Study Spanish and Intern in Peru
What can I study?
Learn Spanish through highly structured grammar lessons, interactive activities, conversation and written exercises, daily homework assignments and weekly evaluations and testing. Classes are held in the morning or afternoon, leaving you free time to explore the city or take or half-day excursions.
If you are a high level Spanish speaker, hone your language skills through an internship, provides chances to participate actively in an international community, furnishes valuable career insights and provides academic credit. Academic internships and volunteer opportunities are available during semester and quarter programs.
Why Cusco?
Many people are drawn to Cusco because of its proximity to the Machu Picchu ruins and the Inca Trail. Due to the high elevation, it is cool at night and sunny but cool during the day year-round. However, this can be a great excuse to seek out the many markets selling the beautiful wool sweaters and textiles for which the country is renowned. Surrounded by the wealth of its Inca history and offering the comforts of an internationally known town, Cusco truly is an exciting place to learn Spanish.
The school occupies a large building, directly behind one of the most important sites from pre-Colombian Cusco, the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun). Classes are held in rooms decorated with typical Peruvian “artesania.” Students from the U.S., Canada, Holland, and other parts of Europe attend the Academia Latinoamericana, with North Americans making up 40% of the student population.
What are the requirements?
- Sophomore status
- 2.5 GPA
- For internship applicants, a 3.0 GPA and a minimum of four semesters of college-level Spanish is required.
Where will I live?
You have a chance to explore the Peruvian culture by living with a host family. Families are of Peru’s middle class, but living standards in Peru are generally lower than in Europe or North America. Homes are located in neighborhoods usually no more than a 10-minute bus ride to school. Three meals per day are included and dinner is usually a light snack, such as crackers and coffee. Laundry once a week is included in the program.
What do I need?
A passport is required and must be valid at least 180 days beyond the last day of the program.
A visa is required for student travel to Peru.
How much will it cost?
Program fees include:
- Pre and post-advising
- Tuition
- Room
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Official excursions
- Airport pickup
- On-site orientation
- Limited health insurance
- International student ID card
- Handbooks
Summer Programs: You will pay the tuition, room, board, academic fees and a $500 summer enrollment fee. You may choose program length from one to four months during the months of May, June, July and August.
Semester Programs: You will pay published Alma College tuition, fees, room and board.
How do I get started?
To begin the application process, visit the Academic and Career Planning Office (basement of the library). All applications are submitted to each program through the ACP Office on the student’s behalf.
