Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Hardeest Part Was Coming Back Past Review

By (Sociology and Anthropology, Washington State University - Pullman campus) - abroad from 02/08/2014 to 05/10/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Cusco, Peru

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience with ISA International Studies Abroad in Cusco, Peru was with the Language, Literature, and Culture program. I went in the Spring of 2014, about one year ago and since the moment I returned I haven't been able to shake that travel itch. My experience with ISA was nothing short of spectacular. The customer service was great and was there if I needed help at any time whether it was before, during, or after my study abroad experience. They not only made me feel ready to study abroad but they made me feel home once I arrived in my host country when they picked me up from the airport and showed me around town before taking me to my homestay. The program was so full of activities that there was never a dull moment! Its the most you can get for your money and so much more than that! It was an experience of a life time and when asked what the hardest part was I always say: It was coming back.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? 20$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Live like someone who lives in your host country. Not someone from your home. That's the way to save money

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 201
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? Think in the language, dream in the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Staff
  • Friends
  • Field Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Immersion
  • Activities with Locals
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It isn't as hard as you think its going to be. Roll with it and you will be much freer and opportunities just start flying at you!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'