We have exceeded our capacity to accept guest students into Alma
College International Study programs. At this time only students
enrolled at Alma College may apply for admission to these programs.
To submit an application directly through the program provider, visit the Academia Latinoamericana's website at http://www.latinoschools.com.
Knowledgeable staff at the school will assist you with the application
process for direct enrollment in their program or in identifying a
suitable host institution as you pursue your interest in study abroad.
Alma College students: If you're interested in obtaining more
information about this or any other off-campus study location, visit
Off-Campus Studies in the lower level of the Kehrl Library, next to the
Registrar's Office.
Why Cusco?
Many people are drawn to Cusco because of its proximity to 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.
Cusco Application Deadline
Applications for off-campus study in the summer or fall semester
are due by the second Friday of classes in February. Applications for
off-campus study in the spring semester are due by the second Friday in
September. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Program Services
Program fees include pre- and post-advising, tuition, airport arrival,
books, private rooms and bath, breakfast and lunch, on-site
orientation, laundry, official excursions, an international student ID
card, handbooks, limited insurance, and permanent academic records and
an Alma College transcript for credit transfer.
Peru Dates, Fees, and Services
The School and Facilities
Located at Avenida el Sol 580, the Academia Latinoamericana is near
the main post office, Internet cafes, banks, money exchanges, etc. Only
four blocks from the school is the Plaza de Armas, a central meeting
area of Cusco and a great place to people watch. There are many
restaurants, cafes, cathedrals and museums nearby as well.
The school occupies a large building, directly in front of the most important site from pre-Colombian Cusco, the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun). The two-story building houses 15 classrooms, a video room, a full kitchen, an entertainment room and a sundeck. 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.
Admission Requirements
The Cusco program is open to undergraduate students of sophomore status and above. Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. A 3.0 GPA or equivalent and four semesters of college-level Spanish is required for internship applicants.
Program Services
Program fees include pre- and post-advising, tuition, airport arrival, books, private room, breakfast, lunch and dinner, on-site orientation, laundry, official excursions, an international student ID card, handbooks, and limited insurance.
Class Structure and Credits
Peru Academic Information includes language course descriptions, credit information, and placement test details.
Students should refer to the Academic Information Sheet for specific course descriptions and number of credits earned.
Following placement test and on-site orientation, students begin their language studies through classes offered in sessions Monday through Friday. Required textbooks are provided as part of the program.
All intensive language courses are in groups of four students maximum per class, 20 hours per week. Students can participate in the super-intensive program of 30 hours per week at an additional cost of $340 per month.
The highly structured grammar lessons include interactive activities, conversation and written exercises, daily homework assignments, and weekly evaluations and testing. All courses conducted in Spanish are 55 minutes in length. Classes are held in the morning or afternoon, leaving free time for cultural activities or half-day excursions. Classes end on the Friday prior to departure.
Internships
An internship complements classroom learning, provides chances to participate actively in an international community, furnishes valuable career insights and provides academic credit. Academic internships and volunteer programs are available during semester and quarter programs.
Interns are evaluated on-site and by the academic director and are graded based on a report of the experience written in Spanish. Most placements require that the student have a good knowledge of spoken and written Spanish while some placements require the student to speak the second language exclusively.
Participants enroll in classes in addition to their unpaid internship. Specific placements vary from semester to semester and new placements are regularly added to the list. Internship placements are not confirmed until after arrival. The internship program is the same price as a semester or quarter program.
Travel Documents
A passport is required and must be valid at least 180 days beyond the last day of the program.
A visa is required to remain in the country beyond 90 days. If a student visa is required, an application is included in the acceptance packet. Students apply for a visa at the consulate that has jurisdiction over the region in which they live. Regional consulates have different processing procedures for visa applications. The Peruvian Consulate issues either a multiple entry, which allows entry and departure from Peru many times during the stay, or a single entry visa, which allows entry into Peru and return to the U.S. The on-site Director should be contacted prior to travel outside Peru if a single entry visa has been issued. The Academia's Academic Coordinator and the Student Services Coordinator can answer visa questions on site.
Arrival Information
Plan on arriving in Cusco on the beginning date of the program listed in the acceptance packet. This is the date housing becomes available. Depending on departure and arrival times, it may be necessary for an overnight stay in Lima before taking a connecting flight to Cusco the next day.
An optional meeting/transfer service in Lima is available at an additional cost and includes Lima airport pick-up, transfer to hotel, one night in hotel, transfer back to airport, Lima to Cusco one-way airfare and Lima airport assistance. Contact the OCS if interested in this option. Students are responsible for costs associated with transfer and hotels.
Return the Airport Meeting Request Form to OCS in order to be met at the airport in Cusco. Fees associated with housing, board and transportation from the airport are the student's responsibility for those who choose to arrive prior to the first day of the program.
Students need to provide Alma College with their flight information at least two weeks prior to departure so that host families can be informed of arrivals.
Orientation
An on-site orientation program is held on the Monday after arrival in Cusco. Host families provide directions or will accompany students to the school. During orientation, a placement exam determines oral and written Spanish levels. Students receive information on courses, Peruvian cultural norms, the transportation system, Internet access, excursions, medical facilities, etc. A city tour is conducted in the afternoon. Students are notified of any additional visa requirements.
Administrative Staff
Alma College staff is available in the event of an emergency 24 hours a day. Students can call 989.463.7055 to reach an OCS staff member. The on-site Academic Coordinator is Carolina Perez. She is available throughout the program to answer any questions, and can be reached by calling from the U.S. 51.84.690.293.
Excursions
There are usually two-three organized activities per week. These might include city tours, cooking and dance classes, social gatherings, lectures and trips to museums. Students must pay for their own transportation, entrance fee, etc. Sometimes the school's professors organize weekend trips. A few gyms in Cusco allow short-term memberships for about $15 per month.
Vacations
Personal travel can be done on weekends but should not interfere with class work. Plan extended trips before or after the program or during vacation periods. Semester programs have a one week vacation from school. Dates will be provided upon acceptance to the program. Academic year students have a Christmas vacation from December 16, 2007 - January 4, 2008.
Computers/E-mail
Internet and e-mail access is not offered at the school. There is an Internet cafe, close to the school, and many more throughout Cusco. An hour of use will cost less than $1.
Transportation
Taxi fares are inexpensive in comparison to those in the United States but the exact fare should be agreed upon before getting into a cab. A frequent bus service networks the city. Transportation services are discussed during orientation.
Housing and Meals
All students are housed with host families. Living with a family teaches students about the non-academic aspects of Peruvian life. Participants should recognize that a certain degree of flexibility is required to adjust to the Peruvian customs and way of life.
Families are of Peru's middle class, although students should take note that 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. It should be noted that dinner is a light snack, such as crackers and coffee. Refunds are not given for meals not taken.
Students must provide their own towels. Laundry once a week is included in the program. Local or international phone calls from homestays are not permitted. Incoming calls are acceptable at reasonable hours, but should be discussed with a host family in advance.
Telephones
Telephone rates are extremely expensive in Peru. Collect calls can be made to the U.S., Canada and some European countries at the Telefonica offices. Students can send faxes and buy tokens and phone cards for international and long distance calls at the Telefonica offices.
The mail service has improved since a private company took control of the national postal system. For an extra 50 cents, letters can be sent "certified," which is recommended. Sending parcels abroad is expensive. To send parcels by mail to Peru, taxes can be up to 200% of the contents' value.
Family or friends should not send correspondence to a homestay address. Mail should be sent to the school at the following address:
Student's Name
Academia Latinoamericana de Espa ol
Casilla Postal 126
Cusco
PERU
Health Insurance
Limited health insurance is provided as a part of the program cost. It is recommended to keep existing
Alma Travel Agent
Airfare is not included in the cost of the program and all students
must purchase their own plane ticket. Students may purchase
airline tickets at rates below regular airline prices using the
International Student Identification Card provided with
the program. STA Travel Agency provides student discounts with the
card; view their website at www.statravel.com. Also
available for purchase at student rates are Eurail, Britrail, and other
country rail passes. Students may work with any travel agent to find
airfare. Travel Jems in
