Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The BEST Experience of my Life!!!!!!!!!!! Past Review

By (International Economics And Finance, Austin College) - abroad from 07/30/2013 to 12/17/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Lima, Peru

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence and more confidence in myself. It was much more than worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The specific university I went to could have been better, but I heard the other schools were much better. A lot of students felt the same way so ISA is not working with this school anymore.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was great! Danny and Michelle were very hands on and they made my experience exceptional.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was beyond satisfied with my housing arrangements. My host family made me feel at home and were provided me with everything I needed. The food was great and they always took my opinion into consideration.

* Food:

Peruvian food is the absolute best!!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The customs were very different from the States, but the people are very friendly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any experience with healthcare so I don't know much about it. I took a malaria vaccine because it was suggested for the jungle. They also suggest the yellowfever vaccine for the jungle as well, but I didn't receive it.

* Safety:

It's the basic pickpocket problems that anyone would experience in any country. Make sure to always be alert and act like you know where you're going to fool the robbers.

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)

It was very easy to live on a student's budget in Peru because a lot of the services and local products were cheap.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Wait to buy souvenirs until closer to the end unless you will never be in that place again.

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

They sent us a list of the local slang used and they also wrote us emails in English and Spanish.

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? 400+
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Never be afraid to speak to the locals.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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 food
  • The trips the program provided
  • My host family
* What could be improved?
  • The University
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how cold it was in the winter. I definitely underestimated the weather.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!