Unexpected Pandemic! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Educational experience was great. I learned so much and was very grateful for the experience.

On-site administration of your program

The staff were amazing, but there were certain issues that could have been treated better. For example, the medical help could have been better as there were several students, including myself, who got sick, and did not all receive adequate services.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was very beautiful and peaceful as it was in the middle of the forest. However, the inside was dirty at times (understandable due to environment) with adequate resources such as bug netting around the bed and available water to brush teeth. There was also places to study and to eat, but one did not get much privacy.

Food was amazing!! The cooks there were so good, and could explain what you were eating very well. Additionally, food accommodations and restrictions were treated very well, with many options and consideration. (vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, lactose intolerant)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Social and Cultural interaction was great. Not only did we get to meet many communities across Peru, we also were involved with the nearby communities in staff where we played volleyball, soccer and danced. Additionally, we also had Eco club where we reached science concepts to the nearby kids.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Like mentioned earlier, there were certain health issues that were not treated the best. A student got a parasite and lost a loved one at the same time, and it was very hard for her to continue class. Although proper help was provided, there were issues with her expectation of classwork. Similary, I ended up getting sick during a boat trip and did not have much energy. Even then, I was encouraged to go out int he field while still participate in my classwork. Another student also got sick on this trip and had to get fluids. The problem was more of the accommodations of classwork for those that are sick rather than the actual medical help.

Although we were in a relative dangerous environment, the program did a good job at keeping us safe both in the forest and in the cities. We took precautions such as wearing wide pants and shoes in the evening for snakes and such. There were a couple incidents but there was always attention.

Yes, but I would not go back if I knew it would come with the pandemic. It was amazing, but we missed a lot of amazing field trips.

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

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• Dorm
• Hotel

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• Americans
• International Students
• Other

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The environment
• The kindness of the people
• The food

• The mental health resources on campus

The Avid Adventurer