In the Footsteps of the Inca

The Iowa Regents' universities offer a summer Spanish language and culture program with community development and service-learning in Cusco, Peru.

The Program

In the Footsteps of the Inca is eight weeks in duration. Students study Spanish intensively for seven weeks and engage in service-learning throughout the program. All participants live with a Peruvian host family selected by ProPeru and are provided with 3 meals per day and laundry service.

Itinerary: Students leave Iowa for Lima, Peru on May 22 and return home July 12, 2008. Excursions included in the program are to Machu Picchu and numerous Inca ruins in the Cusco area. An optional 4-day post-program excursion to the Peruvian jungle is not included in the program fee.

Academics: Students enroll in Spanish language courses appropriate to their level.  Up to 6 credits for Spanish language and Peruvian history/art/architecture and 2 credits for service-learning may be earned (8 total credits). Applicants should consult with their home university to find out how credits will apply.

Service-Learning: Students must be able to function in a Spanish-language environment. ProPeru will provide service-learning experiences at selected sites in consultation with community leaders to assess community assets and projects that they want us to work with them to accomplish. Assigned readings, group and individual reflection are included in the for-credit course in International Studies 420. A final project must be approved by the Program Director.

Program costs

$3,995 is the estimated program fee. Airfare to Cusco, Peru (not included in program fee) is about $1,200. A portion of your program fee goes to fund community development projects of ProPeru and their partner communities. Incidental and personal expenses need to be budgeted individually.

Please check at your home university for a final program budget, as additional study abroad fees apply.

Cost of the optional jungle excursion is approximately $500, including airfare from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado.

Peru overview

The physical and culture landscape of Peru is quite diverse. Participants are exposed to a wonderful people whose lives are full of intriguing beliefs and customs.

Peru's phenomenal landscapes (coast, mountains and jungle), colonial architecture, indigenous cultures, and the legacy of its ancient mysterious civilizations combine with an interesting political climate to offer an extraordinary context for learning. While there are many tourists in Cusco, our homestays and service-learning partners expose us to parts of the culture and people most tourists never see.

The city: Cusco - At A Glance

Known as the navel of the Inca Empire, Cusco has many museums, a lively central plaza, shops and restaurants. The city has an energetic feel despite its old-fashioned look created by the numerous ancient mansions and colonial churches.

The indigenous population maintains their history, customs, and colorful dress. Locals and visitors are attracted to the markets where food, textiles and other products are sold in barter fashion.

The school: Centro Bartolome de las Casas

The Centro Bartolome de las Casas (CBC) was founded in 1974 to provide space for Andean communities to get actively involved in their own destiny. The CBC has three main programs. These programs have been successful in educating and creating an ideal environment to further academic research and cultural interchange. Professors are native Spanish speakers with Masters or Ph.D. degrees and are faculty at the local university in Cusco.

Application and selection

Students must have completed at least four semesters of college-level Spanish with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Application deadline is January 20. Interviews will be conducted to screen for linguistic ability and assess service-learning interests. For students at University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa, interviews may be conducted by phone.

Students should ask their home university how to apply. ISU students complete the program application (.doc) by January 20, and submit it with 1) copy of AccessPlus transcript, 2) 250-word statement of purpose, and 3) two letters of reference to:

Study Abroad Center
3224 Memorial Union
Ames, IA 50011-1133
(515) 294-6792
studyabroad@iastate.edu

For more information

Please contact:

Nancy T. Guthrie
Study Abroad Adviser
Program Director
3224 Memorial Union
Ames, IA 50011-1133
(515) 294-6792 or 294-8036
nguthrie@iastate.edu