Immersive experience in language, culture, and environmental studies. May 23, 2025
By Vivienne S (Environmental Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/27/2025 to 05/09/2025 with
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Panama - Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies
I learned flexibility and leadership, and so much about the environment and the tropics, and about Panamanian culture. It was definitely worthwhile.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The food was amazing and the kitchen staff were so kind! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was important to take the opportunities presented by the school, and immerse myself in the culture. There are many opportunities, but it is your responsibility to make the most of them. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The clinic was very helpful and easy to go through! |
| * Safety: |
Bocas and the island are very safe, and the program was very careful. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Everything I wanted in a 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) |
There are many activities that you can spend extra on if you'd like, but just living cost was very low. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take out a lot of cash at once to avoid the fees, and pay in cash whenever possible. |
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 |
Very encouraging, and very helpful to be in an environment to use it often. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 105 |
| 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? | Talk with friends in Spanish, and practice with people at the center and in town. Everyone will speak Spanish, so it is important to get comfortable with making mistakes and practicing a lot. |
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? | It is an opportunity to embrace being away from everything you know in America, so go do as much as possible. |
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. |
