Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventure, history, good food, and affordability is in Peru! Past Review

By (interntional business, San Diego State University) - abroad from 07/11/2015 to 08/08/2015 with

Linguistic Horizons: Intern in the Sacred Valley, Peru

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learn to live my life in a more simplistic way and always have a non technology dependable plan to get my work done. I gained lots of friends. I learned that languages are very important and they can open lots of doors. I gained professional experience while I proved to myself that all the preparation that I had had in San Diego State University and Toulouse Business School allowed me to present a successful business project

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Peru does not only offer adventure, great food, interesting/cute souvenirs, But also affordability!!! If you're on a budget, there is not better city or program to go to!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent weekly around 15-20 USD in food (at the most)!!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Urubamba is so affordable, take advantage of what the city offers and enjoy the food: It is healthy, "home made style, and delicious. When buying souvenirs talk to vendors and get a discount, it is possible and everybody does it!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

For my internship, I worked with a Spanish speaker, so I used Spanish almost all the time

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish is my first language
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just talk to locals and they will be more than happy to help you

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The exploration of Peru
  • My work schedule and area of work
* What could be improved?
  • Give the student a little more freeedom the explore the area
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known about the festivities celebrated in Peru, so that I could had planned ahead and be able to attend to most of them while I was there

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.