My Summer in Lima, Peru was one I will never forget! Past Review
By A student (Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University) - abroad from 05/26/2014 to 07/25/2014 with
ISA Study Abroad in Lima, Peru
I would definitely recommend this program. I had an incredible experience combining Study Abroad with Service Learning in El Hospital del Nino while staying with a Peruvian host family. My language skills improved immensely, I gained an appreciation for the Peruvian culture, and met wonderful people from around the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Both of my courses were entirely in Spanish, so my language skills improved immensely. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The onsite staff through ISA are absolutely amazing--willing to help out with anything at anytime. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was wonderful. My mama taught me how to cook Peruvian food, and my Papa helped me learn the transportation system until I felt comfortable on my own. I would definitely recommend a homestay as the best housing option. |
| * Food: |
All Peruvian food is delicious! Everything is extremely fresh, and they have wonderful desserts too! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Staying with a host family was a great way to experience the local culture. All of my courses were with ISA students, so I didn't have as much interaction with local students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program directors were a huge help in finding the best healthcare for my needs. |
| * Safety: |
It is best not to go out alone. Lima is a huge city, so it's easy to get lost. |
| 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) |
The cost of living is very cheap in Peru. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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 Spanish Grammar |
| 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? | Practice speaking Spanish with all of your friends, even if they speak English. Keep a pocket dictionary and notebook to write down new phrases. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Sign up for all of the excursions! Humid cold makes the temperature feel much colder than it actually is. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
