A eye-opening experience that changed the way I view the world around me Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program did a wonderful job of educating its participants about water resource management as well as providing hands-on experience regarding the classes which we attended. All the classes were interesting as well as very informative. The program did a wonderful job choosing topics to explore as well as demonstrating the importance of the exploration of the topics and their impact.

On-site administration of your program

There was one site visit that absolutely stood out- the hydroelectric plant at Machu Piccchu. This plant visit is definitely going down in all the books as the coolest site visit ever. The plant gave us access to absolutely every corner of the goings-on as well as areas still under construction. This was the very definition of all-access as we were given opportunities to see things never seen before by a touring group. Also, our group was the first ever to be granted access to the plant which made it even more cool. Definitely a living-on-the-edge type of visit but it was complete with incredible views and information I will never forget.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our accommodations were right in the middle of everything and were very nice. The staff was very friendly and they were very accommodating to all our needs. Our group's rooms were all very near to eachother which made hanging out and getting to know eachother very easy. Also, the breakfast was fantastic! Eggs made to order and a yummy variety of juices was just the beginning.

I don't think I could talk about the food enough, all the restaurants we went to were very clean and welcoming and we were given a variety of options (for appetizers, main courses, and desserts) from chicken to alpaca to cow heart and back to pasta and salads. You could be as adventurous as you wanted or as safe and as close to American food as you desired. Everything was included which was nice- no having to worry about finding a good place to eat because everything was arranged. It definitely made me feel better about being in a foreign country and numbed all my concerns about eating mystery foods

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We spent a lot of time at the markets and eating local food. We spent a lot of time together as a group which was fine because of the language barrier. Our tour guide was wonderful at explaining everything and giving us the history. It was very neat to eat all the local foods and tour the local areas. A small group of close friends that I made on the trip (myself included) bought a soccer ball and brought it out to the soccer field and started to play. After a few minutes a group of locals asked if they could join. Playing soccer against them was one of my favorite memories because, although neither of us spoke the other's language, we were able to have such a fun time and they were all such good sports about the game. It was a very unique experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Since elevation is an issue in Peru, Melissa and Adam (the coordinators of the trip) were able to provide us tips on how to combat the altitude sickness and recommend medications. They were always equipped with first aid kits as well as took care of our blisters after the soccer game. Luckily nobody needed any more than that in terms of medical care, but Im sure they had everything figured out!

I'd give 5 stars for this because of how much our group trusted the leaders, however I was definitely a little scared for my life a couple of times. But that was just the thrill of the trip. Everything was PERFECTLY safe and I knew I was in good hands. I loved knowing that no matter what, Melissa and Adam would be there to help and that every moment we were making memories (even if they were terrifying ones)

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

The program was very accommodating with payment plans and timely payments. Although the program was expensive, it was easy to see where all the money went- we went on many excursions and all the food was paid for. ALL expenses were covered.

Select all that apply

• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

• The adventure aspects
• the bonding that took place between the students on the trip (we all became so close!)
• The plant tours (they were unlike any other!)

• We were on the pilot program so certain things did not go as planned, however other programs (eg Iceland) by The Green Program are perfectly planned to a T so I am confident that the next trip will go very smoothly (although the unpredictability of the trip was half the fun)

The Avid Adventurer