Project Summary

Go to Peru for a summer study and service abroad with Kaya and combine studying in Cusco with volunteering in the rainforest! If you want to get ahead in your studies, earn credit while learning about conservation efforts and research the impact on the Amazon of diverse recovery initiatives, this placement is for you.

You will spend five weeks in Cusco taking classes of your choice in either English or Spanish. During your time in Cusco, you will have the opportunity to learn the Peruvian culture while living with a host family and immersing yourself in the local customs and language. You will also be located close enough to the formal capital of the Inca Empire, and therefore will have the chance to spend your weekends visiting Machu Picchu, old Inca ruins and learn about the Inca influence on Peruvian culture.

After you complete your studies, you will transfer to the Peruvian rainforest to volunteer and learn about conservation efforts. There, you will live in a sustainable community and learn about environmental conservation initiatives in the rainforest.

Why choose this Study Abroad and Service?

This is a great opportunity if you want to earn credit, while practising a second language, learning local customs and culture, and especially if you want to enter the field of environmental conservation or sustainable development. While in the rainforest, you will work alongside researchers and local experts on sustainable land management and conversation. Examples of volunteering activities include pit falling, mist netting, mammal transects, bio-gardens, agroforestry, camera traps, vegetation mapping, butterfly netting, day transects, biomass project participation and reptile surveys. This is the perfect placement for those interested in environmental sciences, sustainable development or research as it will allow you to build your skills. Also, students with an interest in species’ protection and conservation research will enjoy this placement.

Which Classes Can I take?

During your time in Cusco, you will be able to take up to 2 courses including courses related to your major, or Spanish classes, depending on your interest. Some courses are taught in Spanish or English, and you will have the opportunity to choose the language in which you want to take the classes. The classes tend to be very hands-on and include field trips and visits to local establishments to make it more of a practical hands-on training.

Classes options for the Conservation track include:

• Biodiversity of Peru (3 credits)
  
• Environmental Sciences (3 credits)
• Gestión Ambiental – Environmental Management (4 credits)
• Socio-environmental Conflicts (3 credits)
• Language Class* (4 credits). You have the choice to choose from Beginner Spanish, Pre-intermediary Spanish, Intermediary Spanish to Advanced Spanish
  *You will be assigned a class level according to the results of your Spanish Placement Test (see more information under requirements).

If you wish to take a class other than a language class, please speak to your placement advisor, and consult the list of classes available with the conservation track here.

Following your 5 weeks of studies, you will have the opportunity to volunteer in the rainforest for a minimum of 2 weeks.

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