A wonderful semester in Cusco July 13, 2026
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/13/2026 to 05/28/2026 with
SIT Study Abroad: Peru - Indigenous Peoples and Globalization
I learned much about the contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples in Peru and about Peru in general. I also learned how to conduct research in remote environments where technology is not as accessible. I gained many meaningful experiences, relationships and lessons.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This program is academically rigorous for those that are looking to learn Spanish. For Spanish-speaking students it is a great way to refresh skills and expand on current knowledge. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were all kind and helpful! However the director of the program had a blunt demeanor at times which affected other student's experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program administrators were helpful and directed me to the appropriate resources. |
| * Safety: |
Cusco is overall safe, just be aware of your belongings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This experience fulfilled many of my academic interests, but beyond that it fulfilled my personal interests and passions, which allowed me to grow as a person. I gained a profound appreciation for Peru and I hope to visit in the future. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20/week |
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 |
All the courses are in Spanish and discussions are a great portion of class. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | AP Spanish Language and Culture |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
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? | That not many students of color, first-generation students, or low-income students are studying abroad through this program, meaning that finding a support system within the program and cohort may be hard. It is important to establish and rely on your support system back home, because those identities may be emphasized when studying with people who have completely different experiences. |
