An Unforgettable, Educational Experience June 20, 2024
By A student (Biology, Ursinus College) - abroad from 01/22/2024 to 05/05/2024 with
SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation
Not only did I learn information from my professors during our units, but I also learned life lessons during the program. I learned how to be on my own. I learned how to step out of my comfort zone when meeting new people and when speaking a different language. I learned how to go with the flow because not everything can go to plan. This all can be taken with me as I continue my education and step into the workforce.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We had to opportunity to learn so many different subjects from so many different experts! We covered a variety of topics and had the opportunity to have hands-on experience. However, the courses may feel a bit overwhelming because we are learning so much in such little time. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All of the on-site administration were wonderful and extremely helpful! I always felt comfortable going to them to ask questions and for all other needs. They were always supportive and present. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved having the chance to be in home-stays and hotels! It was great to fully immerse myself in the culture and build connections through the home-stays. It was also nice to have the time to be by yourself in hotels and build connections with the other students you were staying with. |
| * Food: |
This program was beyond accommodating for everyone's dietary needs! We had so many vegans and vegetarians within my program that were always accommodated for. It might not have also been the best food, but they tried. I also understood that I was in a new country so there would obviously be food that was new to me and customs I was not used to. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I always felt comfortable wherever we were. Everyone was kind and I never had a bad experience. Taking Spanish courses at the local university and staying in home-stays definitely made me feel like I was a part of the community. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The administration took health issues seriously, no matter what the circumstance was. If you had any concerns, they were always available to talk and were willing to take you to the hospital if necessary. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe and comfortable throughout the entirety of my program. Our administration made sure we knew all safety protocol, and that we were following all rules. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program provided me with everything I wanted from a study abroad program. With it being an ecology based program, I had to the opportunity to cover so many subjects, including forest ecology and coral reefs, that all pertain to what I'm interested in studying. I also got to be in a country that was different from my own and was able to immerse myself in the culture through the opportunities offered by the program. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Most of the money I spent during this excursion was on optional weekend excursions, which included staying in a hostel, food, and transportation. The only other thing that required you spending money was school lunch while we were in the city (which were very affordable!) and if you wanted snacks for long travel days. However, you also get a stipend for this program. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Split hostels with people! There's so many places that offer four people rooms, so it's great if you can find a group of four people to go with. Also try the local food instead of name brand stuff! Sometimes the food that's imported from the U.S. is more expensive than what is manufactured in Panama. Also don't worry about buying things in Casco Viejo because you'll visit so many other places that will provide you the chance to buy things (and possibly for less money!) |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Although there was no language requirement for the program, Spanish was heavily spoken throughout the entirety of the program. The classes aren't taught in Spanish, but most of the home-stays and Panamanian citizens don't speak English. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Two semesters of Spanish at college |
| 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? | Duo-lingo, watch TV in Spanish with Spanish subtitles, try to think of the Spanish names for everything around you, speak Spanish with people if you can |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | Don't expect to know exactly what you want to do for ISP, and if you do, expect it to change. |
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. |
