Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Changing Worldview January 18, 2022

By (Lafayette College) - abroad from 09/05/2021 to 12/18/2021 with

SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Development, Politics and Languages

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about our world and Ecuador specifically. It changed a lot about how I view the world and development. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

The classes were great and really challenged my thinking. I loved the wide range of classes we received from Spanish and Kichwa to Ecuadorian Politics expanded my perspectives. The combination of in class instruction with experimental learning was amazing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Faba and Sofia are amazing! they plan the program very well and are caring.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I went on this program during COVID, so I didn't have a homestay in Quito but the hotels we were in were very nice and accommodating.

* Food:

Ecuadorian food is delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because we were in hotels because of COVID, it was hard at times to integrate with Ecuadorian people. There were still opportunities to have homestay families on excursions and during the ISP that we were able to take advantage of and meet more Ecuadorians.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

the program was very proactive and helpful in helping my classmates seek health treatment throughout the program.

* Safety:

Since we were not on public transportation because of COVID, there were no safety related incidences on my program. Although I heard that Quito can be dangerous at some times.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program is super fun and well organized. You get to see so much of Ecuador and learn so much about Ecuador and the world. The people you meet are super friendly and open to show you around. Faba and Sofia are amazing and super caring and kind!

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)

The program covers most costs for the trip which made it easy to afford.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Very little, at most 10-20 dollars during the week if we wanted to eat something that was not included in the program.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish literature
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? Listen to Spanish music and watch TV shows.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The excursions
  • The classes
  • The ISP
* What could be improved?
  • More focus on Afro-Ecuadorian cultures
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It can get cold in Quito! Bring a light jacket

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.