CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Lima, Peru

  Peru

• Lima: 
Lima

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 20 weeks: late-July-early-December; Spring 20 weeks: late February-early-July; Academic Year 52 weeks: late-July-early-July; Calendar Year 42 weeks: late February-early-December

Description: The Liberal Arts program is designed to help students refine their Spanish language skills through language courses, to enhance students understanding of contemporary Peruvian society through the CIEE core course, and to meet their diverse academic interests through direct matriculation at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. The program strives for total cultural and language immersion through carefully selected host families, cultural excursions, and volunteer opportunities.

Academic Program
Established in 2007, the Liberal Arts program is ideal for intermediate or advanced students who have had at least five semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent and wish to continue their language study by enrolling directly at PUCP alongside Peruvian students. In addition to direct enrollment courses, students explore Peruvian history, mestizaje, ethnic identities, globalization, poverty, and Perus modern culture through the CIEE Peruvian Social Reality course and CIEE cultural activities. All courses are taught in Spanish.

For academic year students, it is possible to obtain a Peruvian Studies Certificate issued by Pontifícia Universidad Católica del Perú by studying and passing several courses in the fields of humanities and social sciences that focus on Peru.

Academic Culture
Emphasis is placed on memorization and note taking in most classes. It can take a while to learn how to study effectively in the Peruvian system, especially in terms of acquiring reading material and knowing what professors expect. The relationship between professor and student is more formal than in the U.S. Class size ranges from 20 to 100 students, with classes averaging 20 to 30 students.

Peruvian students begin their academic studies at PUCP by fulfilling their general education requirements, which takes approximately two years. They then enroll in more focused academic courses in their specialized field of study for three years. Courses outside of the general education requirements are equivalent to upper-level courses
in the United States.

An academic year program of study in Lima can begin either during the North American fall or spring semester. Academic year students who begin during the North American fall semester have a two-and-one-half month break between semesters and are encouraged to participate in the CIEE Study Center in Guanajuato Mexico. There is a break of about two weeks between the spring and fall semesters. Note that the intensive, two-week language course is not required of academic year students during their second semester.

The first semester of the 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 four-week language program prior to the start of the semester
  
• Wide range of course offerings at a prestigious Peruvian university
  
• Unique CIEE core course on contemporary Peruvian society
  
• Peruvian homestay
  
• Extended field trip outside of Lima to a site of cultural and historical importance; visits fo museums, theaters, and galleries; and excursions to such places as Cuzco and Lunahuana

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

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 5 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent
• Spanish language course within the past year recommended

  This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

  Typical Living Arrangements :

  Home-stays

  Participants Travel to Peru Independently

  Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

  Scholarships are Available. We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

  Application Process Involves:

  • Letters of Reference
  • Other
  • Transcript
  • Written Application

  CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

  Year Founded: 1947