Program Details
- Location:
- Cusco, Peru
- Program Type:
- Study Abroad
- Degree Level:
- Undergraduate
- Term:
- Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester
Program Overview
- Program Description:
Cusco is a unique blend of ancient and modern, as the city that is now a tourist hub was originally established by the Inca and built up by the Spanish colonials. This vibrant, high-elevation city provides the perfect setting for you to study abroad in Peru. Start getting excited about: Traditional Peruvian culture and a rich history - Cusco retains much of its legacy as the center of the impressive Incan civilization, as they consider it the "belly button of the world." Incan influences are still very much present today, as many locals adorn the colorful outfits, speak Quechua, and maintain many customs and beliefs of the ancient Inca. Museums, libraries, and archaeological sites relating to the Inca abound in Cusco and surrounding areas. Incredible sights - Cusco is in a high valley, flanked by arguably the most beautiful mountain range in the world. The climate is delightful, the sun is bright, and the people are warm and welcoming. This region is home to amazing landmarks like Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and is also filled with beautiful mountain views, traditional Quechua communities, llamas, salt flats, market towns, and ancient ruins. A quaint program focusing on Spanish language and Peruvian culture - The program takes place at a small satellite campus of a Peruvian university, developed specifically with study abroad students in mind. You can study Spanish language at any level and choose from a variety of courses focused on Peru's history and culture. Both classes and extracurriculars will take you out to explore the city and the many archaeological sites.
On Semester in Cusco, you’ll take up to 5 courses, a combination of Spanish-language and Peru-focused courses taught in English. All levels of Spanish, from beginner to advanced, can be accommodated. A placement test taken when you arrive in Peru will determine the best language course for you. The classes are highly interactive, and the field trips built into the curriculum will help you gain a true understanding and appreciation of this magnificent area.
If you've ever wanted to study abroad in Peru, then check out our Semester in Cusco program! Here are a few of the key highlights that make this program unique. Beautiful Sacred Valley with ruins, market towns, mountain hiking, and more Study Spanish in the Andes: Spanish-language courses at all levels Students from around the world Classes in diverse subjects in English Superb university Strong on-site support from the University staff Great, inexpensive Andean cuisine, including local specialty cuy (guinea pig!) The Cusco region has more than 2,000 types of potatoes to try! Heart of the Incan and other pre-Hispanic empires Colorful indigenous and religious festivals
- Setting Description:
- Cusco is a traveler’s favorite, and we know you’ll love it too. But unlike the typical traveler, you’ll have the opportunity to make Cusco your home for a full semester. Although Lima remains the official capital of Peru, Cusco was recently designated the historical capital of the country for its glorious past as the center of Incan civilization. UNESCO declared the city a World Heritage site in 1983, and you can easily see why: the legacy of Incan culture is readily apparent in the stunning architecture of the city, as well as its demographics. Peru is a highlight of South America for its diverse landscape of jungles, beaches, and mountains, as well as for its friendly people, delicious Andean cuisine, fun cities, and remote villages. You will love listening to Andean flutes, staying warm with alpaca sweaters, eating healthy quinoa soup, cheering on the Cienciaro futbol team, learning salsa moves, exploring the hippie San Blas neighborhood, volunteering locally, walking on cobbleston
- Cost:
- For current prices and dates please visit the CISabroad website.
Additional Program Information
- Scholarships:
- Yes
Program Reviews
Overall Rating
Based on 3 Reviews
- My time in Peru02/05/20
During my four months in Cusco, Peru, I was able to gain experiences and memories I never thought possible. I studied abroad with CISabroad as my program, and the support I received was amazing. Every question I had before leaving for my trip was thoroughly
answered, and I felt more than prepared. While in Peru, I loved being able to take courses that were drastically different from those that are traditionally offered here in the U.S., such as Healing and Shamanism. I was able to travel all over the country and experience different ecosystems including the desert in Huacachina, the Amazon rain forest in Puerto Maldonado, the coast in Paracas, the cloud forest at Machu Picchu, and various Incan ruins throughout the country. We also hiked (all the way up to 14,000 feet!), went horseback riding, and volunteered at schools, an animal shelter and an orphanage. I think the best part about studying abroad is learning to love the culture shock and being in new situations you may never have thought you’d be in but are so glad you had the privilege to experience. Overall, studying abroad was one of the best experiences of my life.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Life Changing Experience03/14/18
My time abroad in Cusco, Peru was absolutely life changing. I learned so much about the culture and myself. I grew as a woman and I cannot be more thankful for the experiences I had abroad. My program was through CISabroad. CISabroad was an absolutely
amazing provider. I felt safe knowing they had an onsite director in the city I lived for four months. I felt secure about the insurance that was provided within the program cost, so when I got sick I knew I could go to a local clinic. CISabroad offered three trips, including a trip to Machu Picchu, within the program price, thus I did not have to do a lot of personal planning for those three trips. I really enjoy that CISabroad offers an alumni program afterwards, where alumni can get paid for doing activities. The program has allowed me to better understand the workings of study abroad programs. The culture shock was definitely a thing. In Cusco, you cannot drink out of the tap water, thus I had to become accustomed to paying for water all of the time. Luckily, water was very inexpensive. The way of life was much more different than in the United States and it took me a couple of months to get used to it, nevertheless, once I became accustomed to it, I felt I was at home. Some of my greatest memories while abroad was when I spent time with fellow CISabroad students and our program site director. We went out to dinner and talked about our experiences, concerns, and needs. Overall, this program was an amazing experience for me and I know that for many others, it was a great opportunity as well. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is searching for adventure, learning, and growth!!
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Perusing Through Peru09/06/17
My study abroad in Cusco, Peru was nothing short than incredible. I stayed with a host family who had two young boys--Santiago (2) and Facundo (8). They became my little brothers and when I had to leave, four months later, it was just like leaving family.
My campus was small; with about 9 students. I enjoyed this because we all became very close and had many wonderful experiences together. There were a wide variety of courses that were available. I chose classes ranging from Contemporary Peruvian Society to Traditional Medicine in the Andean Region--needless to say, I was very happy with my choices. It is crazy how much more one can learn when they are surrounded by the topic they are learning. Even now, I think how crazy it is that my campus was built on a palace of a past Inca king. HOW WILD!! Peruvian dishes are to die for!! While some are on the more exotic side, like guinea pig, chicken is a very popular dish. I looked forward to every meal I had!! The excursions were magnificent--Machu Picchu, the Amazon River, Lake Titicaca, etc. I was visiting places I had never dreamed possible! On a more personal level, I cannot fully articulate into words how much this experience changed me for the better. As I was leaving Peru on my last day, I started thinking of myself--my attitude, thoughts, and actions--I could not even recognize that girl. I was stunned to think someone I was four months ago was a stranger to me. I grew from being this insecure, worrisome, obnoxious girl into an confident, empowered, level headed woman. Studying abroad (ANYWHERE) helps you broaden your horizons and grow into the person you were always meant to be. Cusco, Peru has and always will have a special place in my heart.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend