Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing experiences, adventures, and memories to last a lifetime! Past Review

By (Pre-Doctor of Public Health, University of Southern Indiana) - abroad from 05/23/2015 to 07/10/2015 with

ISA Study Abroad in Cusco, Peru

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the satisfaction of knowing that although I have left the country, I was able to establish health-related programs at the orphanage that continues to benefit the residents. The experience was most definitely worthwhile.

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.

* 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? 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of the meals provided by the host family, use the bus more often than taxi, and explore areas in Sacred Valley which is close to Cusco and inexpensive.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 5 semesters, however, this was 8 years ago
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? Speak with locals as often as possible and avoid the urge to be around other English speakers (or practice Spanish with them)

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

  • Other
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?
  • flexibility
  • supportive staff
  • meaningful activities
* What could be improved?
  • slower pace on excursions
  • increased preparation for service-learning placement
  • increased coordination of previous volunteer efforts to assist new volunteers in creating valuable programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known the reasons why some previous programs failed at the orphanage so I had more time to create a meaningful program that would continue to benefit residents for a longer period of time.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'