Peru: Soul-enlightening experience Past Review
By Patricia D (Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Maryland - Baltimore County) for
ISA Study Abroad in Lima, Peru
Absolutely worth every penny.
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. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Neighborhood was safe overall, though it is located right next to a parking lot with random cars, so who knows who was who. Took about 40 minutes to get to class on the local buses. Nightlife is a 20-minute walk. |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Machu Picchu/Cuzco, Junin, Ica desert... |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Overall safety is questionable--beware of pick pocketers and never go around by yourself, especially outside of Miraflores. Pay extra attention to belongings on any of the combis or micros. Be cautious and use good judgment when choosing which taxi to take. |
| 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 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced with everyone. Yes, I needed to use the language in everyday interactions. No, most people did not speak English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This is a program for free spirits who don't mind living a little on the edge and those who can be patient with lots of traffic and chaos. Not for those who require high maintenance. |
