Once you go Green, you'll never go back! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found the educational service provided by the Green Program to be absolutely exceptional. Each day we were given incredibly engaging and interesting lecturers by the charismatic Professor Oscar Ortega, who encouraged all students to offer their solution to current problems, often triggering intellectual debates on the best way to tackle some of the major issues facing our generation. But the learning extended far far beyond the classroom, on the same day as each class, we would participate in a relevant excursions, such as visits to waste treatment plants or hydroelectric facilities. We were actually the first group of students EVER to gain access to a large hydroelectric plant adjacent to Machu Picchu. These excursions gave us students the opportunity to gain hands on experience of what we had learned in the classroom, and quiz industry professionals to gain a fuller understanding of the field. I found this to be particularly beneficial to my learning. Sometimes in education you find yourself learning things to recite for a test, but never fully understanding it, but on the Green Program you are immersed in your learning, and by the time you leave you feel ready to offer your own solutions to problems which are being debated by leading industry experts. 4 and a half stars, because there is always room for improvement!

On-site administration of your program

The teaching of the program took place at the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola in Cuzco, Peru. From the very first day we were made to feel welcome by the staff at USIL, and what was most refreshing was their genuine excitement to have foreign students studying at their university. The program was incredibly well organised, with field trips tying in directly to classes, and the professionals showing us round their facilities shared the same enthusiasm for teaching foreign students as the professors at the University, which made the experience all the more enjoyable. Professor Ortega was one of the best teachers I have ever had, he keeps you on your toes throughout his lessons and encourages forward thinking from his students. The Green Program not only teaches you scientifically and socially, it teaches you had to conceive and develop an idea in a professional way, which I think is one of the most valuable lessons that can be learnt.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in a small hotel about 10 minutes from the University. The rooms were spacious, very clean with comfortable beds. I shared with three other students, but there were smaller shared rooms and a couple of single rooms available for those uncomfortable with sharing. The hotel provided a great environment for us to meet and get to know each other, with open lounge areas. There was wi-fi and computers made available, and all the staff were very friendly. Breakfast was served each morning, and my only small complaint would be the lack of variety at breakfast, but other than that exceptional!

Wow! Each day we were given lunch and dinner options (most of the time 3 courses) by our wonderful guide Magaly. There was plenty of local cuisine to try, along with more familiar options for those less adventurous. The Peruvian food was delicious, with Alpaca steak being my personal favourite! The Green Program is not just an educational package but a cultural one also, and each night we ate in a different location, listening to live Peruvian bands, drinking the local drinks and eating the local food, which made the experience all the more complete!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

100% integrated. It's very easy on these programs to feel like a complete tourist, but the Green Program doesn't do things the touristy way, they do it the Green way! Led by our guide Magaly, we adventured through some of the lesser known spots of Peru, avoiding the tourist trail and learning about some incredible culture. We hiked down a railway line towards the unique scenery surrounding Machu Picchu, which was one of my highlights of the trip. Through plant visits and excursions we were able to meet and speak to local professionals who gave us great insight into the lifestyle of Peruvians and the issues they face as a nation.The Green Program allows you to see the real Peru on your own educational adventure.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There were only a few minor incidents on our trip, but first aid was administered immediately by our fully qualified counsellors. The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink, but the Green Program advise several products which you can purchase back home to get around this problem, so no health issues arose from this.

The Green Program is definitely an adventure, so you have to be willing to leave your comfort zone! I must say however that the safety aspect was absolutely spot on. All activities are tailored to be thrilling but also professional so students never feel unsafe. The counsellors provide excellent advice for how to stay safe in the city,and we managed to go the whole trip without any major incidents!

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

Most of the expenses were included in the Program Fee, all meals and drinks at meals are included, so the amount you spend really is up to you. I spent around $150, which was spent on our visits to the local market and drinks on nights out, but the program is action packed enough that you could get by with a very very minimal budget.

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• Hotel

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• International Students

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• International Students

• The Captstone project
• The adventure! Hiking, ziplining, rafting, hot springs etc, etc!
• Being surrounded by forward thinking ambitious individuals

• The one overnight bus ride from hell, which I believe they are changing for next years program
• The time, I wanted to stay for longer!
• Assistance with flights - for future programs, it would be good if other previous students flight paths and costs were made available for reference

The Networker