Project Summary
Looking to fill up your summer with exceptional adventures while getting ahead in your studies?
Participate in our Summer Study Abroad and Service. It will allow you to earn up to 8 credits towards your university degree, give back to the local community by volunteering with Kaya for two weeks after your classes and live a journey of a lifetime discovering the beautiful hidden treasures of Cusco, Peru!
This Study Abroad and Service is the perfect way to avoid wasting the summer away by accumulating credits towards your degree while traveling and exploring the historic town of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Located close to the Machu Picchu, your weekend promises to be filled with adventures as you will be able to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After you complete your five weeks of classes, you will be able to volunteer within the community. You will be helping to make a difference to some less fortunate families while immersing yourself completely in Peruvian lifestyle.
Located close to the Machu Picchu, your weekend promises to be filled with adventures as you will be able to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After you complete your five weeks of classes, you will be able to volunteer within the community. You will be helping to make a difference to some less fortunate families while immersing yourself completely in Peruvian lifestyle.
Throughout the summer, you will have the option to stay with a homestay family or in student housing (extra fee applies) or a combination of both.
Why choose this Study Abroad and Service?
If you want to earn additional credits but the idea of staying on your campus back home for the entire summer is daunting, Kaya’s Summer Study Abroad and Service in Peru program is for you!
You can earn up to 8 credits during the summer while either living with a homestay or on campus. Your classes will be held in the heart of Cusco at Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola. You will have the change to immerse yourself into the local Peruvian culture for 7 weeks long. First, you will be interacting with local professors, local students and a local family if you choose to stay in a homestay. Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola attracts students from all over the world, so you won’t be alone! And after your courses are complete, you will also be able to give something back to the local community through your volunteering. Some of the volunteering might involve building greenhouses, or help cooking for a childcare centre, or assist in the delivering of educational workshops to educate the local community about a particular topic (nutrition, gender equality, microfinance), etc. This is a great and innovative way to build up your resume! Kaya placement advisor will work with you to identify the best volunteer opportunity depending on your skills and interests.
Which Classes Can I take?
You can take up to 2 courses during the Summer Study Abroad and Service in Peru program. The courses are available either in English or Spanish (depending on your level) and are very interactive as they include a variety of field trips with the goal to give a hands-on approach. You will be asked to take a Spanish Placement test upon arrival to evaluate your level of proficiency. Not to worry, classes are also available in English if you’re concerned your Spanish level is not going to “cut it”.
We have customized 4 different tracks for you including Health and Nutrition, Social / Art / Culture, Business / Communication, and Conservation. But you can also mix and match, depending on your degree requirements and interests. We can also arrange for students that want to dedicate their 5 weeks doing research. Please speak to your advisor for more information.
Click on the following links for the description of each speciality tracks:
Health and Nutrition
Social / Art / Culture
Business / Communication
Conservation
A full list of available courses is available here.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
REQUIREMENTS
The requirements to join the Summer Study Abroad and Service in Peru program are:
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Academic Reference
- Personal Statement
- University Application Form
- Official Transcript
A Kaya representative will contact you upon application to get these materials.
Shall you decide to take any Spanish classes, upon arrival, you will be required to take a Spanish placement test to be evaluated and placed according to one of the four categories: Beginner, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate or Advanced.
Intermediate Spanish is needed for topical classes.
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
The Location
Cusco is situated in the heart of the Andes at an altitude of 34 m.a.s.l (11,300 f.a.s.l.). Historically, the city is rich in heritage from the Inca Empire. The town’s architecture mixes Inca empire and Spanish colonialism, giving the city special attention from the tourists visiting every year to see Machu Picchu, located in the jungle. Machu Picchu is indeed located in the high jungle valley four hours from Cusco by train and bus. The monument is one of the most emblematic places on the continent of Latin America and is classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Cusco’s surrounding is impressive, as it is located between the Andean mountain ridges, only a few kilometers from the Amazonian rainforest, giving it a rich biodiversity.
Details & Costs
- Costs:
Study and Service: $4250* for 7 weeks with homestays (meals included)
or $4820* for 7 weeks in private student housing (no meals included)
*This program’s payment is only available in U.S. dollars - Dates: 2 start dates available in 2019
– 17th of May (deadline April 9)
– 28th of June (deadline May 27) - Take two courses (up to 8 US credits) at Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola
Option to make one of the classes a Spanish Language Class
What is included
Study abroad
- Tuition
- Accommodation: Homestay with a local Peruvian family for basic price, or option to stay in student housing for an extra fee
- Meals: 3 meals daily
- Airport pick-up and drop-off at Cusco International Airport
- 2 courses at Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola
- Course-related materials
- Welcome ceremony and orientation
- Site visits as part of the courses with hands-on fieldwork
- Internet access
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola University transcript
- 24 Hour support
Service Component
- Transfer to service site
- Accommodation: Homestay with a local Peruvian family for basic option
- Meals: 3 meals a day if staying with a family
- 24 Hour support from on-site coordinator
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
Gallery
Easy 3-step application process
APPLY ONLINE Click here to apply online and pay your deposit to secure your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW Once we’ve received your application, we’ll be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
GET PREPARED When you’ve been accepted onto your project we’ll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
HAVE A QUESTION?
We pride ourselves on providing you high quality placement information throughout your application process and whilst on the ground. Connect with us if you have any questions.
Combine study abroad and volunteering this summer in Cusco, Peru.
wishlistRemove from
wishlist
Combine study abroad and volunteering for a semester in Cusco, Peru.
wishlistRemove from
wishlist
Intern in a special education centre in Peru that supports children age 3 to 20 by providing them special education geared to their specific needs
wishlistRemove from
wishlist
Intern in a social centre that supports children and adolescents considered at-risk and help the NGO provide a safe and comfortable environment.
wishlistRemove from
wishlist