An experience of growth Past Review
By Gabriella S (Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 03/04/2018 to 07/09/2018 with
IFSA: Lima - Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
I learned so many things while I was abroad, a lot of which came from outside of the program. Some of the learning I did was indeed within the program, but it wasn't book learning. It was more about learning who are the people I would like to surround myself with, it was learning about the qualities I look for in others. Outside of the program, I learned how to be more independent, more flexible, and more self-sufficient, skills which I had prior to Lima, but were pushed and molded during my semester abroad.
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? |
Fortunately, I loved the host family that I was placed with. They were very helpful and very welcoming. I would say that the IFSA program did a wondering job of placing me with a host family. |
| * Food: |
The host family that I stayed with cooked delicious meals. While it definitely took some time for my stomach to become fully accustomed to Peruvian cuisine, my host family was very patient and helpful in the transition. |
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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? |
I did not have any serious issues with my health during my trip, but anytime my stomach felt funny, both the director of the IFSA program and my host mother were very attentive to the issues. |
| * Safety: |
The city of Lima itself is not that safe, but it is not a reflection on the IFSA program. The IFSA program did a wonderful job of preparing us and making sure we would be safe in Lima. |
| 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) |
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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 |
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| 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 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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 wish I knew more about the safety guidelines for living in Lima, but either way, I still would not have backed out of the program. I just wouldn't have had such a cultural safety shock upon arrival. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
