Trip of a LifETIME August 02, 2026
By A student (Westminster University) - abroad from 05/31/2026 to 07/01/2026 with
IPSL Global Engagement in Peru: Environmental Justice, Incan Architecture, Indigenous Knowledge, Spanish Language and Volunteering
I learned that as a woman (in my 60s), I can continue to learn, have worldly experiences with people that I will cherish forever, and live in someone else's home. I learned patience and to continue to be amazed by this big world we share. This was the best trip of my life and a worthwhile experience that I recommend everybody try if you have the opportunity.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had private Spanish lessons Monday - Friday with an intelligent and kind woman. I enjoyed the opportunity to ask her questions about daily life and culture and definitely improved my Spanish skills. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I studied in Cusco, Peru, for one month with Westminster University in Utah. The administration team on the ground in Cusco was fabulous. They were in constant contact to check on me, even when I set up my own extracurricular hikes during my stay. They were very organized with my daily Spanish lessons, tours, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My living arrangements were appropriate for the country. I had a private bedroom and bathroom. |
| * Food: |
The food that the host family provided was good at times, but the host was inconsistent. I chose to spend my own money, eat out, and try the delicious food throughout the city on my own. I did not bother to tell my on-site administration team until I returned home. I am confident that they would have handled the situation because they were constantly asking me how my living situation was going. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My integration into the local culture was perfect. I decided to travel in June, which is a month of parades and festivities in Cusco, Peru. I even got to march in a parade due to the close relationship that I developed with the woman that I was working with in the San Pedro Market. The time spent with my Spanish teacher touring an Inca Museum and attending a cultural event was very special. She provided insight into Inca culture and daily life in Cusco on an intimate level. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health issues while studying abroad. The program did include a travel insurance policy, which I did not have to use, but I am happy that it was in place. |
| * Safety: |
Cusco felt very safe. I took the public bus and walked every day all over the city by myself and felt safe, even late at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I have been fortunate to travel to 19 countries. Some of my trips have been alone, some with a friend, and some on tours. This experience with IPSL is my favorite. I loved having the opportunity to live like a local, study Spanish, take the bus, eat great food, and meet generous and kind people in Cusco. |
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) |
I think you can live on a student's budget as there is plenty of delicious and healthy food available at a good price. The host family normally provides most of your food, but I made the personal choice to spend extra money and buy my own food most of the time. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I choose to overspend on purpose. |
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 worked in the San Pedro Market learning Spanish and teaching English to some of the women who work there. This required me to speak Spanish every day. I also spoke to other vendors, bus drivers, my host family, and tour guides in Spanish daily. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Spanish 1A |
| 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? | I found that using a language app was also a helpful way to study and communicate with people in Peru. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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 know that the IPSL program through Westminster University is a reputable program. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
