Spiritual Past Review
By Shaniquewa S (English, History and Linguistics, Berea College) - abroad from 05/22/2013 to 06/28/2013 with
Academic Studies Abroad: Study Abroad in Cuzco, Peru
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was mostly very fascinated and enamored with the indigenous culture found in Cuzco, Peru. Learning about their nation's history and then getting to meet and socialize with the natives was something I will never forget. The landscape and ruins were absolutely stunning. But most of all I feel as though I grew spiritually on this trip as I became engaged and informed about Andean mysticism.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I often wandered about the town on my own and never ran into any trouble. However I have studied abroad before. I wouldn't recommend going off alone if you have no previous experience with it. For the most part, I felt safe in Cuzco, Peru. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It varied. The amount of money I spent each week wasn't very consistent. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan ahead with how many funds you will allow yourself to spend in a week. If you spend over the pre-decided amount, just try to spend less the next week. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Spanish 3 in high school |
| 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? | Practice with your peers! Just start speaking the language to each other whenever you can. Learn from each other. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More spanish. More quechua! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
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