Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Health Studies Trip to the Dominican Republic Past Review

By (Utica College) - abroad from 11/28/2016 to 12/09/2016 with

Utica College: Occupational Therapy in the Dominican Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned some great hands-on techniques to use in my own future practice. I also gained an understanding of the state of OT and healthcare in the Dominican Republic. It was a wonderful experience!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were too many activities planned in different places. I would have preferred to spend more time in one place to get a better feel for it.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There was no Wi-Fi most of the time, which was needed to complete assignments.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were informed of the possibility of illness due to cultural differences in food, and advised to bring a variety of medications.

* 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? $150

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

Translators were always present. However, with my background knowledge of the language, I was encouraged to try to speak for myself.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? B.S. in Secondary Education and Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meeting the people
  • Learning hands-on techniques from our supervisors
* What could be improved?
  • Fewer destinations
  • More work with children
  • More down-time to complete assignments and explore/take in the culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I feel as though I was well prepared for this trip.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!