Description

In Cusco, LPI offers participants a 4-week language and volunteer program called LPI Global Impact, which includes two weeks of classes followed by two weeks of volunteer service. LPI students attend classes Monday through Friday, including Spanish Grammar, Conversation and Peruvian culture. Students will then engage in volunteer activities with local organizations in Cusco. Students will volunteer for 40 or more hours. Volunteer projects may include physical work such as reconstructing a school or building a playgroud and also social work such as youth outreach and education. Projects aim to help the local communities and will vary depending on the specific needs at that time.

Highlights

Excursions include:
* Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
* Lima
* Puno & Lake Titicaca
* Chinchero, Maras & Moray
* Aguas Termales Machacancha

Qualifications

LPI Global Impact Cusco places students in exciting environments where their abilities are tested. Throughout the program, participants will face situations that will be challenging - both physically and emotionally. These programs will put students face to face with the realities of Cusco while helping them grow personally through serving the local community. Although LPI will attempt to place students with organizations where their specific skills are utilized, this may not always be possible. Therefore, students must exhibit flexibility, maturity, a strong work-ethic, adaptability, and motivation. Furthermore, it is vital that participants and parents recognize that the service projects are designed to serve the interests of others, not the interests of the students. Open-mindedness and a willingness to serve are essential requirements. All LPI Global Impact students must have at least two years of high school Spanish or the equivalent and must demonstrate an acceptable overall academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA preferred). By the program departure date, students must be at least 15 years of age.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Language Immersion

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

4,300, see website for details

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Medical insurance
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Tuition
* Room And Board with Homestay
* Airport Reception
* Hotel & Ground Transportation
* 2-3 Cultural Activities per week
* Weekend Excursions
* Entrance Fees & Guided Tours
* Full-Time U.S. Staff & Resident Staff Abroad
* On-Site LPI Office with Computer Lab and Internet Access
* Academic Credits (Except during Spring Break)
* International Medical Insurance (USD500,000 coverage)
* Tutorial Assistance
* Language Exchanges when available
* Community Service Hours/Certificate

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

16-18 years old

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Scholarships are Available

LPI offers the Dr. Carlos E. Castaneda Memorial Scholarships seek to help those who may not otherwise be able to study abroad. Consideration for the scholarships is based equally on the student's scholastic achievements and their financial need. Three USD1,500 scholarships are offered annually, see LPI's website for more information.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Essay

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

LPI (Learning Programs International)'s Mission Statement

LPI, the high school division of International Studies Abroad (ISA) was established in 1989 to provide an academically challenging and culturally thorough study abroad program for U.S. high school students. Based in Austin, Texas, LPI reaches out to provide study abroad opportunities to students from across the United States. LPI works closely with fully-accredited foreign universities and the LPI resident staff in each program location in order to provide cultural activities, tutoring services, language exchanges, volunteer opportunities, and numerous possibilities for improving language performance. Through LPI, students are able to equip themselves with a working knowledge of a foreign language, earn college credit, experience another culture and explore the area around their program city through cultural excursions.

Year Founded

1989