Don't Be A Guinea Pig Past Review

By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/30/2018 to 05/09/2018 with

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Peru – Amazon Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I gained confidence in myself and my abilities, learned more about what I want from a future career, learned about other cultures and perspectives, and it was incredibly worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

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?	Big issues addressed promptly; little issues brushed off by staff. Staff handling health not professionally equipped to do so. Not really their fault, but the program's-- there needs to be a nurse on campus, at least part time.
* 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 only problem is there's no way to use credit cards locally, and no ATMs. Must stock up on cash on the 3 periods away from campus.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Weekly, next to none. On mid-semester break, quite a bit

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?	Intermediate
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?	202
How many hours per day did you use the language?	0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Try to practice with your peers at meals. That's the only way, the program won't make you

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* 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?	field trips classes Peru's environments
* What could be improved?	organization communication between students and staff health
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Bring more than 2 pairs of field pants