Not for the academically inclined Past Review
By A student (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 03/11/2017 to 07/13/2017 with
Pontifical Catholic University of Peru / PUCP: Lima - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was worthwhile because I learned just how much academics mean to me and how grateful I am for my university back home. It has also made me more mindful of different perspectives on politics, religion, the natural environment, and economic inequality. As a liberal arts student, these perspectives have been meaningful and have encouraged me to further explore and incorporate these themes into my research. And, the travel was amazing. I will never forget those memories with my roommates.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although I learned to read and write more fluently in Spanish, I could have achieved almost the same grades without studying much. I studied only about 2 hours a day the entire semester ( whereas I study at least 4 hours each day at UT, not including 6-10 hours on weekends). Most learning was self- motivated as professors were not usually available for office hours and rarely offered resources to further learning about any topic. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Magdalena Del Mar was very safe and close to the university by bus |
| * Food: |
I am used to cooking for myself, so I did not always receive the nutritional quality I wanted in the house. I am also vegetarian, which my host family tried to accommodate for, but some days left me eating potatoes and rice. Luckily, the market is close by and food is relatively cheap in Peru. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Magdalena Del Mar is extremely safe, even at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
The low quality of academics, general lack of communication and engagement of most professors and students, and lack of opportunities for research, publication, and learning outside the classroom really depressed me. It made me feel that my peers were right- most people who study abroad here are just looking to party, mostly because there's not much to do academically. |
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) |
Since food was included in housing ($445/month to live with a host family) I never had issues with money, as it was cheaper than even cooperative housing at UT. This might be different for other students, as I rarely ever spend money on entertainment or other miscellaneous expenses. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $7 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Shop and eat at the market, and don't waste money on touristic restaurants/ supermarkets. It's not only a great way to practice your spanish and better integrate with the local culture, but the food quality is just better overall. |
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 |
No english speakers |
| 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? | SPN 356 |
| 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? | It was difficult to practice the language due to safety reasons (and because I am not generally a social person), but speak to those who live with you, use your language skills at the market, and keep a running journal or quizlet to keep track of new vocabulary. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had packed supplies to go hiking (boots, tent, sleeping bags etc.) as this proved to be the easiest and cheapest way to get to know new friends and see the country's natural beauty. I also wish I had known the academics were not going to be rigorous so I would have been more open to paying for classes outside the university (i.e. Portuguese, Salsa, Surfing etc. ... anything to occupy my time in a productive way). |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
