Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wakey Wakey! Past Review

By (General Engineering, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign) - abroad from 07/30/2014 to 08/08/2014 with

The GREEN Program: Peru - Water Resource Management & Sustainable Practices

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Peruvian and Incan culture. We were able to apply water sustainability practices in real settings and have outdoor lessons in the field. I made friends from around the country and world, and together we tackled some of the most adventurous activities I've had the chance to partake in.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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 upfront program cost was quite expensive, but worth it! Additional money was not necessary unless souvenirs and other specific drink/food items were wanted.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring cash to exchange or let your credit card company know and their are plenty of ATMs to take out money. Definitely required if you would like to buy souvenirs in the market.

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

Knowing the language was not at all necessary, but could be an added perk.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4-year in High School
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? Practicing/knowing the language was not necessary, but it was easy enough to engage in conversation with the university staff and locals if you wanted to practice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Adventurous
  • Educational
  • Cultural
* What could be improved?
  • Give prep info before visits
  • More food variety - less quantity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack layers for varying weather throughout day, bring cash to exchange.

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.