If you get the opportunity to study abroad in Peru then you will be introduced to one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world.
Not only is Peru home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, but it is also the birthplace of many artistic movements that continue to flourish today.
- Study in Peru for a summer abroad and make sure that you stop by the southeastern city of Cusco, which was the historical capital of the Inca Empire. There are many sights to see in this historical city, including 11th century temple ruins, trails and sculptured gardens. It’s even home to the Estadio Garcilaso de la Vega, which is the local soccer stadium that holds up to 30,000 people!
- For an entire semester abroad in Peru you should take your time to tour the city of Arequipa. The second most populated city in Peru, Arequipa was named a world heritage site in 2000. This is due to the historic centre of Arequipa, whose buildings, pillars, walkways and more are built from volcanic sillar rock.
When you study in Peru you will have plenty of time between classes to admire your beautiful surroundings and to meet friendly people.
Study Abroad Peru Programs
Peru is home to over 28 million people with a wide variety of different backgrounds, including Asian, African and European descent. That’s why the country welcomes international students into their study abroad programs.
- A great place to join a study abroad program in Peru is Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. Founded in 1917, it is one of the oldest and most respected higher education institutions in all of Peru. The student population of 13,000 includes international students who take a variety of courses in business, arts and humanities, education, law and more. To be a part of the student program you must have at least a 2.75 GPA and have a minimum of five semesters of college-level language classes.
- If you’re interested in taking an intensive Spanish language course, or classes in areas like business administration, marketing, economics or accounting, then the Universidad del Pacifico in Lima your school of choice. The university was built by a group of entrepreneurs in 1962 and has now become one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in all of Latin America. Students who travel in groups can even sign up for programs that combine taking Spanish classes with visiting local sites.
You can find more study abroad information in the Universities section, and for ways to help pay for your South American trip you can visit the Financing Your Experience and Study Abroad Loan sections.
Transportation in Peru
There are many different modes of transportation you can take to travel around Peru. Whichever type you choose, you will be guaranteed to view all of the wonderful sights that Peru has to offer.
- The most popular way to travel in Peru is by bus. You can get an affordable fare if you choose to travel second-class, or you can dish up a few more dollars for a first-class ticket in a 2-floor bus! Whichever bus type you choose you will still get meals, air conditioning and heating and environmental music. You can reserve a ticket and see a complete bus schedule here.
- Taxis and colectivos are another way to travel in Peru. Taxis are available at all hours of the day and are relatively cheap, costing usually under $25 to travel from one end of the city to another. Colectivos are shared taxis that are usually the size of a mini van. They pick up passengers until the cab is full and then drop people off along the way. Even though they go twice as fast as taxis, they are also twice as expensive. You can see a complete listing of taxis and colectivos in Peru at PaginasAmarillas.com
- If you’d like to see the entire landscape of Peru you should take a train ride. Most of the major railways offer tours of the Peruvian landscape, ranging from the Andes Mountains to the Incan structures at Machu Picchu. You can choose from three different classes of train rides with Ecomonico being the cheapest, Pullman being a bit more expensive and comfortable and Turismo being the most expensive offering bar and dining. You can see train schedules in Peru at PeruRail.com.
- It is possible to rent a car in Peru, but not highly recommended. Most people would rather travel on foot and explore the vast wilderness and mountains that the Peruvian region has to offer.
Just remember to follow safety guidelines whenever you’e in another country, and always be prepared with student travel insurance.
Study Abroad Peru Currency
Peruvian currency is known as the Nuevo sol, which is named after the Incan Sun God Inti. Here’s how the currency works:
- Coins = 10, 20, 50 centimos, 1, 2, 5 nuevos soles
- Bills = 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles
You can use a Peruvian currency converter like the one here to compare other amounts of U.S. dollars against the peso.
Enjoy Lima, the Capital of Peru
Almost one-third of the entire population of Peru lives in Lima, which also happens to be the capital. Lima has a huge metropolitan area with over 7,000 factories that produce clothing, textiles and food, but it’s also home to great restaurants, small towns and local beaches.
- One of the most amazing sights to see in Lima is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Lima. Construction on it began in 1535, and since then it has undergone various renovations. The cathedral has 3 front doors, 14 lateral doors and 2 back doors. It is also covered with sculptures of the Apostles and holy paintings.
- Daytona Park is the perfect amusement park for those students that like the thrill of driving race cars. This park offers everything from laser tag and NASCAR to boat rides and video games. It’s a great place to unwind with fellow study abroad students after a long work week.
- One of the best places to spend the summer in Peru is in Barranco, which is a beautiful district with beachfront hotels and parks overflowing with flowers. During the day you can lay on the beach and at night you can enjoy a bite to eat at a local restaurant. After that, there’s always a disco, bar or musical show you can go to!
- Finally, a stop in Lima isn’t officially complete without going to Miraflores. This is one of the top tourist cities in Peru, and that’s because it offers beaches, good food, casinos, flea markets, movies and more. There’s even a mall that overlooks the ocean that you can shop in, so there’s literally something for everyone in this city.
Peru offers a well-balanced mix of historical traditions and modern activities. It’s a great place to just explore on your own or to experience with a few friends, so keep this South American country in mind for your next study abroad trip.
Important Study in Peru Information
When you study abroad in Peru you should always have important numbers handy in case of an emergency. These numbers will provide you valuable information for getting around the country:
