International Programs

Lima, Peru. Thanks to its ancient cultures that go back 10,000 years and its rich tradition as the seat of the Spanish colonial empire, Peru is a country where history is alive. Peru is one of the few places in the world where new discoveries are being made about its past every day. The large and diverse waves of immigration from Africa, Asia and Europe, combined with its indigenous peoples, also make Peru a melting pot of world-recognized cuisine, music and dance.
Peru has one of the richest biodiversities on earth which includes the Pacific coastline, the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. In addition to its natural wonders, the country is home of many of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. From the remote and mystical Incan citadel of Machu Picchu to the ancient Incan capital city of Cusco high in the Andes to the jungle sites from the outpost of Iquitos, Peru is a treasure trove of archaeology and seemingly endless discoveries.
The importance of Peru extends beyond its historical significance. It is now a key strategic location in the Andean region of South America, comprised of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile. Peru has become, after years of instability, a model of stability and a source of new and exciting opportunities for students who are interested in immersing themselves in the richness of Latin American culture.

Classes and residences are on board the MV Explorer, a 590-foot ship made into a floating campus. There are seven decks, student residences, dining halls, a library, recreational facilities, and more. Check out the Semester at Sea website for more information!

Lima’s colonial legacy is reflected in the location of its main square on the banks of the city’s major river, in its numerous ornately constructed baroque churches, and in its historical homes with elaborately carved wooden balconies. A city of eight million, with neighborhoods sprawling out from the colonial center, Lima is peppered with archaeological sites. One need only to listen to Peruvian music, eat Peruvian food, and learn about its fascinating history and culture to observe the blending of indigenous, African, Spanish, European, and Asian cultures.

From your program base in the sacred city of Cuzco, you actively engage in Peru’s rich literary and artistic traditions through firsthand encounters with literary specialists, authors, artists, and artisans. Additional explorations in both the capital city of Lima and “revolutionary” Arequipa, as well as a rural home-stay with a Quechua-speaking family and a brief trip into the Peruvian Amazon are included.