A Cultural Immersion Experience in Peru

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Sep - Dec & Mar - May (12 weeks) / July - August (6 weeks)

Description: Live with local families! Serve communities in need! Study the language and put it to use! Learn about the culture experientially through seminars and local exploration! A comprehensive orientation sets the stage for a deep intimate cross-cultural experience. Make friends and make a contribution through this extraordinary immersion program in Peru.

Peru is a large and diverse country perched on the mountainous Pacific flank of South America. Within its borders are found an astonishing range of ecosystems. The ecological diversity of this magnificent country is reflected in the fascinating variety of its history, archaeology and culture, and in its warm, friendly people. A highlight of anyone's visit to this great country is Peru's most famous Incan site Machu Picchu, the mystical 'Lost City of the Incas'. Discover archeological relics of civilizations past, hike the impressive Inca Trail into Machu Picchu, and make friends with the interesting people that inhabit this enchanting land. Peru awaits you!

For those who would like to learn about this ancient land and its people and would like to experience a true adventure while doing it, International Cultural Adventures has organized a unique program of cultural exploration that allows participants to immerse themselves in the Andean cultures of Peru, providing enriching opportunities for life-transforming experiences. Emphasizing experiential learning, participants become intimately familiar with local communities of Peru by living together with host families, immersing themselves in the rhythms of daily life, and taking advantage of opportunities to give back through community service. Participants gain a deep understanding of this magnificent land and its people by engaging mind, body, and spirit in experiences that provide opportunities to learn, to educate, to serve, to inspire and be inspired, to have fun and to transform the experience into one that can have lasting impact.

The Peru Cultural Immersion Experience unfolds in two stages: a comprehensive Orientation & Education Phase followed by a Community Service Phase. The Orientation & Education Phase activities help you to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of your new cultural environment, while setting the stage for further immersion and learning in the second phase. The Community Service Phase allows you to get more involved in the culture by lending your time and effort in community service, while reinforcing what you learned in the first phase and exposing you to more intimate learning and cultural sharing opportunities.

The Peru Cultural Immersion Experience is rich with opportunity. The people and the cultures of Peru have much to teach. As a participant, you will have the chance to explore Peru's unique way of life, immersing yourself in the warmth of its people and in its legendary natural beauty. We feel confident that you will return from your Andean adventure with an enlightened mind, an enriched spirit and a greater sense of empowerment. Our goal is for each participant to complete the program not only with beautiful photographs and dirty laundry, but also with precious memories and heart-felt experiences!

Highlights: In and of itself, the Orientation & Education Phase exposes participants to more than even the casual tourist would hope to experience in and around Cusco. This exciting part of the program consists of activities that bring to life the complex cultural fabric of the Andes, woven by history, philosophies and customs. During this phase participants learn about various aspects of the culture, particularly as they relate to the last great civilization of the region; the Inca Empire. Activities include a home stay with a local family; Spanish language classes; cultural seminars; visits to significant Spanish colonial and Incan sites including La Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman and La Catedral; an educational trek on the Inca Trail into the mystical city of Machu Picchu; exploration of various traditional and modern markets; a visit to a local school to meet students and teachers; and much more.

Qualifications: There are no special requirements or qualifications for participation on this program. Knowledge of the Spanish language is helpful, but not required.

Cost in US$: $3900 (6 weeks) / $5225 (12 weeks)

Accommodations: One night at a Family Lodging home in Cusco upon arrival; With a local family in Cusco during the Orientation & Urban Education component; With a local family in Ollantaytambo during the Rural Education component; Tented accommodations on the Inca Trail trek; In the Cusco home stay after returning from the trek to Machu Picchu; With a local family in Cusco during the Community Service Phase

Transportation: Airport transfers to/from Cusco (2); To/from all sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley during the Orientation, Urban and Rural Education components; To the start of the Inca Trail trek; Bus between Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu ruins; From Aguas Calientes to Cusco, by train; From train station to Cusco home stay upon return from Aguas Calientes

Educational Staff: Spanish language instructor during the Orientation & Urban Education component; Educators for all cultural seminars; English-speaking cultural interpreters for all local exploration

Meals: Special welcome lunch upon arrival; Three meals per day at Cusco home stay; Three meals per day at accommodations in Ollantaytambo; Special dinner celebration with families at the end of Orientation & Education Phase; All meals during the Inca Trail trek

Associated Fees: All entrance fees to UNESCO World Heritage sites; All entrance fees for scheduled visits to cultural/historic sites; Inca Trail trekking & camping permits; Machu Picchu entrance fees (2)

INCA Trail Trek: English-speaking guide; Porters, cooking and support staff; Group camping equipment; sleeping, cooking & toilet tents)

Miscellaneous: Complimentary duffel bag; Comprehensive ICA Pre-Departure Packet, air tickets and travel insurance services

* Please note that we can modify various aspects of this program, including the addition of many exciting program components and the length. For even greater flexibility, please contact us about our Custom Design Programs to learn how we can help you develop a program specifically tailored to your individual needs.

Salary / Pay: Unpaid

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical candidates are truly interested in gaining an intimate understanding and appreciation of the Andean cultures of Peru by actively engaging with local people through home stays, language immersion, cultural education and individual community service projects. We seek individuals who enjoy being with other participants but who are not afraid to go over the cultural barrier that might otherwise be created by a group experience. The best candidates are open-minded, respectful of local customs and willing to get involved in a variety of cultural-sharing activities with the people of the Peruvian Andes. In addition, the program is ideal for those who want to improve their Spanish language skills in practical and meaningful ways.

Age Range: 16 and up

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

International Cultural Adventures's Mission Statement: Since 1996, International Cultural Adventures has been creating extraordinary cultural, educational and volunteer service experiences in Asia and South America. Our Custom Design Programs allow you to create a truly unique intercultural experience. Gain deeper insights into local cultures, enjoy rugged outdoor adventures, explore your own special interests, or combine them all in one enriching journey it's up to you! The Cultural Immersion Experience (CIE) is our comprehensive program offering participants a uniquely intimate and profound intercultural experience through home stays, cultural seminars, language training, educational excursions, village visits, adventure trekking, community service, and more. The CIE is for you if you feel motivated to gain a deeper understanding of a very different culture and of yourself! by living as a member of a local family, participating in experiential learning activities, and actively engaging with the local culture through community service. Our extended or short-term adventures take you into some of the most breathtaking areas on Earth including Peru, India, and Nepal. Explore our programs and explore the world!

Year Founded: 1996