Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable and life-changiing experience! Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., Austin College) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/07/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Cusco, Peru

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the culture of Peru, Cusco, Lima, and Quillabamba specifically. The Inca monuments/ruins were amazing and I wouldn't trade any part of my experience, the good or the bad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were both challenging and interesting, especially my Latin American Literature courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? Between $150-$250

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Several 300-level Spanish courses
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Excursions
  • Home stay
  • The school and the teachers
* What could be improved?
  • Everything was pretty good, nothing really needed to be changed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had made better choices when it came to spending my money!

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!