Turks and Caicos Islands : A Small Island, But Big Friendships and an Even Bigger Experience Past Review
By Melissa P (Environmental Science and Policy, University of Maryland - College Park) for
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies
I learned that I can adjust to a new setting better than I thought I could. I also learned how quickly I can make friendships with people who are so different than me. Being immersed in a culture that is very different than mine was something that I gained so much from. I became more aware of how similar everyone really is and I am much more open to different people or different experiences now. This program solidified my academic interests in marine biology and environmental science and my future plans include the subjects in a way that I'm still unsure of, but super excited for.
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. |
The work load was more than I was expecting, but very rewarding. Learning outside the classroom was a big part of this program and was so enjoyable, spent majority of the time in the water and learning the scientific names and about organisms that way. Also the professors were made available for any help or for anything we needed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host/faculty leader for this program was great! She was there for anything we needed and made sure we were all comfortable with anything that we needed. She really made us feel special and spent time getting to know everyone in the group. Also she set up the time spent outside the classroom or the "extra-curricular" activities in a way that we all wanted to participate and they were always super fun! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorm like rooms were hot (but your in the Carribean so its expected)and the bugs take a little getting used to, but other than that there's nothing really to complain about. The area felt safe and we didn't really have to worry about to much, a mosquito net is a must but if you forget one they had a couple to use. The island is only about 12 miles so everything is within a 5 minute walk , class and "nightlife" included. |
| * Food: |
The food was shipped in every 2 weeks and nothing too bad, it would definitively get repetitive if I was there for more than a month. The students cooked on Sundays which was fun and delicious. The food in town (conch and chicken) is good too. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We got to see the whole island in the little time we had there and got to spend time with the locals. Field trips to play volleyball or other sports with the locals was fun and then also field trips to different ecosystems and environments were all about once or twice a week. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city was pretty safe, nothing really to be worried about. Most of the locals were friendly and they all know that who the students are and where they come from. No real incidents besides a cut or two and the bunches of bug bites. The "health room" type area in the center had almost everything you need and was easily accessible for all the students |
| 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | This program is wonderful and the scenery that your surrounded with is breathtaking. Its definitely for those who like the outdoors,especially the ocean, and don't mind being sweaty. The pros outweigh the cons big time and all of the staff are amazing. |
