Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Tropical Biology Trip Past Review

By (Tropical Biology, St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 01/19/2016 to 05/06/2016 with

St. Mary's College of Maryland: Belize - Tropical Biology in Belize

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gained appreciation for tropical biological diversity

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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?

The Clivus composting toilet did not have a functioning fan and therefore stunk

* Food:

Good food and plenty of it. Good variety.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No issues to deal with

* Safety:

We were in biology field stations so did not concern ourselves with criminal activities

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

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? $30. for souvenirs and beer
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to biology stations, they are remote and have nowhere to spend money

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Bird watching every day with knowlegable guides
* What could be improved?
  • nothing that I can think of
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had purchased bug repellant clothing before this trip

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.