Studying abroad in Lima was the best experience of my life. Past Review

By (Gender and Women's Studies, University of Maryland - Baltimore County) for

ISA Study Abroad in Lima, Peru

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. I am currently planning to return to Peru! That's how much I loved it. Study abroad is invaluable experience.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt unsure at first, and I didn't know what "controles" (tests) or "parciales" (midterms) were. But I passed!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

ISA's onsite staff were fantastic. Seriously. All of them were wonderful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family! And I liked living with another student from the U.S. It helped with homesickness.

* Food:

Delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved it!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe the whole time, and if I needed help I knew who to talk to - host mom and ISA staff.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

A lot of peers at the university spoke English, though all of my classmates used Spanish. Socially there was more English but academically all Spanish. I used Spanish every day.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack warm clothes for winter (our summer) - it really does get cold! Try new things. Be friendly. Take all the opportunities presented to you.