Peru Language Immersion by 360° Student Travel

  Peru

Lima

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 29 - July 26 / July 6 - Aug 2

Description: 360° Student Travel offers a 28-day language immersion program in Peru that visits Lima, Pisac, Aguas Caliente, Cusco, Puno, Uros, Arequipa, and Huacachina.

Highlights: * Community Service

- Entertain children at a local orphanage and assist in renovations
- Bring cheer to seniors with a game of BINGO interaction and story telling
- Learn how to make, dye and weave natural wool
- Make adobe bricks and help build homes in a local community
- Help preserve the Amazon Jungle
- Volunteer in an Amazon wildlife rehabilitation center
- Help maintain the floating islands of Uros by laying reeds
- Certificate of 70 hours of service and list of projects accomplished is issued after the trip.

* Adventure and Touring Highlights

- Build a raft and float down a river in the Amazon Jungle
- Fish for piranhas and look for Sea Otters in Lake Tres Chimbadas
- Dare to go on the Creatures of the Night Walk
- Marvel at the World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu
- Whitewater raft on the Urubumba River
- Kayak to a remote beach and the Uros floating islands
- Explore the many markets and bargain for crafts and other local items
- Sandboard and ride Dune Buggies on one of the largest sand dunes in the world
- See dolphins, penguins and sea lions in their natural habitat of Islas Ballestas
- View the mysterious Nazca Lines
- Experience the majestic Condors above Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest
- Relax in the thermal Aguas Calientes Hot Springs

* Language and Cultural Immersion
- Speak Spanish 24/7 from the moment you arrive to the time you leave!
- The program is run entirely in Spanish so you'll have the opportunity to practice your Spanish skills throughout the day.
- Interact with local community leaders and gain an insight into their daily lives
- 360° staff as well as our local Peruvian guides are fluent in Spanish. Speaking with them will enhance your vocabulary and conversational Spanish skills.
- Join other travelers with interest in improving their Spanish, just like you. Improve your Spanish and have fun doing it

Amazing Details:

* The Amazon Jungle
Engulf yourself in the Peruvian Amazon - part of the largest ecosystem in the world. It has been estimated that during the course of the last century we have managed to destroy half of the world's rainforest and, based on current forecasts, we look set to destroy the rest within the next 25 years unless we dramatically do something to stop this destruction. As a group we will assist the locals in reforestation and preservation of this valued eco system. Our Lodge on the Tambopata River offers great opportunities to spot exotic wildlife such as giant river otters, monkeys, anteaters, toucans, sloths, and tapir.
Fish for piranhas, build a balsa raft and float down the river viewing wildlife exclusive to the rainforest. Follow your tribal guide on a "Creature of the Night" walk and gather beads to create local crafts. Awake to the amazing sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest during this incredible stay.

* Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon Shelter
Puerto Maldonado, a bustling tropical frontier town is situated at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers. Rehabilitation of jungle animals is our service at the Amazon Shelter. Projects will include building additional homes and preparing food for the animals.

* Pisac and the Sacred Valley
Pisac is a pretty Andean village best known for its handicrafts and serves as a base to our community work in the village of Chumbe. Nestled in the mountains of the Sacred Valley we will be immersed in the local community and learn the ancient technique of constructing adobe buildings from mud. The structures we build will serve to benefit the community for many years to come.

* Aquas Calientes Gateway to Machu Picchu
Board the train to the town of Aguas Caliente the gateway to one of the seven man-made wonders of the world, the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu has become the most important attraction in Peru and will leave you breathless and in awe of this World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs.

* Cusco: The Ancient Inca Capital
Whitewater raft down the Urubumba River. Tour the narrow cobblestone streets of the city and explore the Sacsayhuaman, Plaza de Armas, Qoriccancha, La Catedral of this ancient Incan capital. Bring cheer to the residents of a local orphanage. Learn the skill of weaving wool and work fields or herd the flock in a local Inca village.

* Puno, Lake Titicaca and Uros Floating Islands
Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the largest in the world above 6,000 feet. Kayak near the floating islands of Uros constructed entirely of reeds by local islanders. Join the local community to preserve these treasured man made wonders and learn how they live, prepare their meals and farm while living in the middle of the lake. Enjoy canoe races against the islanders before we depart this wondrous community.

* Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Arequipa, surrounded by 3 snowcapped volcanoes (Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu), is Peru's second largest city. Arequipa is well known for its glistening white buildings made from sillar, a white volcanic rock, which gives the city its nickname 'La Ciudad Blanca' or 'The White City'. Here you will enjoy the pedestrian street, markets, and all the good things in life, especially the region's spicy food, stylish boutiques and nightlife. The pulse of city life is upbeat and best exemplifies modern Peru. Our project at a home for the aged is where we will we will interact with these cheery residents and share their language, culture and life stories. We will visit Colca Canyon to view the famous Andean Condors soaring high above one of the world's deepest canyons (twice the depth of the Grand Canyon).

* Huacachina Sand Dunes, Nasca lines and Islas Ballestas
The world famous 'Nasca Lines' are series of extensive lines and figures etched below in the images of birds, creatures and flowers. The lines were not 'discovered' until spotted from above by aircraft in 1939. They are thought to have been drawn by the Nasca civilization (which reached its peak about 700 AD).
Huacachina is a small oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes nestled next to a picturesque lagoon where we can rent paddle boats and then be thrilled while sand boarding and dune buggy rides on the grand sand dunes.

From the seaport of Paracas you will board a boat to the Ballestas Islands the home to over 150 species of marine bird including the Humboldt penguin, cormorants, boobies and pelicans. There are also large numbers of sea-lions and in the sea it is possible to encounter dolphins and even whales.

* Lima Farewell
Our farewell stay is at the chic Miraflores neighborhood overlooking the Pacific. The highlight of our Lima city tour is the Catacombs at San Francisco. Look back with pride at our final banquet of all we have accomplished, Spanish we have mastered and grown together as a tight knit group during the 4 weeks enjoying the wonders of Peru.

Cost in US$: USD 5,799 Plus airfare to and from Lima, Peru

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Peru Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement: 360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded: 1992