A Challenging Adventure That Will Change Your Life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed all class material, but two of my classes were very unorganized. They lacked structure, and were not that difficult even though they were all taught in Spanish. None of my professors responded to email well or hosted office hours. Once class was over, the professors were pretty much out of touch with students. However, all of them were very flexible and understanding. All of my classes had timed writing for the midterms, so my professors allowed me to write in English since it was a time crunch. There are resources like the library and some tutoring, but the international office is not very helpful in navigating these resources. Local students, though, are very eager to help. If you are looking for a challenge and consider yourself an independent learner, you won't have any trouble with the classes. Three of my classes were just once a week for three hours, so less days at campus but exhausting days when I was there. All of my classes were around 25 students, so you got to really know your classmates and did a lot of group work and discussion. Side note: all classes at PUCP count attendance as a part of their grade, and usually there is only a midterm and final.

On-site administration of your program

They seemed really helpful at first, but once orientation is over, you're pretty much on your own! I had several friends complain about the lack of assistance they had received from the international office on campus. However, it forced you to figure out things on your own, which I saw as a positive.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in Jasil House, which is an international house within walking distance from the university. There were about 15 of us from Peru, Mexico, U.S., England, and Germany, and some of my closest friends were these people. Although there are nicer and safer districts to live in, I never felt unsafe or unhappy living in my neighborhood in San Miguel. I had a nice kitchen downstairs, a cleaning lady once a week, my own room with a balcony, private bathroom, microwave and fridge, and filtered water. The only downside is that I paid $440 a month, which is a steal in Austin but, as I learned, a rip off in Lima.

Peruvian food is amazing IF you like meat, rice, and potatoes (which I do). I had a vegetarian friend there, and didn't enjoy eating out as much as the rest of us. Peruvians are very proud of their gastronomy (there are museums dedicated to it) because of their delicious spices, so if you need an icebreaker with Peruvians, ask them what they recommend to eat. Some of my personal favorites: aji de gallina, causa rellena, papa a la huancaina, and lomo saltado.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I could have tried harder to integrate in the local culture, but the international students stuck together most of the time. The problem is that there is no housing on campus, so most local students live 30 minutes away with their parents. It's difficult to meet locals unless you go the discotecas (but be wary of the bricheros and bricheras). At the clubs, Peruvians are very friendly (a little too friendly sometimes) with the foreigners. I highly recommend signing up to have a compañero, which is a local student that helps you adjust to living and studying in Lima. Mine didn't reach out to us that much, but most of my international friends that had compañeros ended up becoming really close friends with them and meeting more locals.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

UT makes you purchase health insurance while you are abroad, which luckily I didn't have to use. I only got food poisoning once, and thank goodness the doctor who did all my vaccines gave me Cipro (an antibiotic) before I left. Make sure when you go to get your vaccines (you'll need several) that you ask your doctor for a prescription to treat traveler's diarrhea. I don't know a single person that didn't get it while in Peru. My international friends complained a lot about the health clinic on campus, saying it wasn't that helpful when they had health concerns.

At the international student orientation, they will do a huge presentation on how to stay safe in Lima. I was terrified when I heard all of what they talked about, but they were just trying to make students cautious. It's really not as bad as traveling websites will make it out to be. That being said, being mindful is most important. Don't take taxis or walk alone at night (especially women) and don't parade your nice possessions and money around. Robbery is fairly common, especially by men on motorcycles. Be cautious about what taxi you take- I had a couple girl friends that got sexually harassed in the cabs. Just be smart and you'll be fine.

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

Peru is cheap, cheap, cheap! Shop at local markets and bargain always! You will save a lot of money living in Lima. Combi (transportation buses) get you anywhere in Lima for no more than a few soles and housing is usually very inexpensive. The bars are still pretty pricey, though.

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

All classes were in Spanish, but they will allow you to write in English for the exams. Immersed constantly while on campus, but Peruvians love to speak English so they usually want to practice with you.

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• Apartment

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• International Students

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• Local Students
• International Students

• Traveling outside of Lima
• Food and prices
• The course material

• Host Program Assistance
• Safety
• Better organization of the professors

The Academic or Linguist