Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An incredible experience of a lifetime, worth every minute! Past Review

By (HISTORY., St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 05/15/2013 to 05/29/2013 with

St. Mary's College of Maryland: Peru - Andean Summer Study Tour

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I thoroughly enjoyed the immersion in a foreign culture. There are certain nuances that you come to appreciate, and also cultural aspects that make you take stock of your own culture. It was absolutely worthwhile and I would suggest anyone who has the opportunity to take advantage of this study abroad program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* 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? Less than ten dollars.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Almost the entirety of the trip's costs were covered. When purchasing souvenirs and gifts, haggling is key to receiving a fair price. Whenever a price is given, it is not uncommon to attempt to start off the haggling price at 50% of whatever is originally stated, and a decent price is typically 35-40% off the original.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had only completed one year of Spanish in eighth grade
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? Some general phrase books would probably be helpful. I would strongly encourage people to just give it a try though, attempt to communicate because even if the host families don't understand everything you are saying, I really believe they appreciate the effort.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host Family
  • Archeological sites
  • Centro Tinku
* What could be improved?
  • Cost is steep, though understandable
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I just wish I had practiced Spanish a bit more before traveling down, perhaps read through a phrase book more extensively.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.