Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Importance of Interdisciplinary Training and Teaming 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?
This was a remarkable experience. I learned that professionals who work with individuals with disabilities of all ages, are able to do so with fewer resources and are able to use what is available to promote growth and development of skills in those individuals. I also learned about the speech therapy training programs and the lack of speech personnel throughout the country. This is an area of need!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

We were made to feel very welcome and accepted in all areas, both in the work experience as well as in recreational activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Although I had no need for healthcare, I felt secure in the ease of access of same.

* Safety:

We were made aware of the need for common sense, security and the students that we supervised were constantly monitored.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would like the opportunity to return to meet with and help to grow speech programs and assist in training speech personnel in the DR.

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? @ $75.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No

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? Advanced
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? College level Spanish
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? Brief basic language course

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • The level of professionalism, knowledge base and maturity of this group of OT students was tremendous.
* What could be improved?
  • It would be nice to have just a little more down time. At times the requirements of the schedule were daunting, and there seemed to be much to do in relatively little time.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I could have gone in previous programs!

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 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!