An adventure filled eye opening experience Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 05/31/2015 to 06/09/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The Green Program helped me learn so much about Peru's culture, environmental problems and ways to use sustainability. The experience has inspired me to see that we can change the world through sustainable efforts. I went on the program with 10 strangers and came out with 10 new amazing friends! Also it helped me push further out of my comfort zone and experience things I would have never thought about experiencing. Green Programs educational model is by far different then what we are used to in the States, there I found amazing professors that were passionate about what they taught as well as a need to go beyond the class room setting and experience a little of what we were learning. By far one of the best trips I have ever taken.

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.

The Green Program's education experience it an eye opener. Professor's were very informational and passionate about environmental issues as well as sustainable energy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Got to experience different cultural foods in the country.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Program made you feel very integrated with the culture, from day 1 we were introduced with a class on the culture and history of Peru. Also we were constantly learning about the local people, history, cuisine, culture and languages of Peru. Learning was not the only objective but experiencing the overall culture of the area is what made much of the program stand out.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Altitude sickness is the main health issue where we stayed, which was Cusco, Peru. The program from the start informed us about this and gave us ways to help any symptoms. I was personally affected by this and was assisted by the program leaders very well.

* 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 trips initial costs include all meals, hotels, transportation and activities done on the trip.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100.00

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

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
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Learn basic Spanish.

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People on the trip
  • Community service project
  • Activities planned
* What could be improved?
  • maybe make program a little longer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much of a blast it was going to be!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.