Lima, Peru: Adventure, Challenge, and Excitement for Learning Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading system at PUCP was 0-20. A score of 15 and up on any assignment was very good (an A or a B). All classes at PUCP are taught in Spanish. Classes were 2 or 3 hours each and met once or twice a week. Teachers and students generally showed up at least 15 minutes late to every class (cultural difference).The workload was very difficult, but a good challenge. I felt like I was reading and writing more than I would be at my home university. 20 page essays in Spanish were pretty normal in every class.

On-site administration of your program

ISA gave us an extensive introduction to Peruvian culture and our program. I was well prepared for my experience. The onsight staff at La Catolica (Maria Elena Arroyo) was amazingly supportive and like a mom to all of us. She provided us with what we needed (tutoring or anything else) and was open to introducing our ideas in the program. The program size was good. There were about twelve ISA students in each of the three universities we attended. All of the Catolica students bonded well, and we met up together with the larger group through ISA activities and other events.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My house in Lima was attached to a pharmacy, a large grocery store, and major bus routes, so it was very convenient. It was a very busy street, but I liked the interaction I got with people because of that. Everything I needed was provided for me. There was a worker who cooked and did my laundry every day. We had lunch every Sunday with the whole family. I had about a 20 minute ride to the university and a lot of nightlife, but my host mother acclimated me the public transportation. She was interested in my safety but not overly protective when I went out. I liked having an older Peruvian brother and sister to talk to. We even a cat and dog.

The food in my host family's house and in the university PUCP were amazing.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went to Cusco/ Machu Picchu, Iquitos/ the Amazon, Lunahuana, Ica/Paracas, and Junin. The trips included cultural events with the locals and were very informative and fun. We also explored historical sites and good food in downtown Lima with ISA. We went on a Lima scavenger hunt with Peruvian students to acclimate ourselves to the city during the first week.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe with ISA staff, however some of the circumstances in Lima were a little risky, although fun. Traffic laws aren't well followed, so pedestrians need to be extremely careful when they cross. It is also better to share a taxi with friends rather than go alone. People should be careful with sanitation of tap water and street food, although I never got sick. I used tap water to brush my teeth only.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I used Spanish in almost every situation, in fact, I rarely spoke English. I lived with a host family of three, and they all spoke to me in Spanish, as well as the worker (who cooked and cleaned). I lived with one American roommate, but we almost exclusively spoke to each other in Spanish. My four classes at PUCP (La Catolica)were taught in Spanish, although I believe some of my professors knew English. They were able to explain things to me which I didn't understand. I made friends from the Catolica- some were bilingual and some were not. I spoke Spanish almost entirely except when helping a Peruvian to practice their English.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Host Family
• Americans