ISA Lima-Peru Changed My Perspective of the World Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Attending the university in Lima was a really fun experience. I would recommend to future students who do not speak fluent Spanish to take at least one course in English at the university. It can be overwhelming to have the courses in Spanish, especially in the beginning. Taking courses in English at the university was really fun for me. I met tons of Peruvians who spoke at least a bit of English and were happy to help me with my Spanish. One thing that I want to point out about attending classes at USIL is that although throughout the semester it felt as though I was in an American university, when exam time came around it was nothing compared to the exams I've experienced in the U.S. The exams at USIL were a lot easier and less stressful than exams I have taken in the U.S. For example, there were only 12 questions on my Spanish exam. In the U.S. there would have probably been about 50 and then an essay question or two. One last thing I will point out is that at the USIL, you were allowed to miss up to 30% of classes in one semester. That averaged out to about 12-14 classes! So you really have to be disciplined to go to all of the classes since you are allowed that leeway without penalty.

On-site administration of your program

The program was really amazing. The directors were such great people. They made us feel right at home. My expectations were exceeded. Andy Osorio in particular took great care of me when I fell ill. I was extremely sick for about two weeks and he was the only person who went out of their way to come to my residence, bring me tea and crackers and medicine, and keep me company. He is incredible!!! I love the directors and miss them a lot.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing arrangements were a bit unique. I arrived and had arranged to live with a Peruvian girl I had met in the U.S. After I arrived she told me that she would not be able to move out with me, so I had to make other living arrangements. After staying in a hostel for a couple weeks, I found an apartment to live in. I lived with four Peruvians that were not students, just locals. It was quite an interesting experience! I loved it though, I had my privacy and I could have friends over, etc. The only problem is that it was too expensive for my budget and became hard to afford. Average rent was $300 per month. The nightlife in Lima is SO FUN!! Me and my American friends from ISA would all meet up and go out to places like Barranco (our favorite spot) where there are discos, restaurants, and lots of people to hang out with. I miss easily being able to hop on the micro or combi and ride downtown to hang out. Here in DC it is much more of a task to go out.

Punto Azul has the best ceviche that I had in Peru. It is like gourmet, SO GOOD!!!! Also, there was a tiny place in San Bartolo beach that had amazingly fresh ceviche as well.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Machu Picchu - Cusco was the most memorable trip for me and for my friends. It was a beautiful trip. I would recommend bringing hiking gear, especially shoes. They sort of prepared us for cold weather up there on the mountain and it ended up being very hot and sunny. So prepare for both types of weather!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt completely safe! There are way too many misconceptions about safety in Peru. A person must just have self-confidence and street smarts. You must be smart about walking, taking the buses and taxis. I did not encounter even one bad situation that I considered unsafe. The local healthcare system is really different, it was a bit more complicated to find certain medications that you would more easily be able to find in a CVS. However all you need to do is tell a pharmacist what your ailment is and they are usually able to tell you which medicine to buy. I did go to the public hospital in Lima at one time when I was sick and it only cost me 8 soles (about $3) to see a doctor. Granted I had to wait two hours to be seen and it was not a pretty place, it still got the job done. I had a friend wait with me and keep me company. I would recommend it if you are sick and over the counter medicines are not working. The biggest health issue for me and for others was allergies. The climate is extremely humid and that combined with contamination really got me sick. I would recommend future students to bring a Vitamin D supplement since there is a lack of sun in the months between April and October/November.

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

I practiced the language with the program directors, fellow Peruvian students, fellow students in my ISA program, European exchange students, everybody! Most people spoke Spanish, not English (even if they weren't Peruvian). In everyday interactions, Spanish is 90% necessary. Most people speak at least a few words of English. It was way easier to speak Spanish though. I entered the country with a proficient level of the language so it was not as hard for me to adapt.

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• Apartment
• Hostel

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