Lima, Peru Field Tutorial Past Review
By Martha M (Spanish, Pomona College) for
Pontifical Catholic University of Peru / PUCP: Lima - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, it was very worthwhile. It was challenging to be overseas in a large urban metropolis and survive for four months. The excursions we made to less populated areas of Peru were educational, as well. Be aware that things we take for granted here in the United States, such as cameras, credit cards and birth control pills may not be always acceptablr to everyone you interact with in your host country!
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. |
It was quite a challenge to be enrolled in a literature course with a classroom full of Peruvian students, all in Spanish! I felt I did well by getting a grade of "B" though in the very small seminar (just two American students) led by a well-known and well-respected Peruvian poet, Ricardo Gonzalez Vigil, I was not able to do as well because I was not gifted with the ability to discuss poetry and academic subjects in Spanish. I was, it might be said, still learning to talk! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The semester abroad program and the administration of it met all of my expectations, and more! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing arrangements in Jesus Maria were wonderful. close to bus lines and shops, too. |
| * 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: |
I was sick for three days with vomiting and diarrhea after just a short while in Lima. I would advise students to be in good health when they travel abroad, so the stresses of the body's adjustments to the new environment are not overwhelming. |
| 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? |
If you are immersed in the culture that uses the foreign language, then your abilities with that language will naturally improve. I listened to the radio a lot, too, and bought occasional magazines and newspapers. I went to the theater and also went shopping. I tried to cook a meal for my host family, as a cultural exchange, and then there were conversations at breakfast every morning with the lady of the house, Ruby. I read hour after hour and kept a dictionary close at hand. Finally after about three months of my four-month stay, I was beginning to have dreams, even, in Spanish. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is a good idea to have studied the language of the host country at least five years before attempting to live there for any length of time. Be prepared to discuss and defend your religious and political beliefs, or lack thereof, with those who are curious. Remember that in many countries people marry at a young age, so the hosts may try to fix you up with someone. Do not knowingly break the law or sign any papers giving up your American citizenship, because you will probably want to come home, again! |
