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High School Study Abroad in Peru

In Quechua, the language of the lost Incan Empire, Peru means “Land of Abundance,” a description that fits this country perfectly. The vibrant capital, Lima, is nestled in beside the Pacific Ocean, while the city of Cusco sits amongst the sprawling Andean highlands, as they sink into the secretive depths of the Amazon Rainforest. Sound intense?It is. Peru gives a whole new meaning to the idea of ethnic and geographic diversity. For high school students with a taste for adventure and a thirst for unique cultural exchange, Peru is ideal. Delve into Inca mysteries, community projects, and the Spanish language; you can do all this and more through nearly any high school program in Peru.

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Latest Program Reviews

My favourite thing to talk about

by: ruby forsyth - CanadaProgram: GLA Peru Programs for Teens
10

Saying I loved my GLA experience is an understatement. I would say it has been my most life-changing, impactful and unique experience to date, and I find myself reminiscing and reflecting on it often. I was reluctant to go at first, I’d never travelled alone or been to South America, I wasn’t a sleepaway camp kid either, so this was very out of my comfort zone. From the very first dinner we had together, my leaders were welcoming, supportive, and authentic, they made me feel so included and comfortable with a new and unfamiliar environment. My local leader was knowledgeable about the area, and answered all the questions I had which allowed me to have a new perspective on my environment. Throughout the 2 weeks I was on the program, we spent 4 days in clinics, shadowing medical professionals, visited Machu Picchu, went whitewater rafting, and explored Cusco. My favourite part was the clinic days, although I wish we could’ve done more than just 4 days. This was where I could do my most hands-on work, and see the impact I was making in real time. Connecting with patients I was treating - despite our linguistic and cultural differences – was so special, it truly changed my life. While I was initially worried about the language barrier, I was quickly shocked at how easy it became to collaborate with others despite linguistic barriers. The doctors and patients were flexible and patient with me, and tried their best to help me when I was confused. At the end of the 2 weeks, I was shocked at the amount of spanish I had learned, including complex medical related phrases too! When I got home I was able to show off my skills to my whole family who were all pleasantly shocked at how much I’d learned. I also had the wonderful opportunity to spend lots of time with the children of the villages, who were so funny and kind. They welcomed us into their homes so graciously, played games with us, and gave me the most loving goodbye hug I’ve ever received. Talk about amazing, Machu Picchu was breathtaking. We had a knowledgeable guide to share his insight with us, which made the experience so unique and special. On our journey to Machu Picchu, we got to explore the towns of Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. On top of all the amazing planned experiences, we also had plenty of time to explore Cusco and all it has to offer. Some evenings, if we weren’t too tired from the day’s activities, we would go on a walk around the city. We wandered the streets, markets, and town square. These activities gave me time to bond with others in my group, and build friendships. Some of my favourite memories come from these impromptu outings. In 2 short weeks, I made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, and to this day I wear a matching bracelet bought at San Pedro, Cusco’s famous market, with my best friend from the program. I am endlessly grateful for the learning, growth, and experience I had with GLA, it was truly life-changing in the best way possible.

A Guide to High School Programs Abroad in Peru

Locations

Stretching along the western coast of South America, Peru is the third-largest country in the entire region. But, what makes Peru a captivating destination for high school programs abroad? The Andes Mountains slice through the middle of the country, splitting it into two very different, independent cultural regions. In the north, around Lima, you will encounter modern Peru at its finest. Alternatively, in the southern, high-altitude region that encompasses Cusco, you can discover ancient traditions, which have survived for thousands of years.

A starting point for many high school programs in Peru, and an excellent base for learning about present-day Peru, is the modern, thriving city of Lima. One of the largest cities in South America, Lima combines the colonial charm of its historic city center with internationally renowned cuisine. Added to this are exciting opportunities for cultural and language exchange with the large number of young Peruvians that call the capital city home.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Peruvian experience, then you may be interested in the historically important city of Cusco, perched high in the Andes Mountains. Once the capital of the Incan Empire, modern Cusco is a fascinating and visually stunning city, where crumbling ruins stand shoulder to shoulder with colonial Spanish architecture. Many high school programs in Peru spend at least some time in the nearby Sacred Valley, where students can live and work alongside locals. Situated on the doorstep of Machu Picchu, Cusco is the perfect environment for students who want to absorb Peruvian traditions, experience the relics of distant cultures, and learn a new language.

If both of the latter cities sound great, but you’re worried about staying in touch with family back home while you’re away, rest assured that Peru has come leaps and bounds in terms of internet access in both cities. In some rural places, communication can be a little tricky, but living off-grid for a few days will give you even more time to explore this amazing country and truly experience the Peruvian way of life.

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