Semester in Cusco

Program Information

Immerse yourself in Spanish in Cusco, affectionately called “the belly button of the Incas.” On the Semester in Cusco program, you’ll quickly learn why this great city is a World Heritage site visited by millions of travelers every year.

While studying for a semester in Cusco, you will study at a satellite campus of the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, a university based in Lima. The small, beautiful campus is centrally located so you can explore Cusco, the center of modern indigenous culture in Peru. Take courses in the history of the Incas, photography, or biodiversity in English also with your Spanish-language classes.

The impressive Sacred Valley – Imagine a region filled with stunning mountains, Quechua-speaking communities, and llamas. You’ll get to explore this diverse region’s salt flats, market towns, ancient ruins, and more.

Immerse yourself in Spanish – The way to learn Spanish is to immerse yourself in it, and that’s just what you’ll do during your time abroad in Cusco.

Machu Picchu – This famous site was recently picked as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Come discover why! It’s all a short, inexpensive trip from downtown Cusco, and we'll take you there.

Highlights and Excursions

  • Excursion to Machu Picchu
  • Beautiful Sacred Valley with ruins, market towns, mountain hiking, and more
  • Spanish-language courses at all levels
  • Students from around the world
  • Classes in diverse subjects in English
  • Superb university

Housing

  • Private room in La Casa de Don Ignacio, w/ private bathroom and wireless

Curriculum

On Semester in Cusco, you’ll take up to 5 courses, a combination of Spanish-language and Peru-focused courses taught in English. All levels of Spanish, from beginner to advanced, can be accommodated. The classes are highly interactive, and the field trips built into the curriculum will help you gain a true understanding and appreciation of this magnificent area.

General Course Guide:

Spanish (Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced)

You'll develop the language skills you will need to express ideas and understand everyday events and needs. 

History of the Inca Civilization (English)

Learn the prehistory of Civilizations in the Central Andean region, with critical and updated opinion about the studied historical periods and the great Inca Civilization. 

Contemporary Society and Culture of Peru (English)

Peruvian society has undergone a series of transformations enriched by Andean, Occidental, and Amazonian traditions.  These transformations will be addressed from historical, anthropological, and sociological perspectives. 

Biodiversity of Peru (English)

Peru's astonishing biodiversity puts it among the top 12 most bio diverse countries in the world.  This theoretical course will focus on developing the skill needed to analyze and value the components of biodiversity.  You'll identify the potentials of this biodiversity and the tools needed for its sustainable use and conservation. 

Inca Architecture (English)

This amazing course will develop knowledge of, as well as interest in, the concepts, techniques, and architecture and urban management of Andean society represented by the Inca culture. 

Art and Design in Cusco (English)

The course is aimed at critical analysis of the history of Cusco's art from a visual perspective, creating new spaces for reflection.  Artistic expressions from the different periods of its cultural development are studied and interpreted, within the framework of their particular contexts of time and space. 

Photography (English)

While in Cusco, you'll take hundreds of photographs.  In order to have the best shots, you'll learn the photographic production process, including the study of visual treatment, lighting and mastery of digital photography resources.  You will take the best photos of Machu Picchu, rivers, churches, and archaeological sites, markets, and people, using the appropriate composition and measures. 

Latin American Literature (Spanish)

This theoretical-practical course develops the skills you need to read critically and value Latin American literature through detailed analysis of poetry and novels. 


Campus Setting

 

Small city

Average Course Load

5 courses (15 US credits)

GPA Requirement

2.5/4.0

Language of Instruction

English and Spanish

 

Program Dates

Spring 2012:

Orientation: Jan 20
Classes End: May 15

Fall 2012 :

Orientation: August 18
Classes End: December 10

Program Fee

$8,990*

*Cost may change at any time due to current exchange rate.

Included

  • Excursion to Machu Picchu
  • Tuition
  • Housing and some meals
  • Pre-departure and onsite orientation
  • Airport pick-up
  • Medical & accident insurance

How to Apply

  • Fill out the IEP Application and review information on the Apply page.
  • Pay a $200 deposit to International Education Programs.
  • Send an official transcript from your home institution to the address below.

Send the above materials to:

International Education Programs
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd North
Gooding 105
Jacksonville, Florida 32211