I feel extremely blessed to have lived in Ecuador. Past Review

By (Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/07/2012 to 05/17/2012 with

Universidad San Francisco de Quito: USFQ Cumbaya Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much in Quito, Not only did my Spanish improve, I gained self confidence, an aprrectiation for all that I have, meaningful relationships with my host family, and so much more. I wish I was still there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was great living with a host family especially because I had siblings my age, but it USFQ.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had health problems while in Ecuador and the on campus clinic was helpful.

* Safety:

The program explained safety well and I felt prepared to live in Ecuador.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring lunch to school, share taxis

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

5

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? 300 level spanish
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? Speak Spanish with your American friends

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • host family experience
  • independence- really living in Ecuador
  • campus- the enviroment and professors
* What could be improved?
  • relations between local students and internationals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? so many dollar bills!