Cusco, Peru: falling in love with the heart of the Incan empire Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was quite manageable. I was in advanced level classes (Indigenous cultures and regional literature entirely in Spanish) and my homework probably took only a couple of hours a week. There were weekly tests but I honestly did not need to do much studying. The classes were small; a maximum of four people and I really liked that. I got to know my teachers well even though I did not spend that much time with them. Class lasted about four hours a day and could be in the morning or evening. Either way, it worked around meals and there was a daily break. Teaching was generally done via lecture and discussion and assessment was weekly and for those students attending for credit, based on a final presentation and paper. I learned a fabulous amount about culture in Cusco via my classes and field trips and my teachers were very willing to tell me where else I should go and take me on field trips.

On-site administration of your program

Communication between the Academia and my university did not seem to be as smooth as I would have liked it to be and the Academia seemed pretty determined to get money from its students despite paying host families less than they should.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was treated as a guest; my host mother has probably had hundreds of students throughout her house but I felt comfortable. There was no curfew or anything; I was able to come and go as I chose and meals were hot and delicious. I had a very safe neighborhood and a relatively wealthy host family so I had free wi-fi, hot water, and my own bathroom.

The food is AMAZING. Peruvian cuisine is nothing at all like Mexican cuisine. It is delicious and I feel that it's something everybody can appreciate. If you are attending the academia, I recommend going to Meli Melo, the bakery directly across the street from the school and getting tres leches cake there (and trying just about everything else, yum!) I also MUST recommend getting choclo con queso, a sort of large kernel, sweet corn served with fresh queso serrano, a delicious handmade cheese. This can be bought on the streets hot for the equivalent of less than a dollar and is something all need to try. Remember, Peruvians eat cuy (guinea pig) so be wary of that. I personally did not try that but there are chances for adventurous eaters. The seafood is exquisite in some places, too, but I was not a huge fan of ceviche although I would say it's a must try. Pizza is delicious and fantastic; it's a lot healthier than what you're used to if you're coming from the US and is baked in large, traditional ovens. I'd say you can get pizza from just about anywhere. Food-wise, I would also recommend Paddy's pub on the plaza de armas and any/all small restaurants because the food is cheap and amazing!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My study abroad was during el mes de cusco, so there were festivals and celebrations the entire time I was there. There were parades almost daily with traditional costumes and dance from the youngest students to adults with their workplaces. I was also there for luz y sonido, the music/firework festival, Corpus Christi, the largest religious celebration in the entire city that features the parading of massive saints, Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun that is executed entirely in quechua and takes place at the temple of the sun, plaza de armas, and then at Saqsayhuaman. The festivals were amazing and crowded and gave me a fantastic sense of the vibrancy of the culture. Also, I took a weekend trip to Puno, las islas flotantes, Amantani, and Taquile and although it was absolutely freezing the time I was there I had an amazing time. We lived with indigenous families and ate entirely natural food, dressed in traditional gear for an evening dance, and learned a lot about new cultures. I LOVED this weekend trip and went through the Academia.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health or safety issues so I gave five stars. I know people that were robbed but that is the WORST that ever happens and the people who lost money or possessions generally did so because they were careless. If it is crowded, keep only things you can carry directly on your body and have your eyes on the entire night. Never carry a bag that can be snatched or something that can be slashed open. Take licensed taxis and you will have no problem. The people of Cusco are friendly and helpful.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Although everybody in the Academia was primarily an English speaker, teachers spoke entirely in Spanish. I spent a lot of time with fellow English speakers, but we had a lot of interaction with Spanish speakers in day-to-day interactions and practice at school was unbeatable.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family

• Culture / festivals
• Food / shopping / nightlife
• Opportunities to learn about indigenous culture

• Prices / organization of Academia outings