IPSL: Peru - Environmental Justice, Indigenous Health and Human Rights

Financial Aid is available for eligible students. IPSL accepts Americorps Segal Education awards, too.

Cusco is the ideal location for anyone interested in the geology, geography, history, cultures, languages and foods of South America. Living in the Andean highlands, you can explore the Amazon cloud forest and basin, the Pacific coast and the vibrant political and culinary capital of Lima. Cusco is the gateway to one of the most breathtaking places on earth-Machu Picchu! The city of Cusco was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity site by UNESCO in 1983 and boasts charming cobblestone streets, stone buildings (made by the Incas) and exciting nightlife and cafes. In short, it is a perfect blend of the old and the new. The 'Valle Sagrado' (Sacred Valley) is dotted with historical towns full of rich Incan history which you will have the opportunity to visit and explore.

This unique program has been developed to build an on-going commitment to the Cusco community through a variety of service-learning placements in partnership with local NGOs. Students have the opportunity to work on a variety of sustainable, socially responsibility projects. IPSL's commitment is to promote responsible stewardship of our planet and to building a life-long commitment to responding to the needs of others through hands-on service.

Courses may include (all courses are taught in English):
• Spanish language (beginner, intermediate and advanced)
• Intro to COSA (Community Organizing and Social Activism)
• COSA in Peru
• Indigenous Knowledge, Health and Human Rights in Peru
• Environmental Sustainability and Biodiversity of Peru
• Environmental Justice as a Social Movement

Volunteer opportunities may include:

• Promoting entrepreneurship - business sustainability for women and youth

• Child development and education – teaching English in a rural school 

• Health care - working with children/young adults with disabilities

• Social work and rehabilitation - working at residential home for abandoned children with Downs Syndrome

• Promoting intercultural work - assisting at a short-term residential facility for low income rural people relocating to the city 

• Working on environmental projects with Indigenous peoples

Students live with a Peruvian family introducing them to Peruvian family life. Most meals are included. An integral part of the program, the homestay offers you the opportunity to make life-long friends, reinforce language skills and experience the culture from "the inside." All IPSL host families are carefully selected and experienced with hosting students. Living with local residents is part of the immersion experience. Instead of being a tourist, an IPSL student gets to know what it's like to be a "Cusqueño." Living with a family also means that IPSL students' Spanish proficiency improves dramatically.

The IPSL Global Institute has designed and delivered international programs focusing on experiential learning, ethical service & engaged research for close to 40 years. IPSL programs combine credit-bearing coursework, ethical volunteer service and advocacy research opportunities abroad to provide a meaningful and impactful study abroad experience. IPSL engages students, educators, and grassroots organizations around the world in hands-on service to promote equitable relationships, social justice, sustainable change, and a commitment to our shared humanity. IPSL is the founder of Service-Learning and they invest over 83% of our revenues directly back into the communities where they serve.