Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Why don't you DO and USE what you came to school for? 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 how to solve problems with no "perfect" solution. I'm so excited to apply it to my job. I learned that people can understand basic physics principles without having formal training. I learned that there are challenges in the world that I can provide a solution for.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was a challenging course, and it was very rewarding to see our projects implemented.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of things in Peru was fairly informal. That made scheduling and budgeting flexible with just a bit of disorganization or delay at times.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in hotels the entire time and the service was excellent!

* Food:

We purchased most food from restaurants. This has nothing to do with the quality of the program, but I did get food poisoning for two days while we were in Puno. I had a fever and chills and felt weak.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

For me, this was the first time using local transportation and local restaurants in a foreign country. I felt very integrated while still remaining cautious of the risks that existed.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never went to the doctor while there. I did not receive any special vaccinations for this trip nor were they required. My immunizations were all up to date prior to leaving. A few students got sick and would typically rest in the hotel for a day to recover.

* Safety:

I felt safe during the whole trip. If you follow the rules, you'll be fine. I don't remember anyone having any issues.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I didn't keep track, but a nice dinner was about $7.00. Breakfast was provided in the hotel and lunch was purchased at the local grocery stores. So maybe about $75.00/week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just save up your money beforehand. Two weeks is not that long. I didn't want to be worried about money during the trip so I just brought plenty.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • It applied what I have learned in my classes.
  • It prepared me for my career.
  • It helped me learn how to work in a team.
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe have some more time to rest without working.
  • We could have used more spanish speakers.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew that there were already many of the materials we needed for our project in Peru.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!