My Home Away From Home: Cusco Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes involved less outside work than I was used to at Geneseo but classes are small and personal at the Academia, so there is much more speaking/comprehension practice

On-site administration of your program

Overall, the administration was supportive. However, there were conflicts at times when it came to missing class for trips. Depending on who you spoke to, the problem could be resolved very easily (extra homework assignments) or if you spoke to others they would not support your decision to miss classes for a trip.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I feel extremely lucky because my host family was absolutely incredible. We never had any problems and I really felt like a part of the family.

I was never sick from the food but I know many people who did get sick from it.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I became familiar with Cusco very quickly; walking around often and taking the bus to my volunteer projects helped a lot with this.I feel like I could never be fully integrated because I stood out as not being from Cusco and sometimes locals stared at me but I overall felt exceptionally comfortable.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While I was in Cusco, I suffered from a very serious health issue that ended up needing police involvement. Everyone, from the clinic staff to all of the officers that I worked with, were all exceptionally kind and helpful in every single matter. I always felt safe and like they were doing their absolute best to help me.

Cusco is a city, and like in any city, you have to be careful and take extra precautions. It is obvious when people are not from Cusco so you people might try to take advantage of you. The majority of people are nice and friendly but tourists just need to be extra careful. Accidents happen but people should take extra precautions in clubs/bars and when using public transportation. Additionally, girls should be extra careful and I don't recommend that anyone walk places alone at night.

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

Generally everything in Cusco was far cheaper than what I was used to in the United States. And living with a host family cuts out some of your food costs. If you go out to eat or drink, it adds up but it's not expensive compared to the states.

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

In school, it was exceptionally rare to speak any English; Spanish was encouraged 100% of the time.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• International Students
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

• Amazing friends
• A second family in my host family
• Strong increase in Spanish skills

• Some way of helping the host families more. They do so much and I know that many struggle with money
• Less restrictions in missing classes to travel for short periods of time.