Go in blind- ready for a ride and open to it all; leave with 20/20. Past Review
By A student (N/A, Brandeis University) - abroad from 03/03/2015 to 07/13/2015 with
IFSA: Lima - Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Of course it was worthwhile, every decision we make it our lives is worthwhile because we learn from them... if someone regrets their decision or wishes they did something else, then they're blind to what they could have learned from their experience.
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: |
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| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $80 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat a lot at home when you get your meals, bring a bottle to school for water, use Claro not Movistar as a pre-pay celular provider (they offer better promotions so ultimately the cost is lower). Buy alcohol and drink before going out. A bottle could be 30 soles, a beer when your out is 10 soles. Stick to public transportation for short and long trips, its part of the experience and it will save you a lot if you stay out of taxis. |
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? | A 6th semester college level course. I say I was a "beginner" with respect to speaking in the "real world", conversationally- outside of a classroom. |
| 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. Spend time with your host family. Make friends with locals- don't just gravitate to other foreigners. This process can be made easier if you join a team, a club, a group, etc. |
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? | Nothing. Why spoil the surprise. |
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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