A great experience in Perú! July 24, 2025
By Neha K (Philosophy & Economics, Rice University) - abroad from 02/18/2025 to 06/01/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Peru - Indigenous Peoples and Globalization
I had a great semester studying abroad with the School for International Training in Cusco, Perú. Specifically, I really enjoyed excursions as well as the Independent Study Project. I loved getting to delve into interviews, specifically I conducted my project on the impacts of fair trade on food security within indigenous communities. I also loved getting to know my peers and formed lifelong friendships through this program!
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. |
I had a great time with coursework, I found the assignments straightforward and easy to understand. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was great, we had a lot of support. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved getting to stay with a host family! |
| * Food: |
The food was wonderful, loved getting to try new things. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program really immerses you in Andean culture, I really enjoyed learning new things. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We had consistent availability to doctors, it was very easy. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Cusco. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved participating in this study abroad program! |
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 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Spanish 400 |
| 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? | Definitely try to have daily conversations! |
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? | I wish I had further looked at the syllabi. |
