Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I wanna go back! Past Review

By (Animal Sciences., Kansas State University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Cusco, Peru

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Confidence in my speaking abilities, Motivation to travel, Security in my own skin.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were relatively easy on the workload and homeworks at home, and the classes always went for the full allotted time filled with educational information. The grading system was based on participation, homeworks, and midterm and final exams. The teaching methods were lectures and class readings. The classes were smaller, usually 5-8 students, and weren't as intensive as Kansas State University's.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was sometimes a little disorganized, but overall it hosted it's students well. It was always supportive and there for us. I didn't really have expectations when I came, but I was satisfied!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a very safe neighborhood with security guards. Everything was provided for. The host-family treated me like family and I was invited to outings with them as well.

* Food:

Don't be picky!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved independently traveling to Arequipa and Abancay. The program trips to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca and the Amazon Jungle were fun as well!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Cusco was very safe during the day and in the touristy parts, but at night and in the local areas, things could get dangerous if you weren't paying enough attention.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Have an emergency fund for medicines and if you're robbed.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Conversation
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Host-parents, teachers, roommates, taxi-drivers, store-owners, and locals. I did use the language everyday, and only my roommates and other ISA members spoke english.

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Flexibility

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

History of the Incas
Course Department:
Instructor: John-Jacques Decoster
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The teacher was knowledgeable, and the class was easy to get by in. I participated more in this class than in the states, because the class size was much smaller. I learned a lot in this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: I don't know yet. I'm not back in my home institution.
Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Society and Culture of Peru
Course Department:
Instructor: John-Jacques Decoster
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The teacher was knowledgeable, and the class was easy to get by in. I participated more in this class than in the states, because the class size was much smaller. I learned a lot in this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: I don't know yet. I'm not back in my home institution.
Course Name/Rating:

Culture for Language Learners
Course Department:
Instructor: Elena Gamazo
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: I enjoyed this class. We learned a lot about Spanish, Peruvian, and American Culture and compared the three often. We learned about society and culture in contemporary Peru. We watched videos and videos of Latin American artists, as well.
Credit Transfer Issues: I don't know yet. I'm not back in my home institution.
Course Name/Rating:

Survey of Latin American Literature: Contemporary
Course Department:
Instructor: Laura Meradi
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: I really enjoyed this class. The teacher is always prepared and gives us relevant homework each night. We have good discussions and have read many forms of literature. I participate a lot here because of the small class size.
Credit Transfer Issues: I don't know yet. I'm not back in my home institution.