Study Abroad Programs in Lima, Peru

The academic schedule for study in Lima runs from February till July (Semester One) and July till December (Semester Two). Many study abroad programs in Lima will run through Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru, which is one of Peru’s top rated institutions. Since Lima has such a high standard of education, it is possible to take classes in almost anything, but some programs will have one to two that are required, such as Peruvian Culture or something focused on service learning.

Archeology. Even those who don’t mean to will study archeology while studying abroad in Lima. Sites like Huaca Pucllana and others are located right in the middle of the city. You will walk by cultural sites that date back to 700 AD without even trying. The wealth of sites like these throughout Peru, such as Pisac and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu, have drawn archeologists and highly trained professors from around the globe. Archeology classes in Lima will include field trips within the city and nearby. You can even travel to Machu Picchu in a weekend using modern transportation, but for hiking there by an Inca Trail, you will need four to five days.

Human Rights & Urban Development. These both have particularly interesting roots in Lima. The reason Lima is such a chaotic city is that it grew far beyond expectations and at an unprecedented rate. The 80s and early 90s in Peru were tainted by heavy internal conflict. The Shining Path, a guerilla organization, gained popularity in rural areas and executed many terrorist attacks. The conflict between the group and the government resulted in the loss of many innocent lives mostly in rural areas. As a results, throngs of people moved from throughout the country to Lima, filling an already growing city. Lima is surrounded by “shanty towns” or makeshift villages many of which have their roots in this movement.

Education. The difference between rich and poor in Lima is stunning. Some neighborhoods have a limited water supply, unreliable electricity, and dilapidated and understaffed schools, while other neighborhoods have gated, shining schools, spas on every corner, and skyrise condos. The class system between European and native descendents still thrives. Anyone interested in Human and Civil Rights, Politics, and Urban Development will find themselves in a unique and fascinating environment, but education plays a fundamental role in all of these.