Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Experience To Change Your Life Past Review

By (Spanish, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/10/2014 to 01/21/2014 with

University of Wisconsin La Crosse: Ecuador - Building Bridges in Bunche / Service Learning Program to Ecuador

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish speaking skills and made so many wonderful friends there. I learned to appreciate everything I have and be grateful for all of my friends and family. There are not enough words to describe how this program influenced and changed my life.

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?

* 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

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? $50

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPA 331
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? Try to use the language as much as possible and talk in that language even with your fellow classmates to keep up the practice!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Speaking Spanish
  • Meeting the Buncheros
  • Working to improve the lives of others
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To wear tons of sunscreen no matter whether or not the sun doesn't burn me back in the United States.

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.