Cusco: Wonderful Trip Past Review
By Laine T (Political Science, University of Tennessee - Knoxville) for
ISA Study Abroad in Cusco, Peru
I learned a lot about myself and I'm so glad I had that trip to learn and grow.
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. |
The teaching was fun but I wish there had been more variety of lessons. I really enjoyed the classes and the professor and especially learning abroad. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Both leaders of the program were extremely involved and worked to make sure everything ran smoothly. They had answers to questions and really made it an amazing six weeks. I was super impressed with how much they worked to make sure we were involved with everything and practicing our Spanish. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My neighborhood was super safe and my family was the best possible family to live with. The house was within walking distance or a five minute or less cab ride to anywhere we wanted to be and made it wonderful to get around the city. The family considered me a part of their family and really helped me feel welcome and were even at the airport till we left the city to say goodbye. I truly felt like they were including me in their family and I was sad to say goodbye to them. |
| * Food: |
Willingness to meet any dietary needs was great and the meals were wonderful. I loved how my family made soup plus meal for dinner each night and made it a family affair. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Macchu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Puno were all program trips and they were wonderful. I felt like I really got to see the beauty of Peru on these trips. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city was safe but it is more on the person being aware and watching those around them. You had to be aware but nothing was ever stolen from our group so that made me feel like I was in a wonderfully safe city. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice with everyone. I was expected both in class and at home to use spanish as well as out in public. While there was some English comprehension, I really needed Spanish to help me communicate. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared for cooler weather. Be excited for your family and make sure to do your homework for your class. |
