A very rich growing experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/19/2017 to 06/03/2017 with

SIT Study Abroad: Peru - Indigenous Peoples and Globalization

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really improved my Spanish, met some great people, and learned a lot about Peruvian culture and history

Review Photos

SIT Study Abroad: Peru - Indigenous Peoples and Globalization Photo SIT Study Abroad: Peru - Indigenous Peoples and Globalization Photo

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.

Everything is a little more difficult because it is in Spanish, but the work is not unreasonable at all

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family, they really helped me feel at home and learn a lot about Peru.

* Food:

All the food was good, but be warned: not a lot of vegetables and greens in Peru

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The most local integration I got was with my host family and local adviser

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program was generally pretty on top of health issues. I got food poisoning and they took me to a health clinic.

* Safety:

We had a few safety issues

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The program definitely had its difficult moments, but I learned so much about myself, traveling, Peru, Spanish, and the world as a whole

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)

The exchange rate was very good, I spent very little money all semester

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 10-15 dollars

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

The program expected a very Spanish-immersive environment, more so than I had realized when I applied

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? Spanish 104
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? Brush up on your skills before you come, expect to feel overwhelmed at first, but know you will improve a lot.

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?
  • The location
  • My host family
  • The people on my program
* What could be improved?
  • Safety
  • Transparency from the program staff
  • Consistency of lecturers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I would learn and how much a positive attitude helps shape an experience into something good

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.