A very fulfilling semester! Past Review
By Matthew S (Economics, Yale University) - abroad from 08/21/2016 to 12/04/2017 with
SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Development, Politics and Languages
My experience was definitely worthwhile. I learned so many different things, but I'd say the most significant takeaway for me was bringing an intercultural perspective to the table whenever I consider economic, social, or political issues.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I couldn't speak more highly of the academic content of this program; it was easily one of the most fulfilling educational experiences of my life. I particularly appreciated the balance of academic rigor with informality and patience, especially given that we as students were making a lot of adjustments to life in Quito. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff in this program are amazing! They are all extremely capable, knowledgeable, and warm. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really liked my homestay. Although at times it was challenging to adjust to living with a new family, it ultimately was one of the most positive parts of my semester. |
* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Its important to note that this study abroad program is not direct enrollment, in that study abroad students aren't necessarily taking classes at a local university alongside local students. That being said, I still felt very integrated into the local culture. I took the bus to school everyday and had plenty of opportunities to socialize with my homestay family. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Between the SIT staff and my homestay, I got plenty of advice on how to stay safe in Quito and didn't run into any issues. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Without a doubt, I would choose the same program again. I loved the program staff, as well as the academic content, which was particularly suited to my own interests and gaining additional perspectives on development beyond what I had learned in my economics classes. |
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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20 |
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 |
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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? | Intermediate Spanish II |
How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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 would tell myself to look forward to a challenging but overall extremely positive experience |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |