New places, new friends, new family Past Review
By A student (Economics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/21/2016 to 06/04/2016 with
SIT Study Abroad: Peru - Indigenous Peoples and Globalization
I learned that it is very important to have an open mind about everything. Studying abroad has taught me to try new things even if they are outside of my comfort zone (like trying a guinea pig). It was definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
All classes are taught in Spanish but it is easy to understand and get comfortable with. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family in a nice apartment in Cusco. |
| * Food: |
I ate most of my meals with my host family and my host mom was an amazing cook! I also took advantage of "menus" in different restaurants which are 2-3 course meals for 8-15 soles which is ~$2-$5 |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went to cultural events with friends from the program or with my host family |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Some students on the program talked about how their health issues weren't given importance by the program. |
| * Safety: |
They aren't lying during orientation when they tell you to guard your things and always be alert. Many students had their phones stolen, including me. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
Although I had a great time in Peru, I wouldn't choose the same program. Because of its structure, I wasn't able to meet many locals or travel out of the country. |
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) |
Everything is cheap in Peru |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20-$30 maximum |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Talk to locals to find out what the normal prices are for everything. Limit the amount of times you go to cafes. Keep track of how much money you are taking out each time from the bank. |
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 |
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| 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? | HISP 106 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Having a home stay really pushes you to go beyond your comfort level and speak the language the way locals speak it. |
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? | Anyone is welcomed to do this program, however it is best suited for those with a major in Anthropology, Sociology, Linguistics, etc. |
