Study abroad and find yourself. Past Review

By (Western Washington University) - abroad from 07/29/2012 to 12/16/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Lima, Peru

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and the rest of the world. I feel like I advanced a lot both linguistically and as a person. It was definitely worthwhile and I think every person would benefit from the opportunity to go abroad.

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.

A couple of my classes required very little work and I didn't learn a lot from the classes. The teachers were often disorganized and didn't appear to care very much about the progress of the student. 2 classes in particular, however, were very beneficial, yet still less seemed to be expected than would be in a class at Western.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Absolutely fantastic staff, super helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was very kind and let me be independent. Really amazing food.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Peruvian food is to die for.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care would have been easily accessible if I had wanted it, but the only times I was sick I didn't feel like going and my host mom took care of me and did a fantastic job doing so.

* Safety:

I felt very safe for the most part - people just need to stay aware in all situations and keep their belongings close. I did have multiple friends get robbed, but each situation was one where they had made themselves vulnerable. Never take your eyes off of your things and keep them close and in closed compartments (have purses and pockets that zip).

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)

It really depends on what you're doing - I could have spent a loss money than I did if I had gone out to less restaurants and discotecas. Overall everything is very affordable.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Span 302 - Advanced Composition
How many hours per day did you use 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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • new friends
  • new experiences
  • food
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the program end date meant the last day of classes. I thought I would have time to travel at the end but I had work to do up until the day before I flew out.

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.'