Exploring Panama! September 09, 2024
By Mary K (Environmental Science, University of Massachusetts / UMass - Boston) - abroad from 05/02/2024 to 07/14/2024 with
SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation
I gained a new unique understanding and perspective on tropical marine ecosystems and blue carbon. I saw the impact of all kinds pollution in the natural environments and organisms on both land and in water.
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. |
Performing fieldwork bridged the gap between classroom concepts and real-world observations, allowing me to visually connect scientific literature and concepts to practical applications. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration and educators were extremely positive, encouraging and inspiring. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
We were given a stipend for meals! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 0-75 (varies based on where we are) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Share/split meals among groups, a good way to try new foods and share the cost. Walk or public transportation. Local food markets. |
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 |
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| 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 |
| 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? | Duolingo, take a college course prior, or practice with a friend! |
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? | Some things on the packing list I bought but never used. |
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. |
