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Program Terms
Fall
Spring
Summer
Program
Participants
Undergraduate
(College)
Graduate
(College)
Teenagers
High School
Parent and
Child
Adults
Subject Areas
Culture
English as a
Second Language
Spanish
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Quick Look
Location:
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu - Peru
Language of Instruction: English
Overview
 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 anyones 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 (ICA) 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.
Our program 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 Perus 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!
We offer summer (six-week) and extended (twelve-week) programs beginning in March, July, and September.
In the Orientation & Education Phase, youll 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, youll 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 youll find descriptions of each of the components you can expect on The Peru Cultural Immersion Experience program.
Home Stay in Cusco
Spanish Language Training
Cultural Seminars and Current Events Discussions
Exploration of Cultural and Historical Sites
Andean Music Presentation
Village Home Stay
Educational Excursion in the Sacred Valley
Adventure Trekking
The Community Service Phase provides a practical opportunity for participants to deepen their cultural immersion experience. By participating in individual community service projects with local organizations, you are empowered to further develop your relationship to the culture and its people while giving your time, energy, and skills to those in need. Having been prepared with the necessary knowledge of local customs and culture through the activities of the Orientation & Education Phase, you will put your language and cross-cultural skills to use while living and serving independently within a local community.
ICA is committed to assisting the people of Peru by providing willing volunteers to help in community service projects. Special relationships have been formed with a variety of individuals, non-governmental organizations and other community associations that allow ICA to offer meaningful community service opportunities for our participants. In order to create a successful experience for both you and the recipients of your service, it is helpful to have an attitude of respect, personal responsibility, maturity and a commitment to helping others.
Although the Community Service Phase of the program is primarily an individual experience, more than one participant may be placed at a particular site upon request. Depending on the particular service project, there may be volunteer(s) from other parts of the world serving alongside of you as well. The experience of sharing your skills and giving yourself to help others in need is a significant one. There is a tremendous potential for meeting people from other cultures, deepening your connection with the community, learning new skills and, of course, having fun!
Your skills and interests are taken into consideration when your community service project is organized. Final placement is dependent on the availability and needs of host organizations. Below, we describe various fields in which you may request to do community service:
Education
Teaching in public and private schools; tutoring students; assisting with teaching English; facilitating projects in environmental education, alternative sports, improved sanitation and hygiene; basic first aid training
Orphanages and child welfare
Providing hands-on care to children, including deaf/mute and the blind; teaching classes in English language, arts & crafts, music, etc; organizing games and other recreational activities; supervising field trips
Agriculture and farming
Assisting farmers with preparing, planting and harvesting their fields while imparting sustainable farming techniques and increasing subsistence and commercial yields
Environmental conservation
Helping to empower and educate communities to protect natural resources while improving their earning potential
Healthcare and nutrition
Serving in modern hospitals and clinics alongside medical professionals, early childhood development for the physically disabled/undernourished, providing professional services to women and children of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Childcare development
Providing in-service training to childcare workers on topics such as early childhood education, personal hygiene, health and sanitation and other general life skills
Elder care
Providing daily care for seniors, creating activities to inspire and brighten their day, promoting health and emotional well being with care and attention
Women in the economy
Assisting in the empowerment and training of women, helping to nurture their skills and confidence, assisting them in product marketing to create more financial freedom
General manual labor projects
Construction, carpentry, general maintenance and repair, painting, equestrian caretaker, and farming
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 its 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.
Eligibility
There are no special requirements to participate in this program. We are looking for individuals who are mature, respectful, responsible and looking for a more personalized experience, engaging with local people and getting involved in the local community. Minimum suggested age is 16. Open to all nationalities, all educational backgrounds, and all skill levels. Knowledge of the Spanish language is helpful but not necessary.
Housing/Accommodation
Homestay / Host Family
We have met and befriended all of the host families that we use on this program. In addition to having a genuine interest in learning about our participants, host families have been selected because of their willingness to share themselves and their own culture. Furthermore, our host families have the means to provide a comfortable, clean and compassionate atmosphere from which participants can discover their new cultural environment. Participants will stay with the same family through the duration of the program provided that their service project is located within Cusco and a short walk or taxi ride from their home.
Program Costs
Summer Program: $3050
Extended Programs: $4050
Program fees do not include international airfare and travel insurance, if necessary.
Costs
Include: All accommodations; most meals; community service project placement; airport transfers; transportation to and from all cultural & historical sites, village visits, etc.; bilingual educational staff, cultural interpreters and guides; all entrance fees for scheduled visits to cultural and historical sites; all group camping equipment (sleeping, cooking & toilet tents); all trekking & camping permits; pre-departure preparation services; complimentary ICA duffel bag; insurance assistance.
Dates
Summer (6-week) Programs:
July 1 - August 15, 2006
Extended (12-week) Programs:
September 13 - December 11, 2005
February 26 - May 26, 2006
All programs start and end in Cusco, Peru.
All flight arrangements organized by ICA.
Deadlines
Rolling admission until program is filled. All payments and forms due 60 days prior to departure
Contact
International Cultural Adventures
84 Bay Bridge Road
Brunswick, ME 04011
USA
Tel:
1-888-339-0460 or 1-617-916-5858
Email
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