Incredible learning experience from immersion in another culture. Past Review
By A student (Global Studies, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 08/02/2012 to 12/16/2012 with
Pontifical Catholic University of Peru / PUCP: Lima - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was very much worthwhile. I gained greatly improved spanish skills, incredible travel experiences, good friends, a great relationship with a host family, deep cross cultural experiences, and new understanding. Also gained more simplistic perspective of what one needs in life.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very much so, the only thing that took away from that was contact with fellow American students and other international students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Health care easily accessible and director very helpful in organizing additional needs. Depends from where the health care occurred, but generally I was impressed with the quality of care. I updated all of my vaccinations with a travel nurse before departing for Peru. Within the country there are regions that require certain vaccinations such as yellow fever in some areas of Amazon jungle. |
| * Safety: |
The city has plenty of crime such as pick-pocketing and robbery. Violent crimes are not very common. With street smarts and conscious efforts, one can stay relatively safe in the city of Lima. It's all about taking precautions. Never personally had a safety-related incident. |
| 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) |
5. If anything your money disappears when you start traveling around the country. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | On an average week, 50- 70 soles = $20-$30. In some weeks, easily spent less. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't be afraid to bargain! Many sectors of the Peruvian economy are informal, so don't feel like you must accept the first price you are offered. Many things are negotiable and in many situations, bargaining is even expected. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Upper division courses such as Advanced Writing Composition. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Befriend the locals! You didn't leave your country so that you could hang out all the time with a bunch of people from your country. This isn't to say you shouldn't have some companions from your own culture, but make the most of your experience, go out of your comfort zone some, and don't be afraid to practice your language skills with native speakers! People understand you are learning and are generally very nice and helpful. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That is goes by too fast! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
