Incredible times with incredible people! Past Review
By Katie P (Civil/Environmental Engineering, University of Louisville) - abroad from 08/13/2015 to 08/22/2015 with
The GREEN Program: Peru - Water Resource Management & Sustainable Practices
I gained skills in communication, teamwork and leadership. I was exposed to the environmental and social issues facing a new culture, and learned practices to improve the quality of life there. Finally, I gained a more humble perspective of life in the United States. Each of these were worthwhile, and I couldn't have asked for a better first international experience!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We were given the opportunity to take classes on the history and geography of Peru, as well as learn about the current environmental issues relevant there and sustainable practices that could be used to improve these conditions. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our tour guide and faculty members from Peru were incredibly welcoming and kind. It was obvious that they wanted us to have the best possible trip. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hotels we stayed at during the trip were spacious, welcoming, organized, with running hot water and free wifi! Definitely more than I was expecting traveling out of the country. And the free breakfast was just icing on the cake! which ironically was sometimes served at breakfast too :) |
| * Food: |
Each restaurant we dined at had plenty of options from which to choose. There were local foods (ceviche and lomo saltado) and also traditional dishes (pizza and spaghetti) for less-audacious eaters. All of the food was delicious! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were given plenty of opportunities to take park in local culture. For example, we got to learn the traditional salsa dance, play soccer with kids, and even dive into Peruvian nightlife! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program mentors asked us frequently how we were feeling and if we needed any remedies. Although I did not experience any health issues during my stay, there was a clinic available just in case. |
| * Safety: |
We did not encounter any safety issues during our trip. As always, it's best to travel in groups and communicate with others if you plan to explore independently. |
| 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) |
All of the expenses were covered in the cost of the program, which made paying for meals, travel, and activities a breeze! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50--The only money I spent in Peru was on souvenirs to bring home. |
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 |
We were given chances to practice our spanish and use spanish if we wanted to; however, it was not necessary to be fluent. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | High school spanish |
| 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? | The best way to refine your spanish is by talking to others IN SPANISH! The are plenty of opportunities to do this during the trip, like ordering your meal in spanish or talking to the tour guides. Furthermore, reading the street signs and local newspaper also give you more exposure to the language. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have known more about the weather so I could have packed smarter than I did. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
