A Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (College of the Holy Cross) - abroad from 02/01/2016 to 05/11/2016 with

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was extremely worthwhile, learning how to dive and figuring out what I want to do in the future made this program 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.

Tough classes but also rewarding. Give ample time to do work and relax

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Bunk beds in rooms of 4 or 5. May seem crazy but you really only sleep in your room and the beds are not that bad

* Food:

They do a great job with the food. There are also a few restaurants on the island with really good cheap food. Chicken Bar is a life saver

* 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

SFS does a great job of introducing you to the country, expanding your horizons and just providing an overall amazing experience

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)

Food is provided, the only real money you might spend is extra things like soda or chips that you get at a corner store. There's really no need to spend a lof of money

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? Bring a lot of ones and 5s, some stores have trouble breaking larger bills

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The diving
  • the island life
* What could be improved?
  • wifi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How important a good camera is