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Peru – Summer Cultural Exploration

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Explore

Your study abroad experience begins in Cusco, whose Incan-built stone walls attest to its long history. Our unique program combines local exploration, participation in community service projects, and intensive Spanish language classes. Studying and immersing yourself in the Peruvian culture will improve your Spanish skills and challenge you to learn in diverse settings. In Cusco – considered the "Navel of the World" because of its centrality to the ancient Inca empire – you will focus on Spanish language and excursions to inspiring natural attractions and ancient archeological sites. Then you will put your new Spanish skills into practice in Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to many of the most stunning and intriguing ruins left by their great civilization.

You will work side-by-side with Andean villagers on important sustainable development projects, helping to make a lasting difference in local Peruvian communities. The entire experience will be capped by a visit to the Incan city of Machu Picchu, one of the most amazing archeological sites in the world.

Learn

From Cusco to Machu Picchu this unique study program will introduce you to modern and ancient Peru. During your time in Cusco, three hours of daily Spanish language studies (matched to your skill level) will complement and enrich your introduction to Peru. Then you will expand on classroom instruction through hands-on projects and immersion in the local culture. Sustainable development projects such as those undertaken by the Willka T'ika Children's Fund support educational and hot meals programs in the remote villages of Patakancha and Kkapakmachay. Through interactions and project work in such communities, our students will not only be taken back in time to experience firsthand an unfamiliar culture and way of life, but they will also learn the true value of their newly acquired language skills.

Volunteer Projects

Once familiar with Peruvian culture from your time in Cusco, you will travel to and live in mountain communities near Urubamba, the hub of the Sacred Valley. The Quechua mountain communities of Patakancha and Kkapakmachay are nestled high in the Andes at an elevation of 16,000 feet. Traverse rugged mountain roads past breathtaking scenery on your trek to villages that have been virtually untouched by the modern world. At the end of the road, hike to the remote community of Kkapakmachay, where learning will come alive as you work side by side with Quechua Indians to help the local communities. Through recent efforts of the Willka T'ika Children's Fund these remote communities now enjoy housing for teachers who previously could not stay in the villages to teach the local children. Hot meal programs now in place provide much-needed nutrition to youngsters who sometimes need to hike 2 hours to get to the local school. Your work on these and other projects will have a lasting and positive impact on the sustainable development of these small communities.

Accommodation

While based in Cusco you will have the opportunity to stay with a host family. Homestays allow for a deeper immersion into the local culture and provide invaluable contact with native Spanish speakers. Your host family will provide you with breakfast and dinner each day. During weekend excursions, shared hotel and/or host family accommodations and most meals will be provided. For your 2 weeks of sustainable projects and field studies, shared hotel and/or camping accommodations and most meals will be provided. Alternate housing arrangements can be made during the 2 week on-campus portion of the program (e.g., guesthouses or student apartments).

Travel

Explore the historic Incan capital city of Cusco, the pre-Incan ruins at Pisac, the spectacular Moray salt flats, the last Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo and the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. While hiking the winding paths of the high Andes, you will spend your nights in remote local villages and interact with indigenous peoples who live much as their ancestors have for hundreds of years. Explore small villages along the mighty Urubamba River and snake your way on a scenic train down the majestic river valley to Aguas Calientes. A highlight of your experiential learning is a trek to Machu Picchu, once considered an elusive, mythical Incan fortress that stands as one of the world's most magnificent archaeological wonders. Through this experience, come to understand how in-depth study of this and other ancient sites in the Sacred Valley has expanded our understanding of the powerful impact a people's natural surroundings have on the development of their culture.

Requirements

• 14-17 years old
• 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
• Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences

Program includes:

• Round-trip airfare from a major international airport near your home (in the continental U.S.) including domestic and international flights
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Homestay with a local family during first week of Spanish classes, dorm stay during service project and accommodations during adventure portion
• Intensive Spanish language instruction four hours per day, Monday through Friday of the first week with dance and cooking classes in the afternoons
• All excursions in the Adventure Travel portion
• Student health and accident insurance
• 24-hour emergency assistance
• Pre-departure and in-country orientations
• Pre-departure and in-country orientation
• Supervision, guidance, and support during the application process and throughout the program including an Intrax On-Site Coordinator
• Intrax Study Abroad T-Shirt
• Intrax Study Abroad Student Handbook

Program does not include:

• Passport and any applicable visa fees
• Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing, internet, calling card, optional activities)
• Any other item not specified

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