The University of Texas at Austin
I took 3 courses in my semester abroad at Pacifico: International Financial Management, Social Inequality in Latin America, and History of Colonial Latin America.
Aside from my classes, I played volleyball for the university. I enjoyed this a lot, and with bi-weekly practices I was able to make close friendships and enjoy traveling to other universities for games. I also played in the soccer “interargollas” during my semester. I met a group of girls that asked me to join their team, and we ended up winning the championship game! I got to know a lot of Peruvian students through this experience.
I think the most valuable part of my experience at Universidad del Pacifico was getting involved outside of just my classes during my participation in sports. Those experiences really helped me connect with students outside my classes and also make friends that weren’t just exchange students.
Since I had grown up in Peru as a kid, studying abroad felt more like returning home than anything you might feel in a culture shock. Things were definitely different than when I was a child, but because my family lives in Lima, it was easy to adjust to living in Peru, and I easily found my way around the city. There are also plenty of opportunities to refine any Spanish knowledge that you may have, and most people are very understanding and helpful if you are not completely fluent in the language. Because I like in Texas, Latin culture has been a constant part of my life. Perhaps students studying from Europe felt differently about the cultural experience.
My buddy was great! He was in his last year at the university, so he had a lot of experience and therefore advice on anything that I was worried about throughout my semester. We also hung out quite frequently, often eating lunch with some other exchange and Peruvian students.
I think if you are new to Peru, worried about classes, navigating the city, or just need someone to talk to, the buddy program is perfect for that.
If I had to recommend one thing to incoming students, I would have to tell them to be careful. Even though Lima is a great city, and the people are normally very friendly, if you are not careful it can be dangerous.
Never use regular taxi’s in the evening, and avoid using regular taxi’s during the day unless you have extensive knowledge of the city and the Spanish language. If you are traveling, keep track of all your possessions at all times, and try not to leave anything of value unattended!
About my courses.
I would not recommend International Financial Management for students who don’t have a stronger mathematical and analytical background. You can still do well and learn in the class if not, but it makes it easier. As for Social Inequality and History, both of those classes I would recommend for anyone majoring in anything. They are interesting classes that broaden your perspective on Latin America and give you a better understanding as to how Latin America and Peru have affected into global history and social change.
