The main ISA Cusco office is conveniently located a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas (main square). Our friendly resident staff is available to you at all times and will provide support during the enrollment process, assist with housing, and offer travel advice. In addition, the office serves as a place where you can visit with the ISA staff, receive tutoring, utilize academic and other resources, and check the ISA bulletin board for upcoming ISA, community, and cultural events. The ISA office has a computer lab and wi-fi for student use. The ISA staff will make sure that you have complete access to university resources, including their computer lab and wi-fi area.

View the ISA Cusco Office on a map.

Centro Tinkú was established by Dr. Jean Jacques Decoster to promote cultural exchanges through the diffusion of knowledge about Andean traditional cultures and languages (tinku means encounter in Quechua). The center hosts study abroad programs, languages programs, and cultural programs that respond to the special needs of individuals, universities and other interested institutions.

View Centro Tinku on a map.

You will stay with a Peruvian family in a middle-class neighborhood. Many students will live in the within walking distance or close to a bus stop to easily arrive at the ISA facility for their classes.

Although homes will vary, all of them will provide a comfortable bed and good light for studying. Meals will vary with each family, however, you can generally count on a lot of rice, beans, potatoes, protein and salad. We also have host families that cater to vegetarians and other student requests.

Remember that little courtesies will mean a great deal to your host family and those around you. If you enjoyed a meal, be sure to compliment the cook. Keep an open mind and try new things.

While staying with a host family, be respectful of the family. If you come home late at night take care to not wake up the family. Also, talk to your host parents about your schedule so that they will know what to expect. If you can't make it for a meal or if you'll be home late in the evening, call the family and let them know so that they are not unduly concerned.

In general, it is best if you socialize with your friends in a café and not the host family's home in which you are staying. Be sure to find out how your family feels about having guests over. This will alleviate any potential misunderstandings on either side before they occur.

To find out more about housing assignments, please visit the "Housing" section of the Cusco page.