Learning and growing in Peru February 18, 2024

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

A lot of our educational experiences took place outside of the classroom, having presentations by leaders of indigenous communities and living with host families in different parts of the country. The intensity varies over the course of the semester but the overall structure ensured we were always immersed in cultural learning wherever we were studying. A unique academic aspect of this program was the culmination of our learning with a month long independent research projet.

On-site administration of your program

Anita, Julia and Cass were an amazing support system over the semester, guiding us with answers and advice in many different situations. They made me as a student very comfortable sharing my experiences with them.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Throughout the semester we lived with 3 different host families and a variety of hotels and hostels. My host families were extremely kind and helpful, opening their hearts and homes to me for varying lengths of time. I was always comfortable in my living arrangements and if there was ever an issue, I could always find someone to help.

The food in Peru is incredible and we got to try a lot of local cuisine living with host families and traveling throughout the semester. Most locations were very accommodating for the people in the program who had dietary restrictions and allergies.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with host families was the best way to ensure our integration with the local culture. We leaned so much from them and were often included in various traditions and celebrations. We also had a lot of time of our own to explore everything that was going on.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I learned so much while getting to live in such a beautiful place. I met so many nice and kind people who shaped my academic and personal experiences.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

We were given stipends for food, water and cell phone plans, but if you budgeted well, you could save some of the money to use for other cultural experiences.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans

• The variety of professors
• The other program members
• Living in Peru

• More pre departure communication
• More help going through customs on the way there

The Academic or Linguist