Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best engineering experience ever! Past Review

By (Mechanical Engineering., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/27/2013 to 05/11/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Cusco - Global Engineering Outreach Peru

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot not only about product design for third world countries, but also the process of communicating engineering principles with non engineers. Furthermore I learned a great deal about the Peruvian culture and its people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall it was a great experience. I learned a lot about the people and culture of Peru, engineering, and about myself.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were fantastic, I could not have asked for better.

* Food:

The food was great. It forced me to try new things and consider how other cultures see food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

For the most part I felt integrated with the culture. We had opportunities nearly every day to interact with people from Peru.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any major health issues, but everything I needed was taken care of with the same amount of efficiency I would expect in the US.

* Safety:

I felt as safe as possible in a foreign country.

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)

It was fairly easy to live on a student's budget because I purchased most of the food I ate and could watch how I spent the money directly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $110
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It would be helpful to know a little more about how much we can expect to spend on meals that we make ourselves/buy groceries for.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Year 3 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? The best way to practice is to use it in the classroom, especially the technical vocabulary.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The ability to interact with Peruvian people directly.
  • The ability to explore Peruvian culture past and present.
* What could be improved?
  • More language immersion before leaving.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before leaving I wish that I had known more of the technical vocabulary.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.