Studying Abroad In Peru Past Review

By Sheila C (Anthropology., Western Washington University) for

CIEE: Lima - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I felt that I learned a lot about relating toa different culture, an experience which I could not have gained at home. Also, I improved my Spanish by using it with native speakers.

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.	I was put in English-speaking classes with only a few other Americans which I felt stunted my growth in both my language ability and my immersion in the culture. The workload was way less than my home university and our teachers graded easier, I thought, than my teachers at home would have, but the classes were more basic level than classes I take at home.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The administrators were very good and knowledgeable. They put together numerous cultural outings and were willing to help with any sort of question we had.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I felt like I was welcome in the house but I did feel like a guest most of the time. I did not participate in much with the family except meals as they didn't do much more than that that I could come to. Everything I needed was provided. They fed me way too much food. My house was very close to the university but a bit further from where most activities went on.
* Food:	The food was excellent but they made me eat way too much too many times during the day.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I joined an on-campus Bible study. I also volunteered at an after school homework help program for underprivileged children. Furthermore, as a group we did a number of cultural workshops (cooking, dancing, etc). We also took trips to places like Machu Picchu and the town of Lunahuana as well as places within Lima.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	The city does have it's safety problems as it's a developing country. I did feel safe for the most part in the areas that I was comfortable in. Student must be aware however and take caution as a number of the other students did have items stolen. We were able to use the health center on campus for free. I also went to an English-speaking chiropractor for a previously existing back condition. I got a yellow fever vaccination and took along malaria pills.
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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	My host family, Peruvian friends, my Spanish teacher. people in the street. I did have to use Spanish for everyday interactions. Few people spoke English besides the other American students, however some people would assume that since we look like English speakers, that they should speak to us in English.