The best decision I've ever made Past Review
By A student (SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 05/04/2012 with
Academia Latinoamericana de Espanol: Cusco - Academia Latinoamericana Center
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Latin American culture, gained a new reference-point on different social and political issues, met people from all over the world, and got to better my Spanish-language skills. If I could do it all over again, I would do so in a heartbeat.
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. |
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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? |
Monica and Rafo are, without a doubt, the best family to have in Cusco. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Travel by bus is less expensive, but takes more time. Travel by plane is quicker, but also very expensive in South America. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-100 (depending on travel) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make sure you know how to bargain in the market, look for better meal-deals within in the city (it's possible to get a 3-course meal for as little as 3-5 soles) |
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 never spoke English with my professors/staff. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Mid 200-level Spanish at SUNY Oneonta |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk to as many people as possible, don't be afraid to converse with your host family. Be careful when practicing the language with friends (be aware of their incorrect words/grammar - not necessarily calling them out on it. It's as easy to pick up bad habits as it is to pick up good habits). If you're not sure about words - ask! If you learn a knew word, try to use it. |
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? | Overall, I feel like I had a lot of preparation. |
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