Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

You get out of it what you put into it Past Review

By (International & Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/05/2013 to 12/16/2013 with

IFSA: Lima - Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program really improved my Spanish and enhanced my independence. The program staff was very supportive and provided a great orientation as well as support throughout. I think it was worthwhile, although if I did it again I would make more of an effort to immerse myself in Peruvian life, explore Lima and make more friends. Read my blog (http://www.ifsa-butler.org/blog/?author=208) for more reflections.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Program courses were decent, direct enrollment at PUCP was very good.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

wonderful administrators, very supportive and nice

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

my host parents were wonderful and gave me the independence I wanted but still cared for me

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had health issues but it seemed like those who did were relatively well cared for

* Safety:

Lima is not very safe and stealing is an art -- if you follow all of the safety advice given in orientation you will probably be okay (and if you stay in Miraflores and San Isidro it is relatively safe) but still there were a lot of robberies and pickpocketing that happened to my group

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? approximately $50-70

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? 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? a high-level literature & culture class
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? Don't let yourself speak much English with your IFSA friends!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Peru's natural beauty
  • host family
  • classes and activities
* What could be improved?
  • more grammar and conversation in the program Spanish class
  • program trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You have to step out of your shell and out of your comfort zone a bit to get the most out of the program - the more you put into the experience, the more you'll get out of it. It won't be easy (especially the volunteering and the classes in Spanish!) but it will be worth it.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!