doing new things, which also was a key part of the program for me. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration of my program was incredible. They organized and directed the program to run very smoothly for everyone, and they made it very enjoyable as well. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living with various host families. It was neat to connect and make meaningful relationships with people from the area. Also, it was fun to have them show me around to their favorite places. |
* Food: |
I had several dietary restrictions before leaving the country, so it was a bit of a challenge for me to adapt to the food in Ecuador. That said, I often enjoyed meals, and I think most of my peers did, too. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated with the local culture when I was spending time with my host family and their friends. I didn't feel quite as integrated when I was spending time with my American student peers; however, I always felt welcome and as though people were happy to interact with us. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was lucky because I stayed healthy while abroad, therefore I do not have firsthand experience with the quality of the heath care. However, I talked with my peers who did receive care, and they were pleased with the attention they received. |
* Safety: |
I always felt like I should be aware of my surroundings, but I rarely ever felt like my safety was in danger, either. I personally was never directly affected by any incident, but I know several people that were (most of the incidents involved theft). |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
For the majority of the time, I lived very far from the rest of my peers and from class, so I spent a bit of money on transportation. But other than that, I did not feel like I spent money on anything else. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20-$40 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Whenever possible, share taxis with friends, even if you aren't going to exactly the same place. |
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 |
Students were always encouraged to use Spanish in class and when with families; however, when we were on breaks or spending time as a group, they did not discourage us from using English, either. |
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? | two 340 level courses |
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? | Don't worry about having your grammar be perfect while speaking. Instead, just put yourself out there, do your best, and say all you can. Grammar will come with time (and studying). |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 wish that I would have had a better idea of what to pack. I didn't need to bring as much as I did, and I kept wishing that I would have packed super lightly. |
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. |