46 reviews
4.20 / 5 based on 46 reviews
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1
Charlie C
Overall
I wish I had known...
Make the best of it because it flies by. Travel, volunteer, work, and travel some more because you may never be back this way again.
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In my opinion:
I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Pick your courses as best you can and then try to learn in them and, more importantly, learn from your life abroad.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Go and get everything you can from it.
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1
Charlie C
Academic
Course recommendations
Pick carefully and, if your from the U.S., be advised that they will not be nearly as challenging as those which you are accustomed to.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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1
Charlie C
Languages
Language of instruction: Spanish
Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your Spanish?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
It is what you make of it. Live with a family, surround yourself with locals, read the paper and watch the news in the local language daily, and speak, speak, speak, and you will learn. If not, don't expect to walk away fluent without trying.
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Charlie C
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Government assistance
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Other
Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience
Personal spending habits
It is a much cheaper place to live than the U.S. Though, be advised that it is certainly not impossible to spend alot. Traveling, nightlife, taxis, telephone calls, and, in general, not sticking to a budget can be expensive wherever you live.
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Food, Telephone, Housing, Nightlife, Travel, Overall:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Make a reasonable budget and stick to it and avoid tourist traps.
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Charlie C
Housing
Type of housing: With a family
Arranged by: Home university
If returning, I would choose: With a family
Why?
There is no better way to constantly converse in a foreign language while learning about typical customs, familiy life, etc. in your host country.
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Personal comments
While home stay accomodations obviously depend on the individual family, mine could not have been better and were, in fact, the best aspect of my educational experience in Ecuador.
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Useful |
1
Charlie C
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Nightlife, Travel: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
To interact primarily with locals and have a good time, avoid La Mariscal (main tourist district). While the area is fun, that is the best advice I can give to those who don't want to stay constantly "stuck" with their own countrymen.
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