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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Language, Literature & Culture
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Location
Cusco
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Host University
ISA Cusco Study Center
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Term
Fall 1SL 2025
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Program Dates
Aug 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Jun 01, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Jun 15, 2025
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Credit
12 - 17 Credits
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$13,850
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
Designed for students at all levels of Spanish language proficiency, the ISA Cusco Study Center program allows you to improve your Spanish proficiency and offers courses in English and Spanish.
For example, you can study Spanish language at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels or take a culture, environmental science, history or political science course in English. Courses at the advanced Spanish language level (4 or more semesters of college-level Spanish) include areas such as anthropology, art history, culture, Spanish language and literature. Beginning Spanish 1 and Intermediate Spanish 1 are offered in the first half of the semester and Beginning Spanish 2 and Intermediate Spanish 2 are offered in the second half of the semester. In summer, they are offered during the first summer session and second summer session, respectively. Courses at the study center are taught by local and visiting professors. Classmates are ISA students. Gap year students are also eligible for this program.
Semester + Semester Programs Available: You can combine the Spring + Fall OR Fall + Spring sessions at a discounted price. For more information about this option, please contact your ISA Cusco Program Manager.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception*
Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service*
Meals and Laundry Service*
*The possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Credits
12 - 17
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12 - 17
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18 - 25
Academic Information
- Course Selection.
- The courses below reflect the most current list of courses.
- Course availability is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last-minute class cancellations.
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Peru Program Manager.
- Spanish language courses require the purchase of a language textbook at an additional cost. Many courses have a field trip component, which also comes at an additional cost. Contact the Peru Program Manager for more information.
- Modular Language Classes
- Beginning and Intermediate Spanish Language classes are modular meaning students may progress through two courses in a semester.
- Beginning Spanish I and Intermediate Spanish I language courses will run during the first half of the semester.
- Beginning Spanish II and Intermediate Spanish II language courses start during the second half of the semester.
- Advanced Spanish will last for the entire semester.
- Course Credit
- According to ISA policy, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.
- Transcripts
- Upon completion of the program at the ISA Cusco Study Center, students will receive a transcript from ISA's School of Record, the University of South Florida (USF). The USF transcripts will reflect transfer credit for coursework taken at the ISA Cusco Study Center. The contact hours for language courses will not be reflected on the transcript; however, they are listed below to assist with credit transfer. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Michelle McRaney
Senior Program Manager, Latin America
Michelle graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a focus on International Management. She studied International Business in Caen, France and Spanish and International Management in Monterrey, Mexico. Michelle joined the ISA team in 1998. Michelle has led programs in Guanajuato, Mexico; Salamanca, Spain; Granada, Spain; Santander, Spain; Sydney, Australia; and Santiago, Dominican Republic. She also accompanied several ISA site visits in Chile and Argentina, and conducted new program research and staff training in Mexico and Brazil. In 2006, Michelle moved to Lima, Peru, where she set-up ISA's first program in Peru, which expanded to include Cusco. Michelle is excited about sharing the Peruvian culture and cuisine with all ISA participants and helping to adjust to life in Lima.
CUSCO TEAM
Andy Osorio Mollenedo
Resident Director, Peru
Andy Osorio Mollenedo
Resident Director
Born in Arequipa and raised in Cusco, Andy studied business administration at the Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega in Lima. Since 2009, he has been part of the ISA Peru team. Andy is passionate about helping ISA students have a wonderful experience abroad. In his free time, he likes to play basketball, soccer, watch TV, and go to the movies.
Roxana Paredes
Student Services Coordinator, Peru
Roxana Paredes
Student Services Coordinator
Roxana grew up in Cusco, Peru and graduated from Universidad San Antonio Abad del Cusco with a bachelor's degree in Tourism and a master's degree in Public Administration. She furthered her studies with a Master's degree in Spain focused on Human Rights. In 2008, she had the opportunity to work abroad in the United States through an exchange program in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and joined the ISA Cusco team in 2011. She coordinates a variety of student services, including the ISA service learning programs. She loves to share the Peruvian culture with all ISA participants and support them as they adjust to life in Cusco. Roxana spends her free time preparing baked goods, such as cakes and pies for friends and family, and loves to hike the mountains in her beautiful hometown.
Kris Cárdenas
Academic Coordinator, Peru
Kris Cárdenas
Academic Coordinator
Born and raised in Cusco, Kris attended San Antonio Abad del Cusco University, where she obtained her Bachelor´s degree in Education. She then went to Spain to earn her Master degree at Cantabria University. She worked in several universities in Peru and China - teaching Spanish and Latin-American Literature. She also worked with ISA Cusco as a teacher from 2014. She has traveled to several countries including Thailand, Cuba, and Italy, as well throughout Peru. She loves teaching, travel, reading, music, dancing, and sports, and is an avid dog lover.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Peruvian lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to Peru. With an open-mind and flexibility, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
Host families are best if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide breakfast and dinner every day and laundry service once a week. Students typically have their own room and share a homestay with another ISA student of the same gender.
Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking more independence during your time abroad. Apartments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited. Rent and utilities are included in the program price, and each apartment is fully furnished. Apartments are located within walking distance to the ISA Study center and typically house two to three ISA students of the same gender identity in single occupancy rooms. Meals and laundry service are not included.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Cultural Activities in Cusco
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Cusco. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Cuco special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included Bachata dance classes, traditional dance performances, a friendly soccer match with locans, and salsa lessons.
Cultural Activities in Cusco
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Cusco. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Cuco special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included Bachata dance classes, traditional dance performances, a friendly soccer match with locans, and salsa lessons.
Machu Picchu
Venture to Aguas Calientes, hike to Huayna Picchu and contemplate the majestic Machu Picchu firsthand with a guided tour and free time to explore the ruins as well as an opportunity to visit the Mandor Waterfalls and garden.
Machu Picchu
Venture to Aguas Calientes, hike to Huayna Picchu and contemplate the majestic Machu Picchu firsthand with a guided tour and free time to explore the ruins as well as an opportunity to visit the Mandor Waterfalls and garden.
Sacred Valley
Discover the most important archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley such as Chinchero, Moray, Urubamba Valley, Pisac and the quaint village of Ollantaytambo and feed the alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos at Awanacancha.
Sacred Valley
Discover the most important archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley such as Chinchero, Moray, Urubamba Valley, Pisac and the quaint village of Ollantaytambo and feed the alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos at Awanacancha.
Lake Titicaca
Visit the world's highest navigable lake, meet the indigenous locals who live on the Uros floating islands, spend the night with locals on Amantani Island, hike to Pachatata to see the sunset and learn about the knitted handicrafts of the inhabitants of the Taquile, another island.
Lake Titicaca
Visit the world's highest navigable lake, meet the indigenous locals who live on the Uros floating islands, spend the night with locals on Amantani Island, hike to Pachatata to see the sunset and learn about the knitted handicrafts of the inhabitants of the Taquile, another island.
Puerto Maldonado (Optional) * Optional
Hike in the Tambopata-Candamo Reserve, visit "Monkey Island" and piranha habitat Sandoval Lake, kayak and canopy walk across the Madre de Dios River and observe wild species endemic to the Amazon such as alligators, butterflies, monkeys and parrots.
Puerto Maldonado (Optional)
Hike in the Tambopata-Candamo Reserve, visit "Monkey Island" and piranha habitat Sandoval Lake, kayak and canopy walk across the Madre de Dios River and observe wild species endemic to the Amazon such as alligators, butterflies, monkeys and parrots.