CIEE Study Center at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in Lima, Peru: Language and Culture

  Peru

• Lima: 
Lima

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 23 weeks: mid-July-mid-December; Spring 23 weeks: early February-mid-July

Description: The goal is for students to make progress in their Spanish skills through an intensive language program preceding the semester and two semester-long Spanish language courses. Students also study and analyze the construction of Peruvian culture through two CIEE courses on contemporary Peruvian social reality and the ancient civilizations and historical events that have shaped Peruvian society. The program strives for total cultural and language immersion through carefully selected host families, cultural excursions, and the Compañero PUCP program.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in Lima opened in 2007. The Language and Culture program affords students who have between 2 and 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent an opportunity to focus on Spanish language acquisition. In addition to Spanish language courses, students explore the nuances of Peruvian culture, history, and society including issues of mestizaje, ethnic identity, politics, globalization, and development through the English-taught CIEE courses.

Academic Culture
All classes are taught by professors at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. Both the Spanish language and English-taught content courses are small in size, numbering between 5-12 in the language classes and between 10-25 in the content courses. The classes encourage participation and active student engagement. Relations with professors are respectful but casual. Professors occasionally lecture, but prefer open discussions where students voice opinions and ask questions. Participants do not directly enroll at the PUCP.

The first semester of the Peruvian academic year in Lima begins in March and ends in mid-July, and the second semester begins in early August and ends in mid-December.

Highlights:

• Intensive, 4-week Spanish language course prior to the regular semester and two semester-long Spanish language courses focusing on conversation and composition
  
• Specially-designed courses on Peruvian history, culture, and society, taught in English
  
• Peruvian homestay, city-based cultural activities, and weekend excursion
  
• Longer field trip outside of Lima to reveal the diverse cultural and historical heritage of Peru

Cost in US$: See below for CIEE Fees

The CIEE fees for 2007-08 include tuition, optional on-site airport meet and greet, fulltime leadership and support, housing, all meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required: yes