Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A memorable experience January 04, 2022

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/04/2021 to 12/17/2021 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 about another country and improved my skills as a researcher. It was 110% worth it.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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

I loved this program. I learned a ton and met some amazing people. I had a ton of wonderful experiences that I am feeling very lucky to have experienced.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money in the beginning to use later for ISP.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? Use it whenever you can, it is a good way to meet new people

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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 wildlife
  • The people
  • The travel component
* What could be improved?
  • Readjust budgeting so ISP gets more money
  • some students wanted more stats help
  • Using spanish more in every day life
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't need to pack so many fancy clothes.

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 Adventurer
The 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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Human Ecology and Conservation
Course Department: Conservation
Instructor: Dr. Aly Dagang
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The teacher was amazing, very knowledgable, understanding and practical. Field trips were very integral. I participated the same as my home university.
Credit Transfer Issues: I am still working on doing this
Course Name/Rating:

ISP
Course Department: biology
Instructor: Dr. Aly Dagang
Instruction Language: English/spanish
Comments: This was the most rewarding experience. I got to design and carry out my own research project. I am very thankful for this experience.
Credit Transfer Issues: I am working on this.
Course Name/Rating:

Spanish
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Edwin
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: I learned lots of Spanish in and out of the classroom. It was a wonderful experience and I improved greatly from my first day.
Credit Transfer Issues: I am working on it.
Course Name/Rating:

Comparative Tropical Ecology
Course Department: Biology
Instructor: Multiple
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was a lot of fun. We were in the field all the time. It was a bit challenging, but it was definitely worth it. I got to experience many different ecosystems in Panama thanks to this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: Working on it.
Course Name/Rating:

Environmental Research Methods and Ethics
Course Department: Biology
Instructor: Dr. Aly Dagang
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course helped me find ways to carry out experiments and accurately test hypothesis. It was very informative and helpful.
Credit Transfer Issues: I am working on it.