CIEE Language and Culture Program in Lima, Peru

  Peru

• Lima: 
Lima

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 20 weeks: late-July - early-December; Spring 20 weeks: late February- early-July

Description: The Language and Culture program strives for total cultural and language immersion. This is accomplished by providing students the opportunity to participate in an intensive language program before the semester begins and two semester-long Spanish language courses. Students also study and analyze Peruvian culture by taking two CIEE courses on contemporary Peruvian social reality and the ancient civilizations and historical events that have shaped Peruvian society. Careful selection of host families, cultural excursions, and volunteer opportunities also contribute to the students total immersion in local life here in Lima.

Academic Program
The Language and Culture program began in 2007. Designed for students who have had two to four semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent, the program provides an outstanding opportunity for participants 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 English-taught CIEE courses.

Academic Culture
All classes are taught by PUCP professors. Both the Spanish language and English- taught content courses are small in size, with five to 12 students in the language classes and 10 to 25 in the content courses. The classes encourage participation and active student engagement. Relationships with professors are respectful, but casual. Professors occasionally lecture, but prefer open discussions in which 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 late February and ends in early July, and the second semester begins in late July and ends in early December.

Highlights:

• Intensive, two-week Spanish language course prior to the regular semester
  
• Two semester-long Spanish language courses; and courses on Peruvian history, culture, and society, taught in English
  
• Peruvian homestay
  
• Extended field trip outside of Lima to a cultural and historical heritage site, such as Machu Picchu; visits to museums, theaters, and galleries; and excursions to such places as Lunahuaná, a town located in a river valley.

In addition, there is a longer field trip to give students the opportunity to explore the history and culture of Peru through lectures and tours by locals. This usually includes excursions to Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Other shorter excursions may include a visit to the archaeological city of Pachacámac and to Lunahuaná, a town in a river valley known for its natural beauty.

Community service and volunteer opportunities are available for interested students. Previous CIEE students have worked with NGOs in the areas of womens health, Afro-Peruvian human rights, education, and rehabilitation.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes