Deep cultural (historical) immersion and independent research project! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I knew I wanted a program that was unique in that it offered educational excursions and an opportunity to do and independent research project. This program is intensive and demanding in the sense that our schedule is very structured and there is very little room for weekend trips and getaways, however there are many wonderful educational excursions that were main destinations within the country, so I was very satisfied. During the educational excursions we had a few seminars, but most of the time I felt like I was having fun, because part of the program was making observations and experiencing the culture, then analyzing and reflecting about it. There was very little homework and few assignments to turn in throughout the semester, so I felt like I had a lot of free time after class. Classes were seminar style where I had the opportunity to speak and share a lot, even if I didn't get through the reading. There were a few mini groups activities where we would gather ideas and present them in front of the class-- there was little pressure, so they were easy. The most work came during the month long independent study project where we did field work and wrote a term paper based on research methods--some students have it easier than others depending on what you choose to do--it was a very rewarding process though. We were given appropriate literature to read for each seminar, we had a wonderful library filled with books and past research projects to help us in our independent study, and the staff, professors and guest lecturers were approachable with any questions. Overall, I had a wonderful educational experience.

On-site administration of your program

The staff of the program are relatively new, having been there for less than 3 years, so I feel like they have some room to grow and master certain aspects. Overall, very friendly and helpful. I felt respected by the staff and felt a familial relationship with them, where I could approach them or joke around with them. They take our concerns very seriously and do their best to meet our needs.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was set up with a wonderful family. During the program I think I had a good balance of having a cultural immersive experience with my family but also a lot of time to explore with my classmates as well. I got to know my family best during meal times. My host mom gave me lots of options of what I wanted to eat. I was fortunate to have a family that would take me on weekend trips to local gems with other family friends and celebrate in local festivities. I really felt like a part of the family. My host family was very open, inviting, and non-judgmental. They were kind in correcting my Spanish and helped me edit my papers. They were very attentive to my needs--they could tell when I was tired and often encouraged me to rest. They also encouraged me to go out and have fun with my friends. They respected my privacy and time to myself. It was a great match!

Yum, I love Peruvian food! During orientation week and on educational excursions we often have meals paid for in advance or food stipends--sometimes we dine together at great places that the staff has already chosen or get to choose ourselves. If you eat meat, is a great chance to try local cuisine like guinea pig, alpaca or beef heart! Lots of meals include rice and potatoes, and very little vegetables. Not many restaurants are conscious of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary options, so always be prepared to ask. The staff is really great about being conscious of dietary options when we are dining together or when snacks are provided during the school day or on field trips. Bring a water bottle to fill up on boiled water at home.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our program focuses on indigenous people and globalization, so we had educational excursions where we lived with homestays in different indigenous communities and participated in daily chores and activities with these families, including wearing the traditional clothing and taking a stab at Quechua. We also visited many bilingual schools and had the opportunity to interact with young children. At the Cuzco homebase, I felt integrated with my family--eating the food, partaking in watching local tv programs, learning social customs and celebrating local holidays. We had the opportunity to have two seminars and discussions with students from the local university. I enjoyed the experience, but honestly did not feel that connected with the students. I wish I had spent more time befriending local Peruvians, because most of my interactions came from family, staff, or educational excursions.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had stomach pain and diarrhea for about 2 weeks in the middle of the program. There is a doctor that is directly connected to our program, however I chose to go straight to the medical clinic. Our staff was very attentive and frequently checked up on me and even accompanied me to the medical clinic and spent time with me afterward. My host mom was very helpful and attentive as well, accompanying me to the clinic, the pharmacy, and accommodating me with appropriate foods and liquids during my illness. My host mom did most of the talking to the secretaries, nurses and doctors to ease any translation issues and assure that I was getting adequate treatment. The clinic experience was customary, I waited for about an hour to see the doctor. Payments were straightforward. I took typhoid pills and a yellow fever shot prior to the program, which were mandatory. I brought optional malaria pills for the amazonian jungle excursion. Bring personal hand sanitizer everywhere with you and toilet paper! Often there is no toilet paper nor soap.

The staff gave us a very intensive safety talk during orientation week. There were no safety-related incidents during my program. While traveling on public transportation, like the buses, be very careful of your belongings, there are many robberies in high density buses. Careful traveling with your smartphone. Get into a safe taxi. Don't travel alone at night.

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

I spent very little personal money per week because most expenses were paid for in the program. We received food and transportation stipends. I chose to eat at home most of the time. Transportation was very inexpensive (.30 for a bus ride $1-2 taxi). Food and drinks were relatively inexpensive as well ($4-$8 for a large meal).

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

All courses were taught in Spanish and we were required to interact and respond in Spanish. Daily interactions with host family were all in Spanish. Our independent project was written in Spanish.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• Being immersed in rich culture and tradition from an educational standpoint
• I got to work on an independent study project and produced a 30 page paper in Spanish
• The deep connections I made with friends, host family, and people I met

• The independent project had little guidance and structure --more mentorship

The Academic or Linguist