Amazing International Experience Past Review
By Adriann K (Niagara College Canada) - abroad from 03/14/2016 to 07/18/2016 with
College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Lima - Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola
Everyone should go abroad. It is how we learn about ourselves and other cultures. This is very important into today's world.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes are interesting and the professors are very helpful. There are ample resources to help you succeed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration has been nothing but helpful! The office is very energetic and positive. Replys for concerns are also answered promptly. Also there is an opportunity to do a training program in the office to work on their current projects and learn about international agreements. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I am very lucky with where I live. Alrhough it is far from other international students and the major food and bar area, Miraflores, I am close to University. The family that I am renting the apartment from has been very welcoming and even took care of me when I was ill. It is like having a new family, which is especially nice if it is your first time studying abroad. |
| * Food: |
The gastronomy in Peru is up and coming and I am please to have had to opportunity to try the food. I am a sushi addict and it is brought to a new level, with an infusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours. The traditional dishes such as Aji De Gallina and Lomo Saltado are very delicious as well! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
USIL has an program called USIL Ambassadors where local students are partnered up with an international student to be another leve of support during your stay. Not all students singed up for the program, it's optional, but I did and I am glad I did so. My USIL Ambassador has taught me a lot about Peru and even helps with my Spanish. The program also runs activities with students to local landmarks in Lima. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't use the program to assist with health issues. The family I am renting from took me to the clinic where I received prompt care. |
| * Safety: |
It is best to work through the app easy taxi or a secure taxi company. Taking a taxi on the street is not always dangerous but I have had situations where drivers want to change the agreed upon price while in the vehicle. Thankfully I can speak Spanish and comminicate back. I feel safe walking in Miraflorea at night in a group, but like everywhere in the world there are bed people and it is best to use common sense and avoid situations that make you feel uncomfortable. Keep belongings infront of you on the bus as some friends have had their phones taken. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
It is very cheap to live in Peru, you can find three course meals for 7-10 soles. My biggest expense has been taxies, which is also cheap, it is only expensive as I travel 30 minutes to Miraflores every weekend sometimes twice a week to go to clubs with friends. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Ask you bank if they have partner institutions in your destination. This will save you the services fees of withdrawing money. As well put your phone on vacation mode and get a SIM card in town as it is very cheap. |
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 |
I am currently studying in Spanish |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Talk to the taxi drivers! They are very nice and it's a great way to practice. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | I was well prepared before I came. |
