Excursions and Community Past Review
By A student (University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 09/02/2016 to 12/10/2016 with
ISA Study Abroad in Cusco, Peru
Cusco has a lot to offer whether its meeting locals or travelers, hiking or dancing, speaking the language or being a tourist. It's really what you make of it, and can give you whatever you need to get out of the experience. It has the modern comforts in the more touristic areas of town but will still hit you with the water cutting in the middle of the day, stray dogs, etc.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
ISA staff were amazing! They really got to know everyone on the trip and looked out for us in every sense. They want you to do well and have a good experience. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
Wasn't a deal-breaker for me but if you're super picky and and expecting amazing food, don't. However, I was provided with vegetarian accommodations which was really helpful. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick a few times and each time ISA sent a doctor to my homestay and had medicine delivered to me. |
| * Safety: |
As a young woman I wasn't ever secure in walking alone at night but never had any issues. You just have to make sure you're with people and know where you are. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
ISA Cusco is a really well run program. It's unique in that it's so intimate-- a small group of students going to school together, on weekend excursions together, and seeing each other almost every day. I think this could be good or bad thing, and luckily for our group it worked really well and felt familial. The excursions are what really made ISA fantastic. They help organize really fun adventurous trips for free, and also encourage you to explore additional parts of Peru either through school organized outings or independently. The staff is always available in case of any issue, whether health wise or problems with a host family. And the academics are interesting but not too challenging. Finally, the city of Cusco is one of the most unique and magical cities I can imagine. Its a pit stop for travelers all over the world coming to see Machu Picchu, so it provides the opportunity to meet all different sorts of international people in a thriving town center. The touristic environment is relatively isolated so its easy to get a more authentic experience as well. The nature is also INCREDIBLE and ISA makes sure students get out of the city to witness it. |
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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I spent about 100$ a week due to traveling and eating out more than I really needed to. Definitely possible to spend less. Take the bus instead of taxis, find the cheap cafes with reliable wifi early on. |
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? | 240 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? | Studying abroad is one of the freest environments you might ever be in. To be 20ish and living independently in an entirely foreign environment, with a new cast of people in your life and a million types of places to explore... it's an amazing opportunity. So make sure you're really present for it and be optimistic and the experience will give you back what you put into it. Take chances and explore and talk to as many people as possible!! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
