Semester at Universidad de San Ignacio de Loyola Past Review
By Rebecca A (Finance and Financial Management Services., University of Northern Colorado) for
ISA Study Abroad in Lima, Peru
My study abroad experience was so worthwhile. It was very different from my expectations, but I think that is a good thing. One of the reasons I studied abroad was to push my comfort zone and do something new, so it is for the best that things didn't always work out how I planned them. As cliche as it sounds, I learned a lot about myself, made great life-long friends, and greatly improved my language skills and knowledge of the culutre.I think everyone should spend at least sometime abroad.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de San Ignacio de Loyola |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I felt that 3 of my 4 classes were disorganized. I understand that the Professors were given very short notice that they would be teaching my classes, and realize that was part of the problem. I felt like I did a lot of busywork. The Professors themselves were all wonderful people with great insight and really good to talk to. I still learned a lot, but the classes were definitely lacking in comparison to my home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved the ISA staff in Lima. They were all so welcoming, friendly, and helpful. They really tried to get to know everyone one of us on a personal level, and were willing to help us with any problem we might have in any aspect of our lives. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a 3 story house about and 1 and 15 minutes away from my university in Miraflores, Lima. I had my own room, clean laundry and bedding, and at least 2 meals a day sometimes more. <br /><br /> The location of my housing was ideal with a little walking I was to one of the main avenues and from there could go practically anywhere. My family was really caring and always wanted to make sure I was okay. |
| * Food: |
Peruvian food is delicious. Normally serving sizes are huge! And if you are eating out you can find big quantities of great food for really cheap. Wide variety of flavors and dishes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made amazing lifelong friends while I studied abroad; both Peruvians and the other N.American students I traveled with. It was definitely an eye-opening experience to see a different culture, and to see the conditions in which some people live. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The ISA staff was very helpful in trying to keep us all safe and well, giving us all kinds of good advice. And if someone did get sick they took great care of them, like they were there own kids. Living in a big city wherever you go is always kind of dangerous, but I never really felt in danger. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to keep a weekly budget, and if you plan to travel make sure to budget for that as well. There is also an airport tax that you have to pay before flying out of any airport. It isn't very much usually, but it is an expense I didn't know about. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My language skills definitely improved. My ability to understand people is so much better than it was before I went to Peru. My grammar and vocabulary greatly improved as well. I learned so much more in 4 months in Peru than in a year of classes. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do it! Go with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. Talk to the locals and be willing to try new things. And I would encourage you to go on the excursions and see all Peru has to offer, more than just the city. Peru is a beautiful country with wonderful people. |
