Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience to be remembered. Past Review

By (Spanish, Human Services, Western Washington University) - abroad from 08/13/2012 to 12/07/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Peru

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was certainly worthwhile. I had been abroad before, but it's much different when you actually get to live abroad. I learned a lot more about customs and cultural traditions. It was cool to have what I learned in school all around me.

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.

I liked the subjects that were offered and felt that most were taught very well. The classes weren't overwhelming at all.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We didn't encounter many issues, but there was some miscommunication.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was great, but wish we could have done more together. As far as accommodations I had everything I needed; great food, my own space, a clean bathroom, plus a great roommate.

* Food:

Liked that there was always fresh fruit available and a good variety.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Once a gringo, always a gringo. People always jack up prices.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was fortunate enough not to get sick. However, some of my friend made several trips to the clinic to figure out what was really wrong and get the correct medicine.

* Safety:

I felt safe nearly all the time. If you go out at night, go in a group.

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)

The only money needed was for transportation, traveling and other activities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50, more if I traveled.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget, I gave myself a monthly budget and tried to stick to it. Also, do things in groups to get discounts or split costs.

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? Intermediate
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 340
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? Meet locals and speak the language at any opportunity.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The living experience- having a family to talk to and learn from.
  • The volunteering- it was great to go out into a community and work for bettering someone's life.
  • The opportunity to travel.
* What could be improved?
  • Extra volunteer projects- I waited two months to finally start mine and was only able to work at the orphanage a month instead of the entire time.
  • The Spanish class- One of my classes was Spanish but the teacher didn't recognize our abilities and shape the class around that and never had a plan.
  • More assertive staff- some issues arose, not with me personally, and nothing was really done or changed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Cusco is much colder than I had previously thought, especially at night.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'