
Program Components
Comparative Religion
Gain insight into Andean cultural and religious worldview, Amazonian traditions and practices, and the spiritual syncretism between pre-colonial belief systems and Christianity.
Development Studies
Engage with issues in resource management, modernization and globalization, indigenous movements and political representation, urbanization and rural poverty, environmental conservation, and community and sustainable development.
Focus of Inquiry: Regional Seminar
Examine land use and relationships, social and political activism, globalization, and indigenous identity and representation. Curriculum also delves into the cultural, social and political background of South America, including Incan culture and the role of the Spanish empire.
Homestay
Enjoy a five-week homestay in the Sacred Valley of Peru and also shorter homestay in a small community outside of Cochabamba in Bolivia.
Independent Study Project (ISP)
Typical ISP projects include studying sustainable agricultural techniques, Andean folk weaving, or learning to play the charango. Other opportunities might include looking at topics such as politics or ecology. This academic course also includes a semi-independent, two week period for students to deepen their Independent Study topic.
Language Study
Study the Spanish language intensively while in an extended homestay environment. In addition to the 60 contact hours, students have additional opportunities for language immersion throughout the program.
Learning Service
Embrace opportunities for community-led service engagement. Past projects have focused on sustainable agriculture, collaboration with local NGO's and community initiatives, and arts-based activities with urban youth.
Rugged Travel
Immerse yourself in homestays with limited or no amenities, walking in high altitude mountains and humid rainforests, and lengthy travel by boat, bus and/or truck.
Trekking
Participate in multi-day trek circumnavigating the sacred Mount Ausangate in Peru and other possible day-hikes. Wilderness exploration also includes travel through rural and remote areas of both Bolivia and Peru.