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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
STEM and Liberal Arts in English and Spanish
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Location
Lima
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Host University
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
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Term
Spring 1 2025
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Program Dates
Mar 17, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Dec 01, 2024
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Dec 15, 2024
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Credit
12 - 16 Credits
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$14,995
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
Challenge yourself by taking all courses with Peruvians and international students at Peru's top-rated university. In addition to academics, the PUCP encourages international students to participate in the on-campus cultural events and team sports for a full immersion experience.
Designed for students at the intermediate to high advanced Spanish level, this program offers course options in the following areas: archaeology, art, business, communication, environmental science, geography, history, information science, linguistics, literature, philosophy and social sciences. Courses at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú are taught by local university faculty.
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 Peru Program Manager.
Service-Learning in Lima
In addition to your academic courses, Study + Service-Learning programs allow you to serve alongside a local organization and engage in reflective assignments. Service-learning will develop your intercultural competency skills and increase your understanding of social issues in your host community. Visit the ISA Service-Learning website to see placement opportunities in Lima and for more information about how to receive academic credit.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
Students must have completed or tested out of a minimum of two semesters (three quarters) of college-level
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 - 16
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12 - 16
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18 - 24
Academic Information
- Course Selection
- ISA students with an Advanced Spanish language level are encouraged to choose courses taught in Spanish with locals from the Facultad de Estudios Generales (School/College of General Studies in Humanities.) For a list of the General Studies Study Plan, please enter this link: https://facultad.pucp.edu.pe/generales-letras/en/academic-information/study-plan/.
- ISA students can also choose from a select list of courses taught in English with local students. This course list grows each semester, so check with your program manager for the most up to date list. Courses come from several different schools including Engineering, Business, Social Sciences and more. Please see below for the current list of courses available in English.
- ISA students can also choose upper division courses from any of the Schools or Facultades, as long as they meet the pre-requisites. Additional courses with locals are available from the following departments: Business Administration, Archaeology, Art, Communications, Geography and Environment, History, Information Science, Linguistics, Literature, Philosophy, Social Sciences and Theology.
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Peru Program Manager.
- Course availability and contact hours are subject to change.
- Courses in English
- ISA students can also choose from a select list of courses taught in English with local students. This course list grows each semester, so check with your program manager for the most up to date list. Courses come from several different schools including ABET accredited Engineering, Business, Political Science, Humanities, Social Sciences and more. The most confirmed list of classes for each semester is published approximately one month prior to the start date. Please see below for the list of courses available in English based on previous semesters.
- Language Requirement
- For courses in English, students need to have tested out of 2 semesters of college-level Spanish. Although some courses will be taught in English, students' daily life will be in Spanish, living in a homestay/residencia and participating in on-campus events and sports.
- Students taking courses taught in Spanish with locals must have completed or tested out of a minimum of five semesters (7-8 quarters) of college-level Spanish.
- 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.
- Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student’s home university.
- Transcripts
- The transcript from the PUCP will reflect credits for each course listed below.
- The contact hours for each course will not be reflected on the transcript, but 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
- Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.
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.
LIMA TEAM
Michelle McRaney
Resident Director, Peru
Michelle McRaney
Resident Director
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.
Cecilia Aramburu
Student Services Coordinator, Peru
Cecilia Aramburu
Student Services Coordinator
Cecilia received a Master's Degree in Tourism and Cultural Heritage from the UAB (Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona) in 2017. She has studied abroad and lived in cities such as Cusco, Peru and Cartagena, Colombia. She absolutely loves traveling and learning about new culture, as well as sharing her love of her own city and Peruvian culture with ISA students. In her free time, she enjoys doing hot yoga, pilates, and traveling whenever she can!
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 two meals daily and laundry service once a week. While students typically have their own room during the semester programs, they may share a homestay with another ISA student of the same gender. Students of the same gender will most likely share a room during the summer programs.
Student Residence
The student residencias in Lima are shared houses and apartments located in the heart of Miraflores. This is a great choice if you would like to be independent while living with other international students. All ISA students will have their own bedroom and may or may not share a bathroom. Linens are provided as well as a weekly cleaning service. There is also a laundry room with washer and dryer. Although meals are not included, each residencia includes a fully equipped kitchen, where students are welcome to prepare their own meals. Availability is limited to a first-come, first-served basis.
Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking more independence during your time abroad. There is an extra cost for the apartment housing type; please contact your ISA Lima Program Manager for more information.
The apartments are furnished and may be individual or shared rooms in a studio apartment or individual rooms in a 3-bedroom apartment, all located in the heart of Miraflores. Meals and laundry service are not included, however there is a washer and dryer available in the building and weekly cleaning service.
Spots are limited, first come/first served, and placement is not guaranteed. Apartment types/set-up are subject to change based on availability of housing providers in Lima. You will pay a refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount
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 Lima
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Lima. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Lima special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a city tour, graffiti lesson, Real Felipe Fortaleza tour, Huaca Pucllana pyramid and museum visits and a service day.
Cultural Activities in Lima
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Lima. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Lima special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a city tour, graffiti lesson, Real Felipe Fortaleza tour, Huaca Pucllana pyramid and museum visits and a service day.
Lima City Tour
Discover the historical center of the Peruvian capital by visiting the Monasterio San Francisco de Asis, Plaza San Martín, Jirón de la Unión, Palacio Torre Tagle and Iglesia San Pedro.
Lima City Tour
Discover the historical center of the Peruvian capital by visiting the Monasterio San Francisco de Asis, Plaza San Martín, Jirón de la Unión, Palacio Torre Tagle and Iglesia San Pedro.
Ica, Paracas & Chincha
Partake in included activities such as dune buggies and sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis, visit Paracas and the Ballestas Islands for a chance to see Humboldt penguins and sea lionsand visit Chincha and the Hacienda San José.
Ica, Paracas & Chincha
Partake in included activities such as dune buggies and sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis, visit Paracas and the Ballestas Islands for a chance to see Humboldt penguins and sea lionsand visit Chincha and the Hacienda San José.
Playas del Sur
Slip away from the city to soak up the sun with Limeños at a local beach and try a traditional stuffed bread made in a clay oven.
Playas del Sur
Slip away from the city to soak up the sun with Limeños at a local beach and try a traditional stuffed bread made in a clay oven.
Iquitos * Optional
Travel by boat deep into the Amazon jungle, fish for piranhas and observe wildlife such as exotic birds, monkeys, pink dolphins and sloths at the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, not to mention a visit to the Manatee Rescue Center and local river communities to learn about environmental conversation and the rescue of the native language and culture of the Kukama Kukamiria.
Iquitos
Travel by boat deep into the Amazon jungle, fish for piranhas and observe wildlife such as exotic birds, monkeys, pink dolphins and sloths at the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, not to mention a visit to the Manatee Rescue Center and local river communities to learn about environmental conversation and the rescue of the native language and culture of the Kukama Kukamiria.
Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu * Optional
Feed the aplacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos at Awanacancha, visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo and depart for Aguas Calientes. Take a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca empire, Machu Picchu and explore the ruins afterward. Learn about traditional Andean weaving at Chinchero and stroll down the cobblestone streets of Cusco during the historical city tour.
Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Feed the aplacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos at Awanacancha, visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo and depart for Aguas Calientes. Take a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca empire, Machu Picchu and explore the ruins afterward. Learn about traditional Andean weaving at Chinchero and stroll down the cobblestone streets of Cusco during the historical city tour.