Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Diesel Fumes and Stunning Views: Adventures in the middle of the world Past Review

By (Biology, General., Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/06/2013 to 05/16/2013 with

Universidad San Francisco de Quito: USFQ Cumbaya Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that getting by every day in a new culture requires courage and perseverance, but it's not that scary once you put yourself out there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was very inexpensive and comparable to US quality at the USFQ Clinic. I got the vaccines for typhoid and yellow fever.

* Safety:

Could be somewhat dangerous at night but I felt safe in most places in daylight

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? $30-40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Walk around! Taxis aren't terrible and buses are cheap- but walking is free and you get to know your surroundings better!

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

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to as many people as you can. They already know you are foreign.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Environment- Mountains, beach, jungle all within reach
  • Inexpensive compared to Europe
* What could be improved?
  • More options for housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Time is a very loose concept in South America

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.