History Study Abroad Programs in Peru

I actually can’t recommend this program enough. It seriously changed my life. First off, the staff from worldstrides alone should be enough to sell you. I felt more supported by the mentors in Lima then I did in my university in the states. Michelle and Christy are some of the most caring people I have ever met. They were incredibly helpful- I was absolutely sure I could ask them about anything and they would happily help. They went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience possible, from giving dance/surf class recommendations to accompanying a student to the hospital when they felt sick. My host mom, Doris, was absolutely spectacular. Not only was she so sweet and patient, she was also incredibly accommodating (and such a good cook). My roommates had dietary restrictions (One didn’t eat red meat, the other was lactose intolerant), and she worked hard to make sure everyone felt comfortable. She was so patient and helpful as we practiced our spanish. I still call her every other week! Besides the wonderful people involved, Peru as a whole is absolutely amazing. Go. Please. It has something for everyone. It’s one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, so the food is amazing. Worldstrides takes you on both included (Historical district, huacachina (with sand surfing)) and extra excursions. I was lucky enough to be able to go on the extra trips to the amazon (absolutely crazy), and to Machu Picchu. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Lima is an amazing city with so many events, you’ll never be bored. I did everything from attend an interactive spanish-adaptation of the broadway show “Next to Normal” (phenomenal), to participate in Miraflores’ community zumba classes, to go to a circus, to march in Lima’s pride parade, to fish for piranhas in the amazon. I did the 2-month summer program, and it was spectacular. The first month, I took classes at Cayetano Heredia- Medical Spanish and Community Health. Weekdays were sometimes a little long, but all the teachers were SO supportive and amazing. You get to learn from and shadow practicing doctors and see how healthcare works in Peru, which is a FANTASTIC experience! We even got the opportunity to run a simulated clinical visit with actual actors. The second month, we got to volunteer with Aprendo Contigo, an organization that works to ensure hospitalized children don’t fall behind in schoolwork. We got to have the chance to see what we learned manifest in real life and have real patient interactions. I left wanting to come back as soon as possible, and legitimately considered staying in college for an extra semester just to be able to stay for a whole semester.

I really loved my experience with Worldstrides in Cusco. The program staff was incredibly knowledgable about the topic material, and also very helpful with local things to do and get involved with. I really loved my classes and also the location in Cusco, where there was so much to do, especially as someone who loves hiking, being outside, and traveling. My professors were also really engaging and clearly really interested in the class material and enjoyed teaching us. Overall, I could not have asked for a program which better fit my own interests and created such a positive atmosphere.

There was so much provided with the program that made me feel very secure about my decision to study abroad with WorldStrides. For example, we had a very clear schedule and an overnight excursion to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu was included. I felt very safe the entire time I was there and knew that if I ever got sick or needed help the program leaders would be there to help me immediately.

I recently studied abroad for 5 weeks in Lima, Peru with WorldStrides. This experience genuinely changed my life, and the staff and accommodations provided to us by WorldStrides were a huge part of this. The on-site team was extremely supportive, and the additional trips planned by staff made my experience 10x better. I highly recommend using WorldStrides if you are considering studying abroad anywhere!

I felt supported throughout the program, and it was a great way to experience Peruvian culture. The housing location and free water were extremely helpful. Key tips: bring a hat, rain jacket, and sunscreen. A constructive note: managing food allergies (like my gluten allergy due to soy sauce in some Peruvian dishes) would have been very difficult without the assistance of a Spanish-speaking, gluten-free student. Overall, a genuinely valuable travel experience.

The directors were incredibly kind and helpful, actively encouraging us to speak Spanish and immerse ourselves in the culture. They made a great effort to ensure we met Peruvian people. A key benefit was connecting with students in my major and learning about Peruvian life. I highly recommend this program for studying abroad. A tip: Go to the beach and Paracas if you get the chance! Overcoming the challenge of speaking Spanish was worth it.

Cesar and Rodrigo were amazing! Cesar was extremely kind and helpful, and Rodrigo was fantastic, spending time with the group and making us comfortable. The biggest challenge was the language barrier, but it wasn't a major issue, as I was able to manage ordering and essential communication. The best benefit was the friendships made. I highly recommend Arcos for study abroad students. Live in the moment and enjoy the trip!

This program offers truly enriching experiences, including the opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture, language, and customs. I significantly improved my Spanish skills, allowing for basic conversations with native speakers. I highly recommend this program to prospective students. Tip: research attractions and seize every opportunity in Peru! Remember to bring toilet paper!

The Arcos directors were very nice and dedicated, caring for every participant. The housing was good, though the eggs looked slightly unusual. Be sure to bring your own toilet paper to Cusco and find altitude sickness pills. Altitude sickness was a challenge, but I valued the benefit of seeing my family again. This was a meaningful academic and cultural experience.

Cesar was very helpful, particularly when I felt sick en route to the airport. Rodrigo provided excellent advice and treated us like friends; the whole group thoroughly enjoyed his input and attitude. I highly recommend this experience for the new environment and great friendships you will make. Just be aware of the weather and consider using waterproof bags.

Arcos provided a perfect, immersive study abroad experience. The directors were excellent, even joining us on unscheduled events like the beach trip. While the language barrier was challenging at times, I strongly recommend reviewing Spanish beforehand. The program offered wonderful benefits, including meeting new friends and connecting with the local people.

I highly recommend this program! The Arcos directors Cesar and Rodrigo are fantastic. The biggest challenge was getting acclimated to Cusco, but the benefits of cultural immersion and learning more Spanish were invaluable, plus I earned course credit. I confidently recommend this for students seeking academic and personal growth. Tip: pack a laundry bag!

The directors were always helpful and excited to share their knowledge of Peruvian culture. I recommend this program! Be open to new opportunities. While the language barrier was initially challenging, it became easier over time. The benefits included making new friends and gaining more knowledge.

Arcos Learning Abroad in Peru is a truly amazing program! Both of my Arcos directors were great, and I have no complaints, only great memories. My main challenge was minor altitude sickness, but it wasn't bad. The benefits are countless—I recommend future students apply. Go!

Highly recommended! Step out of your comfort zone; most people are in the same boat. While the lack of downtime can be challenging, it is mostly a once in a lifetime learning experience abroad resulting in a new appreciation for a different way of life and new friendships.

I highly recommend the Arcos Learning abroad program in Peru for students interested in studying abroad—it truly is an enriching and life-changing opportunity in a very cool and interesting South American country that you might not otherwise have a chance to visit.

I spent five unforgettable weeks in Peru through the WorldStrides Community Health & Medical Spanish program at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. While living and studying in the Miraflores District this summer, I balanced classes with bonding with my host family and participating in social excursions. Academically, I learned so much. From the simulation labs with other UPCH students to the community clinical experiences at the Piedra Liza Health Center, the exposure to the Peruvian healthcare system was invaluable. Outside of the classroom, I made the most of my time in Peru. Notably, I tried various Peruvian dishes (with lomo saltado quickly becoming a favorite), took a cooking class, hiked Machu Picchu, cheered at a fútbol game, relaxed on a weekend trip to Máncora Beach with friends, rode horses, admired art and history in museums, and sand-boarded at the Huacachina desert oasis. This program challenged me to practice my Spanish daily, immersed me in a new culture, deepened my passion for nursing, expanded my professional network, and broadened my global perspective. I'm beyond grateful for this opportunity, and I will carry the friendships and memories I created during this study abroad experience with me forever.

During the spring Semester of 2024 I got the chance to study abroad with ISA in Cusco Peru. During my time there I stayed with a host family in their apartment. My host family only knew Spanish so I was lucky enough to get to practice my Spanish speaking skills with them. I also met my best friend in Cusco and became close with their host family also. Because I got to get to know all these people and me and my friend were both heritage speakers we got to have a very authentic experience. Despite Latin America being known as dangerous I never felt or faced any danger when in Cusco. The program was structured very well every day (except the weekend) we got to go to two classes and then during the afternoons we got to be independent and roam around the city to explore stuff on our own. In addition there were also days where our ISA professors would take us on field trips. For example one of our professors (professor alberto) took us to many different places such as saquesaywaman and San Pedro market. In addition the program also took us to Machu Picchu and Madre de Dios (a section of the amazon rainforest) For spring break me and my friend also got to travel independently to Lima and Paracas.

When I decided to study abroad in Cusco, Peru, I was nervous. It was my first time away from home, and I didn’t know what to expect. Being met at the airport by my advisors helped me settle in quickly. Soon after, I met my host mom and roommates, and I could already tell leaving would be hard. Cusco was a beautiful city, and people were open about sharing their culture. I took weaving and dance classes, visited Inca sites, and attended Inti Raymi. I also got altitude sickness hiking Rainbow Mountain, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the trip. I had a caring host family, helpful staff, and professors who knew their field. I built strong friendships and made lasting connections. Machu Picchu was incredible, but the real highlight was feeling comfortable and at home in a place so different from where I’m from.

Choosing to study in Lima was one of the best choices I've ever made. Peru is an amazing country with so much to offer from the jungle to the mountains as well as the coast where we stayed. ISA made everything so easy as well. There was always someone to contact 24/7 if there was a problem, they provided us with so much information like restaurants to go to and things to do as well as what to watch out for and what to do if you need help. The whole time I felt safe and looked out for. I really enjoyed living with a host family because they taught me so much about the culture and current events that I wouldn't have learned on my own. 10/10 experience that I hope everyone gets to have one day.