12 week cultural immersion experience, Peru

Peru is a large and diverse country perched on the mountainous Pacific flank of South America. Within its borders are found an astonishing range of ecosystems. The ecological diversity of this magnificent country is reflected in the fascinating variety of its history, archaeology and culture, and in its warm, friendly people. A highlight of anyone’s visit to this great country is Peru's most famous Incan site – Machu Picchu, the mystical 'Lost City of the Incas'. Discover archeological relics of civilizations past, hike the impressive Inca Trail into Machu Picchu, and make friends with the interesting people that inhabit this enchanting land. Peru awaits you!

For those who would like to learn about this ancient land and its people and would like to experience a true adventure while doing it, International Cultural Adventures has organized a unique program of cultural exploration that allows participants to immerse themselves in the Andean cultures of Peru, providing enriching opportunities for life-transforming experiences. Emphasizing experiential learning, participants become intimately familiar with local communities of Peru by living together with host families, immersing themselves in the rhythms of daily life, and taking advantage of opportunities to give back through community service. Participants gain a deep understanding of this magnificent land and its people by engaging mind, body, and spirit in experiences that provide opportunities to learn, to educate, to serve, to inspire and be inspired, to have fun and to transform the experience into one that can have lasting impact.

Our program unfolds in two stages: a comprehensive Orientation & Education Phase followed by a Community Service Phase. The Orientation & Education Phase activities help you to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of your new cultural environment, while setting the stage for further immersion and learning in the second phase. The Community Service Phase allows you to get more involved in the culture by lending your time and effort in community service, while reinforcing what you learned in the first phase and exposing you to more intimate learning and cultural sharing opportunities.

The Peru Cultural Immersion Experience is rich with opportunity. The people and the cultures of Peru have much to teach. As a participant, you will have the chance to explore Peru’s unique way of life, immersing yourself in the warmth of its people and in its legendary natural beauty. We feel confident that you will return from your Andean adventure with an enlightened mind, an enriched spirit and a greater sense of empowerment. Our goal is for each participant to complete the program not only with beautiful photographs and dirty laundry, but also with precious memories and heart-felt experiences!

ORIENTATION AND EDUCATION PHASE

In the Orientation & Education Phase, you’ll receive an introduction to the cultures of Peru and be gradually immersed in them through activities taking place in both urban and rural settings. Structured individual and group experiences guide you through the process of acclimating to your new cultural environment. These learning activities support positive cross-cultural interactions with the community. Individual involvement is highly encouraged, and with the tools provided, you’ll be able to create your own unique immersion experience. This first phase is approximately one-third of your total journey, so that by the time you move into the Community Service Phase of the program, you will have a strong foundation of understanding for this unique culture and will feel comfortable, knowledgeable, and ready to make a real contribution.

Home Stay in Cusco

One of the most effective ways of integrating into a new culture is through a home stay. By living as a member of a local family in Peru’s ancient capital city Cusco, you will gain unique opportunities to connect with people of the community on a very personal level. In our experience, the rewards of a home stay can be transformative and lasting. Our host families have been carefully selected to provide you with a welcoming and caring home environment that is clean and comfortable. Each family has a genuine interest in cultural exchange and at least one family member speaks English. During the time you live in Cusco, you will have easy access to modern conveniences such as email, phone, public transportation, a variety of shops and restaurants, and more.

Spanish Language Training

Language skills are one of the most useful tools for understanding many aspects of another culture. We offer an introduction to basic Spanish (or Quechua, for those who speak Spanish fluently) to all participants. You do not need any specific language skills prior to participating in the program. Classes are taught by a professional language trainer in our program classroom. Local people are eager to communicate with foreigners, and the home stay is a great place to practice your new language skills. Gaining even a basic command of the local language can open many doors of opportunity for contact with the Peruvian people.

Cultural Seminars and Current Events Discussions

At intervals during the course of the Orientation & Education Phase, we arrange for guest speakers to present lively discussions on subjects of interest related to Peruvian culture. Customs, religion, history, the arts, food, geography, education, and health precautions are among the subjects addressed. Whether in an urban or rural setting, we also have regular informal discussions about current events, which help participants understand the subtleties of the culture in the areas we visit. You are encouraged to delve deeper into topics of particular interest in the seminars and discussions.

Exploration of Cultural and Historical Sites

The alluring city of Cusco and the peaceful Sacred Valley of the Incas are home to a vast array of significant Incan and pre-Incan archaeological ruins and sacred sites. These include the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman (exemplifying some of the best Incan stonework in the country), the principal Incan Temple of Gold (known as La Coricancha , or Golden Courtyard, this is the most revered Incan temple devoted entirely to the Sun God, Inti), and the last stronghold of the Incas, Ollantaytambo (the only Incan location ever to have resisted attacks from the Spanish). In addition, there are prominent Spanish colonial sites such as the main church of Cusco, La Catedral (destroyed by many earthquakes but each time rebuilt using Incan stones) and the small but intricately appointed church of San Blas (located in the colorful and quaint artist’s community of the same name). These sites hold great significance in the history and culture of the Andes.

At the same time, Cusco is also a modern city, alive with art and music, bustling commercial centers and business development. Participants will be introduced to this exciting city and given the chance to explore all it has to offer.

Andean Music Presentation

Since ancient times, one of the important unifying strands in Andean cultural life has been its music. Music has always had both sacred and secular functions in Andean societies, and traditional music is experiencing a major revival among young people today. A special visit with a leading traditional music group from Cusco will help you understand the instruments and the themes behind the captivating music of the Andes. During this presentation, you will have the opportunity to interact with the musicians and ask questions related to your interests. In addition, you’ll have the chance to hear some of the best music that Cusco has to offer!

Village Home Stay

You’ll visit the agricultural community of Ollantaytambo to learn about village life in the Andes. During this multi-day excursion, you’ll stay with a local family; discuss the current events of the village; share local food and drink; participate in a ceremony honoring the Earth-goddess, Pachamama; learn to work the soil with oxen-driven plows; and much more. An English-speaking cultural interpreter will accompany the group to facilitate the learning process and aid in translation whenever necessary.

Educational Excursion in the Sacred Valley

Venture out to new parts of the country as we explore areas of cultural and historical significance by vehicle and on foot in the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas! Heading out from Cusco, you’ll find yourself traversing some truly amazing terrain as we approach the grandeur of the Sacred Valley. During this multi-day excursion, we learn first-hand about life in rural Peru and its history while meeting a variety of local people along the way. This is an intriguing and enjoyable way to reinforce and expand upon your urban learning experiences. The excursion includes activities such as exploration of significant cultural and historical sites, visits to colorful markets, lively discussions about current events in the region, exploration of traditional villages along the way, learning hands-on agricultural techniques of the Andes, preparing a traditional meal with local families, and overnight stays in a local home.

Adventure Trekking

After the educational excursion in the Sacred Valley, the group will have a grand opportunity to experience breathtaking landscapes on a multi-day adventure trek along the Inca Trail to the mysterious “Lost City of the Incas” – Machu Picchu. The trek offers an exciting and adventurous change of pace from that of the classroom and other urban learning experiences. It’s a time to put newly acquired skills to work to further enhance your understanding and appreciation of this spectacular land and its people. The trek is fully supported by an English-speaking cultural interpreter and a crew of porters and cooks. All meals and tents are provided.

THE COMMUNITY SERVICE PHASE

The Community Service Phase provides a practical opportunity for participants to deepen their cultural immersion experience. By participating in individual community service projects with local organizations, you are empowered to further develop your relationship to the culture and its people while giving your time, energy, and skills to those in need. Having been prepared with the necessary knowledge of local customs and culture through the activities of the Orientation & Education Phase, you will put your language and cross-cultural skills to use while living and serving independently within a local community.

International Cultural Adventures (ICA) is committed to assisting the people of Peru by providing willing volunteers to help in community service projects. Special relationships have been formed with a variety of individuals, non-governmental organizations, and other community associations that allow ICA to offer meaningful community service opportunities for our participants. In order to create a successful experience for both you and the recipients of your service, it is helpful to have an attitude of respect, personal responsibility, maturity, and a commitment to helping others.

Although the Community Service Phase of the program is primarily an individual experience, more than one participant may be placed at a particular site upon request. Depending on the particular service project, there may be volunteer(s) from other parts of the world serving alongside of you as well. The experience of sharing your skills and giving yourself to help others in need is a significant one. There is a tremendous potential for meeting people from other cultures, deepening your connection with the community, learning new skills and, of course, having fun!

Your skills and interests are taken into consideration when your community service project is organized. Final placement is dependent on the availability and needs of host organizations. Below, we describe various fields in which you may request to do community service:

Education: Teaching in public and private schools; tutoring students; assisting with teaching English; basic first aid training; facilitating projects in environmental education, alternative sports, improved sanitation, and hygiene

Orphanages and child welfare: providing hands-on care to children, including deaf/mute and the blind; teaching classes in English language, arts & crafts, music, etc; organizing games and other recreational activities; supervising field trips

Agriculture and farming: Assisting farmers with preparing, planting and harvesting their fields while imparting sustainable farming techniques and increasing subsistence and commercial yields

Environmental conservation: Helping to empower and educate communities to protect natural resources while improving their earning potential

Healthcare and nutrition: Serving in modern hospitals and clinics alongside medical professionals, early childhood development for the physically disabled/undernourished, providing professional services to women and children of domestic violence and sexual abuse

Childcare development: Providing in-service training to childcare workers on topics such as early childhood education, personal hygiene, health and sanitation and other general life skills

Elder care: Providing daily care for seniors, creating activities to inspire and brighten their day, promoting health and emotional well-being with care and attention

Women in the economy: Assisting in the empowerment and training of women, helping to nurture their skills and confidence, assisting them in product marketing to create more financial freedom

General manual labor projects: Construction, carpentry, general maintenance and repair, painting, equestrian caretaker, and farming

PROGRAM FACTS

Program enrollment: Maximum of 12 participants

Age requirements: Open to mature, responsible, and respectful individuals of any age

Language requirements: None

Program Schedule:

Summer program (6 weeks, Jul-Aug):

Orientation & Education, 2 weeks; Community Service, 4 weeks

Extended program (12 weeks, Mar-Jun & Sep-Dec):

Orientation & Education, 4 weeks; Community Service, 8 weeks

Extensions/modifications:

Programs can be modified to meet your specific needs – just ask!

Application due date:

Rolling admission until program is full

(Late fee applies for applications received less than 60 days prior to program start date)

Inclusions

Accommodations

One night at a Family Lodging Home in Cusco upon arrival

With a host family in Cusco during the Orientation & Education Phase

Five nights with a host family in Ollantaytambo during the Village Home Stay

In tents during Adventure Trekking along the Inka Trail

With a host family during the Community Service Phase

Meals

Special welcome lunch at Family Lodging Home upon arrival

Three meals per day at Cusco home stay

Three meals per day during the Village Home Stay in Ollantaytambo

All meals during the Inca Trail trek

Special dinner fiesta with local families in Ollantaytambo

End-of-Program celebration dinner with host families

Transportation

Airport transfers to/from Cusco

During all Exploration of Cultural and Historical Sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley

To the start of the trek on the Inca Trail

Bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

From Aguas Calientes to Cusco, by train

From train station to home stay upon return from Aguas Calientes

Educational Staff

Spanish language instructor

Educators and speakers for all Cultural Seminars and Current Events Discussions

English-speaking cultural interpreter/guide for Exploration of Cultural and Historical - Sites, the Village Home Stay, Educational Excursion in the Sacred Valley, and Adventure Trekking on the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu

Adventure Trekking

English-speaking guide

Trekking & camping permit

Cooking and support staff and porters

Group camping equipment (sleeping, cooking & toilet tents)

Miscellaneous

Entrance fees to all sites during Exploration of Cultural and Historical Sites, including UNESCO World Heritage sites

Complimentary ICA duffel bag

Exclusions

Passport and visa fees

International airfare, round trip, USA to Cusco, Peru

International and domestic airport departure taxes in Peru

Personal expenses such as laundry, some meal, gifts, personal expeditions, phone calls, gratuities, etc…

Travel insurance (minimum required by ICA: medical expenses and emergency transportation/evacuation)

TESTIMONIALS

“The overall experience was phenomenal; one of the most rewarding things that I have ever done. The last day was the most rewarding. Just before I left, there was a huge ceremony for me. There were native dancers, numerous presentations, songs, etc. This was amazing.”

~Ryan Peckyno – Peru Cultural Immersion Experience

“Whenever anyone asks me about my year off, they are always extremely interested in my time at the monastery. I tell them that it was 'amazing,' but I sometimes feel an inadequacy in my ability to fully describe to them the meaning of the experience to me, how truly amazing it was. I suppose you have to experience it yourself in order to fully appreciate how "cool" it really was.”

~Todd Bartels – Nepal Cultural Immersion Experience

“The things I am going to remember about my time in Peru include the amazing experiences I had at the hospital and the great life of living a totally different reality and being able to incorporate it into my life and my mind so that when I leave, I’m not going to forget everything about this place. Instead, I’m going to live everyday using the experiences I’ve had and apply them to my life in the United States.”

~Dalit Gulak – Peru Cultural Immersion Experience

“Nepal; the name calls to mind so many things: bustling markets selling exotic silks and cashmere, the smell of incense, Hindu temples, secluded Buddhist monasteries, towering mountains, and one of the richest cultures of any place on earth. The idea that I actually visited this place still seems amazing to me. My time in Nepal was one of the best experiences I've had, and I think it actually changed me to an extent, and placed me on the path I'm on now.”

~Grant Florian – Nepal Cultural Immersion Experience

“I am realizing that Nepal is a richer country than America. The people live a simple existence. They do not want and need more to be happy; they have their family, friends and their culture.”

~Skye Lee – Nepal Cultural Immersion Experience

MEET THE COORDINATORS

We are a small group of dedicated and creative people who are passionate about what we do. Our ability to create cross-cultural experiences has grown out of our own personal travels and extensive professional backgrounds.

Silvia Uscamayta - Peru Program Coordinator

Perhaps the hardest working member of our entire Peruvian staff is our Program Coordinator, Silvia. She coordinates the logistics of our enriching programs and has assisted ICA in gathering enthusiastic and competent local personnel, such as the cultural interpreters, guides, host families, and service project supervisors that have become a part of our wonderful Peru team. With a warm heart that truly reflects the Andean culture, Silvia has become a dear friend and the anchor of our programs in Peru.

Rajesh Shrestha -Nepal Program Coordinator

Many wonderful local people comprise our team in Nepal including language instructors, cultural interpreters, guides, and our Program Coordinator, Mr. Rajesh Shrestha. Educated in Law and Political Science, Rajesh has gained valuable experience training volunteers from various organizations around the world including the US Peace Corps, Canadian Crossroads International, members of the European Commission, and more. He truly exhibits the hospitality and grace of the Nepalese people and we are proud to have him as our Program Coordinator in Kathmandu.

OUR HISTORY

Since 1996 International Cultural Adventures (ICA) has been creating extraordinary cultural, educational, and volunteer service experiences in Asia and South America. Our unique programs cater to adventurous individuals from all walks of life — teachers, students, outdoor enthusiasts, executives, and more.

Our mission is to enlighten the mind and enrich the spirit of each program participant by providing unique travel opportunities to develop new perspectives on life and gain a greater understanding of our global community. ICA programs are not tours but experiences that allow participants to become immersed in the cultures and communities of distant lands.

We believe that leaving your familiar surroundings to travel abroad can profoundly affect your personal growth. Our own curiosity about foreign cultures, combined with our affinity for international travel, has led us around the globe and changed the way we understand the world and our place in it.

Intrigued by mountain cultures, we gravitated to the ancient lands of the Himalaya and the Andes, where we’ve nurtured close relationships with the people of these spectacular regions. Over the years, we’ve developed an extensive network of competent individuals and reliable organizations so that we can assure you a safe and enriching experience.

Ultimately, our team aims to help make the world a better place by creating opportunities for people to serve communities in need, strengthen the bonds between cultures, and increase global awareness and respect.