Amazing interactive opportunity to learn about Peruvian culture and environment Past Review
By Samantha (Delaware Valley University) - abroad from 08/27/2018 to 12/05/2018 with
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Peru – Amazon Studies
Yes, I improved my use of the spanish language ten-fold and I now have an extensive knowledge on some of the issues that the Amazon Rain Forest is faced with. I now use this information daily to educate children through my job as a wildlife educator and I hope I can teach the next generation that it is important to stop them.
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. |
Classes were about 8 hours a day six days a week with a one hour break for lunch and 5-10 minute break every hour or so |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had opportunities to interact with indigenous communities and the local community next to the campus until 10pm at night. We made friends there who I am still in touch with to this day. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Our student activities manager (SAM) was very open to discussing even the most gruesome health concerns. She would encourage us to inform her of even the littlest rashes/scratches to headaches, etc. |
| * Safety: |
They were very concerned with our safety, sometimes it felt like they were too concerned but I understand it was to ensure no one was injured as they were responsible for us during the semester. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved this program and the faculty and staff that made it possible. The only issue I had was that I have a lot of experience travelling abroad and know how to be safe but some of the rules for the campus felt a bit restrictive for me personally. I understand how they would be necessary for someone who maybe has not traveled as much but safety was their main priority overall. |
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) |
I barely spent any money while I was there on program time. The only large sums of money I spent were on the occasional trips to the grocery store to buy snacks (although many are provided daily) and during weekends away/mid-semester break. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | it depends on the week but about 5 dollars during program time (AT MOST) 3 delicious meals a day were included. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan to spend the majority of your money in Cusco. There are some cool markets in Iquitos but if you are looking for things to bring home, the real craftsmanship is in the mountains. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I came to Peru with a conversational level of the spanish language but taking a course was awesome because we were able to directly apply the things we learned in class to the outside world, further setting it into memory. They also focused on direct use of the language and vocabulary that was associated with the area and the jungle we were researching so it was very helpful. |
| 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? | Honors Spanish 5 (high school) |
| 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? | Don't be scared to try!! Its okay to mess up, the locals love that you try and are so open to helping you learn. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 brought a lot of things that I did not use: I though field clothes were required the whole time |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
