Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Highly recommend May 08, 2023

By (Environmental Science and Resource Management, University of Washington) - abroad from 07/09/2022 to 07/24/2022 with

Wildlands Studies: Hawaii - Marine Management

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely increased my confidence with backcountry field skills. I feel very confident walking into future interviews that I have the necessary mindset to spend long hours in the field collecting data and navigating remote locations. This experience was definitely worth it.

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.

We spent every day working in the field, hearing lectures, analyzing the native flora and fauna, and expanding our curiosity. The days could be quite long but were always very worthwhile. The hands-on experience I gained was incomparable to all my other schooling and I'm so grateful I got to take part in this program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Having the opportunity to spend all of your time outside, exploring unique ecosystems is incredibly rewarding. Not only was I gaining valuable field experience, but I was getting the opportunity to disconnect and really take in the beauty of what was around me.

* Food:

I have a gluten allergy and the logistics team was able to accommodate me for every single meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During the two weeks, our team was able to meet with many different Hawaiian communities, including communities most affected by volcanic activity and the last subsistence fishing village in Hawaii. We got to learn about their spiritual beliefs and how they utilized their land and resources in order to better understand the different strategies for managing and preserving said resources. The communities we got to work with were absolutely incredible!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It is very apparent that Wildlands takes safety very serious. We always had backup plans at the ready in case weather or any other scenario interfered with our plans and our team felt very well equipped to tackle any challenges.

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

I absolutely loved my time with Wildlands. The people I met were absolutely incredible and I learned more in two weeks than I did in an entire quarter of regular classes.

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? 20

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The professor/leaders
  • The lectures on the beach
  • Having opportunities to hear from various perspectives on resource management
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I hadn't hesitated so much to join a program. I did my program as a graduating senior, and it has definitely helped me post-graduation, but I do think it would have been incredible to have this experience earlier in my schooling to take with me for all the other classes I took.

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.