Peru's breathtaking landscapes, mysterious ancient cultures, and present day cultural diversity capture the imaginations of visitors from all corners of the globe. The country stretches from the equator in the extreme north to the rugged deserts in the south where Peru borders Bolivia and Chile. The Andes run through Peru north to south, dividing the country into three distinct geographical regions and hundreds of microclimates. Humans have inhabited Peru for thousands of years, and the country has been home to some of the most advanced civilizations in the world. Present day Peruvian culture is shaped by the rich heritage of the ancient civilizations in combination with recent influences from Europe and East Asia. Peru's recent history has been shaped by dictatorships, political upheaval, and economic hardships. Despite daily struggles, Peruvians tend to be optimistic and warm. Family and friends are highly valued, and small gatherings tend to quickly turn into lively impromptu parties.

ELI's programs are based in Lima, the Spanish capital on the Pacific Ocean, and in Cusco, the Incan capital high in the Andes. Volunteers in Lima will experience the excitement of living and working in one of the largest cities in South America. From the colonial streets of downtown to the chic high-rises of Miraflores, Lima has adventures for almost everyone. Volunteers have the opportunity to learn firsthand about day to day life in Lima through working with organizations devoted to serving street children, domestic workers, and migrant workers.

Cusco is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas, and is a premier destination for world travelers. Bits of conversations in languages from all over the world echo through the narrow streets built by the Inca over 1000 years ago. Volunteers have the opportunity to experience Cusqueño life on a deeper level than most travelers through living with a local family and working with local organizations devoted to education, child welfare, and community development.

Peru is a geographic wonderland with three distinct areas- a sprawling coast line, the soaring Andes, and the winding Amazon. As a student with Global Studies Abroad you will be able to explore this ancient culture while improving your Spanish and earning up to 16 credits at the Universidad San Ingnacio De Loyola (USIL).

Our program is based in Lima, the Spanish capital of the Pacific Ocean. Lima is the largest city in Peru and has some of the friendliest people in the world. In Lima you can explore colonial streets and architecture alongside modern skyscrapers. There is a wealth of culture to absorb during your semester in Lima with countless museums, bookstores, sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and festivals as rich in culture as they are in color.

We offer semester programs to students of all levels of Spanish language. Students can study hospitality and tourism, culinary arts, international business, arts, marketing and communication. All classes are taught in English and some Spanish.

Application Fee: $100
(refundable only if we are unable to find a placement that matches your request)

Program Includes:

* Pre-departure information
* Pick up from the airport in Lima or Cusco
* Orientation
* City tour
* Volunteer Position
* Accommodation
* Breakfast and Dinner each day
*24/7 emergency service

Program Does Not Include:

*Round Trip Airfare
*Return Trip to Airport
*Required Travel and Medical Insurance 
*Travel Within Peru

Accommodations:

Volunteers in Peru stay with local host families.  ELI truly believes that this is the best way to fully immerse in another culture and get the most from an international experience.  All families are carefully screened and are well-respected members of the community. Host families do not speak English, creating a full immersion environment to help participants improve their Spanish language skills.  Participants will have either a private or shared bedroom with secure storage (volunteer must provide own padlock).  Bathrooms are shared with the host family.  Volunteers will be provided with breakfast and dinner daily.

Spanish Classes

Spanish classes are not included in the program fees but can be set up either at a language school or with a private teacher. The cost of language classes vary depending on the type of class and number of class members.

Arrival Dates

Participants should arrive on Saturday or Sunday. Other than this, the arrival dates are completely flexible.

In December, we ask that participants not arrive December 22-28. This allows our coordinator to spend the Christmas holiday with her family.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. We prefer to let participants decide what kind of coverage they need. Please see our FAQ page for information on travel insurance.

All prices are listed in US Dollars. The program fees reflect the costs ELI faces when setting up a program. We work hard to keep our costs as low as possible. ELI is a registered 501(c)3 non profit. US taxpayers may be able to deduct some or all of the program fees. If you are outside the US and wondering what these costs translate to in your currency, click here for an online conversion tool that will give you the approximate current exchange rate.