Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Most Amazing Semester Past Review

By (Biology, Scripps College) - abroad from 08/28/2018 to 12/10/2018 with

SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about tropical and human ecology. I also improved my research skills and grew a lot during the independent study project. It was incredibly worthwhile.

Review Photos

SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation Photo SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation Photo SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation Photo SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation Photo

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This non-traditional approach to learning was very beneficial. We were able to be out in the field and interact with the things that we were learning about. There was a lot of work at times but was reasonable overall.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The academic director and assistants were amazing! They were always accessible and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

My semester in Panama was a truly unique experience. I loved all of the hands-on field work that we did and appreciated learning in a non-traditional manner. We were able to learn so much about the environmental aspects of Panama as well as the cultural sides. We had so many opportunities that we wouldn't have had otherwise.

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)

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • All of the travel we did
  • Field experiences
  • Ability to do independent research
* What could be improved?
  • Spanish class
  • Wifi in all the homestays in the city
  • A little more structure/guidance for ISP
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's ok to struggle with your own research. Everyone does and it's something that you learn and grow from. Living out of a suitcase can be hard at times but it also means that you're getting to explore and see more places.

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 Linguist
You 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!