Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I already want to go back! Past Review

By (Sewanee: The University of the South) - abroad from 08/28/2018 to 12/13/2018 with

SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learning about all kinds of ecosystems, animals, and environmental regulations helped me bring home sustainable practices. I also learned so much about myself and what I want to do in the future.

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.

Nothing too hard. Don't worry!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff were always there for us and became

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I love staying in the homestays and in the hostels.

* Food:

Be open to trying new things!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They handled everything quickly and efficiently.

* 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)

They provide stipends that cover most of your spending and meals except for personal souvenirs or activities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30

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? 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? 300
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? Speak spanish more on your free time and with your group.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • My group was my family.
  • Seeing so many different places.
  • Snorkeling
* What could be improved?
  • Planning for research
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to do my projects earlier and to pack less stuff than I thought.

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.