Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'm coming back Past Review

By (COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 03/10/2013 to 07/15/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Lima, Peru

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gained spanish & a new, shocking world view. So worth it.

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.

ISA is great. La Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú is the best.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I would trust Michelle, my host program director, with my life.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My mom is a saint.

* Food:

I want more than 5 stars.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Just be careful.

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)

Given all the scholarships, I was just as frugal as normal.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than thirty. Sometimes almost nothing.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? "Don't keep your money in a sock, its an issue" #puns.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Grammar (4000)
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? READ SPANISH (or whatever language it is) BEFORE THE TRIP!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • The all spanish speeking university.
  • The excursions.
  • The onsite directors & opportunities (i.e. tutors, etc.)
* What could be improved?
  • A simpler system for transfer credit.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Half the fun is learning as you go.