Amazing experience in Cusco March 03, 2025
By Alex R (Inca Architecture, Westminster University) - abroad from 01/07/2025 to 02/05/2025 with
IPSL: Peru - Environmental Justice, Indigenous Health and Human Rights
I learned so much about Inca history and its influence today on modern South American culture. It was definitely worthwhile.
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. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was very comfortable. The host family was polite and happy to include me in activities or give me time alone. |
| * Food: |
The host family was vigilant to make sure I ate enough every day. They were happy to cook most meals for me. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not need to access any healthcare services. |
| * Safety: |
Cusco felt safe to me the whole time. I was told that, like any city, there are certain parts to avoid (especially at night). |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The city of Cusco, the Peruvian people, the Inca Architecture class, and the included tourist excursions were all incredible. I got what I wanted out of the experience, which was to travel in a beautiful country and learn about its history and culture. |
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) |
Cusco is very cheap. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $25 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat the free meals provided by your host family whenever possible. |
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? | Beginner |
| 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? | Duolingo |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The homework and service learning prepwork was significant, at on some points ate up entire evenings. |
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.' |
