Phase I: Orientation & Education | Phase II: Community Service
CIE Testimonials | Program Facts and Fees | About Peru

In the Orientation & Education Phase, you’ll receive an introduction to the cultures of Peru and be gradually immersed in them through activities taking place in both urban and rural settings. Structured individual and group experiences guide you through the process of acclimating to your new cultural environment. These learning activities support positive cross-cultural interactions with the community. Individual involvement is highly encouraged, and with the tools provided, you’ll be able to create your own unique immersion experience. This first phase is approximately one-third of your total journey, so that by the time you move into the Community Service Phase of the program, you will have a strong foundation of understanding for this unique culture and will feel comfortable, knowledgeable, and ready to make a real contribution.

Below you’ll find descriptions of each of the components you can expect on The Peru Cultural Immersion Experience program.

Home Stay in Cusco
One of the most effective ways of integrating into a new culture is through a home stay. By living as a member of a local family in Peru’s ancient capital city Cusco, you will gain unique opportunities to connect with people of the community on a very personal level. In our experience, the rewards of a home stay can be transformative and lasting. Our host families have been carefully selected to provide you with a welcoming and caring home environment that is clean and comfortable. Each family has a genuine interest in cultural exchange and at least one family member speaks English. During the time you live in Cusco, you will have easy access to modern conveniences such as email, phone, public transportation, a variety of shops and restaurants, and more.

Spanish Language Training
Language skills are one of the most useful tools for understanding many aspects of another culture. We offer an introduction to basic Spanish (or Quechua, for those who speak Spanish fluently) to all participants. You do not need any specific language skills prior to participating in the program. Classes are taught by a professional language trainer in our program classroom. Local people are eager to communicate with foreigners, and the home stay is a great place to practice your new language skills. Gaining even a basic command of the local language can open many doors of opportunity for contact with the Peruvian people.

Cultural Seminars and Current Events Discussions
At intervals during the course of the Orientation & Education Phase, we arrange for guest speakers to present lively discussions on subjects of interest related to Peruvian culture. Customs, religion, history, the arts, food, geography, education, and health precautions are among the subjects addressed. Whether in an urban or rural setting, we also have regular informal discussions about current events, which help participants understand the subtleties of the culture in the areas we visit. You are encouraged to delve deeper into topics of particular interest in the seminars and discussions.

Exploration of Cultural and Historical Sites
The alluring city of Cusco and the peaceful Sacred Valley of the Incas are home to a vast array of significant Incan and pre-Incan archaeological ruins and sacred sites. These include the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman (exemplifying some of the best Incan stonework in the country), the principal Incan Temple of Gold (known as La Coricancha , or Golden Courtyard, this is the most revered Incan temple devoted entirely to the Sun God, Inti), and the last stronghold of the Incas, Ollantaytambo (the only Incan location ever to have resisted attacks from the Spanish). In addition, there are prominent Spanish colonial sites such as the main church of Cusco, La Catedral (destroyed by many earthquakes but each time rebuilt using Incan stones) and the small but intricately appointed church of San Blas (located in the colorful and quaint artist’s community of the same name). These sites hold great significance in the history and culture of the Andes.

At the same time, Cusco is also a modern city, alive with art and music, bustling commercial centers and business development. Participants will be introduced to this exciting city and given the chance to explore all it has to offer.

Andean Music Presentation
Since ancient times, one of the important unifying strands in Andean cultural life has been its music. Music has always had both sacred and secular functions in Andean societies, and traditional music is experiencing a major revival among young people today. A special visit with a leading traditional music group from Cusco will help you understand the instruments and the themes behind the captivating music of the Andes. During this presentation, you will have the opportunity to interact with the musicians and ask questions related to your interests. In addition, you’ll have the chance to hear some of the best music that Cusco has to offer!

Village Home Stay
You’ll visit the agricultural community of Ollantaytambo to learn about village life in the Andes. During this multi-day excursion, you’ll stay with a local family; discuss the current events of the village; share local food and drink; participate in a ceremony honoring the Earth-goddess, Pachamama; learn to work the soil with oxen-driven plows; and much more. An English-speaking cultural interpreter will accompany the group to facilitate the learning process and aid in translation whenever necessary.

Educational Excursion in the Sacred Valley
Venture out to new parts of the country as we explore areas of cultural and historical significance by vehicle and on foot in the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas! Heading out from Cusco, you’ll find yourself traversing some truly amazing terrain as we approach the grandeur of the Sacred Valley. During this multi-day excursion, we learn first-hand about life in rural Peru and its history while meeting a variety of local people along the way. This is an intriguing and enjoyable way to reinforce and expand upon your urban learning experiences. The excursion includes activities such as exploration of significant cultural and historical sites, visits to colorful markets, lively discussions about current events in the region, exploration of traditional villages along the way, learning hands-on agricultural techniques of the Andes, preparing a traditional meal with local families, and overnight stays in a local home.

Adventure Trekking
After the educational excursion in the Sacred Valley, the group will have a grand opportunity to experience breathtaking landscapes on a multi-day adventure trek along the Inca Trail to the mysterious “Lost City of the Incas” – Machu Picchu. The trek offers an exciting and adventurous change of pace from that of the classroom and other urban learning experiences. It’s a time to put newly acquired skills to work to further enhance your understanding and appreciation of this spectacular land and its people. The trek is fully supported by an English-speaking cultural interpreter and a crew of porters and cooks. All meals and tents are provided.

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