Peru

Program Details

Who am I?  
In what ways do I reflect my culture?  
How does culture shape who I am?

One of the most powerful ways to understand the relationships between identity, culture and community is to develop strong cross-cultural awareness. This program invites students to develop intercultural competency by participating in a semester long intercultural excursion to Peru.

Students will learn a great deal about the people, history & culture, language, and current health & education contexts of Peru. Some of the broad questions we will explore are: How has history influenced Peru today? For example, to what degree are Peruvians still processing the conquest of the Inca Empire by Spain? What are the repercussions of the Catholic Church’s past actions in Peru?  How does the Church influence Latin American identity today? How has colonialism influenced their history, economy, government and political systems? What is the continuing impact of the terrorist Shining Path insurgency? What is the current political and economic context of Peru? What is the state of health and education institutions in these countries?

Our learning will be accomplished through homestays, language study, field trips, regular lectures by experts, and reflections. Students will begin their study of Spanish and Peruvian culture for 6 weeks alongside field trips and other excursions in the city of Lima. Free travel time in the region will follow. Following our time in Lima we will explore Arequipa and Cuzco, two major South American cities with varied cultural histories. Students will have the opportunity to engage in work and service opportunities throughout the country. Our academic work will be centered on current and historical Peruvian experience through field trips and lectures, and service opportunities. A trip through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu will round out our experience.

Information

Seminar Leaders: Kristopher Schmidt, Biology/Biomedicine and Celia Vasquez
Estimated Cost: $2,500 (subject to change) plus tuition, room & board
Enrollment: 15 students

Courses

• CCSSC 201 Cross-Cultural Social Science: Peru (3SH)
• CCLNG110-322 Spanish Language (6SH) at level based on previous knowledge
• CCHIS 316 Religion, History and Culture of Peru (CIW) (3SH)
  This interdisciplinary course will emphasize the interaction between: Catholic, Protestant  and Indigenous faith expressions; the current political and economic climate; and local music, literature, and art.
• CCSOC 304 - Global Health and Education in Peru (3SH)

Immunizations

• Routine – MMR, DPT series with last booster within 10 years, IPV or OPV, Hep B, Hepatitis A, Influenza,  and Covid-19 as required for EMU enrollment.
• Typhoid – oral or injectable at least 3 weeks before travel
• In an effort to maximize the safety of our hosts and our students, EMU Intercultural Programs requires all employees and students who plan to travel for intercultural immersion, both domestic and international, to have completed their vaccination regimen for COVID-19 more than 14 days prior to travel. This requirement is effective Mar. 1, 2021. 

Routine immunizations and prescriptions may be obtained at EMU Health Services by appointment. 
Immunizations may also be obtained from your local health department or primary care provider.