Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

First hand experience, new amazing family, new amazing friends Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 08/19/2013 to 12/03/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Peru - Indigenous Peoples and Globalization

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Peruvian perceptions and lifestyle, as well as a lot about the environment in Perú (particularly about oil/gas companies in the rainforest, etc.). I also wouldn't trade the friendships and family I had for anything!

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?

My host family was amazing, Perú really became home because of them

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $15

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? Intermediate Spanish 2
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? Spend lots of time getting to know your host family! At home is the best place to practice your language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • host family
  • excursions
  • free time to explore
* What could be improved?
  • Span 1 class needed work (went way to slow everyone in the program already knew some spanish, what we needed was practice/help speaking, not listening to basic grammar points again)
  • Shift class schedule a bit (earlier/less lunch) in order to get out before dark
  • Maybe a bit less class time? We spent a lot of time indoors. Or maybe classes outside some days?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More spanish! And

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.