Cuzco
According to the stories passed down through the generations by the Quechuas, the mythical monarch Manco Capac founded the city of Cuzco at the beginning of the 13th century B.C. with the help of this three brothers and four sisters. Under Inca rule, the empire developed and grew, the systems of past cultures were improved upon and magnificent structures were built, such as roads and stone bridges. Crop production increased, thanks to the construction of irrigation channels and aqueducts, and huge fortresses were built.

When Francisco Pizarro began to colonize Peru, the Inca empire had already been weakened. Nevertheless, the great city of Cuzco still conserves remnants of that ancient age of splendor. These have become obligatory stops on tourist itineraries, along with the city's important buildings from the Colonial period.

The city sits perched amidst the clouds and the lush Andean greenery 11.000 feet above sea level, an everlasting legacy to Peru΄s rich history. Many international tourists are drawn to Cuzco for its proximity to the famous Machu Picchu ruins and the Inca Trail. Due to the high elevation, it is cool at night and sunny but cool during the day year-round. Day temperatures range from high 60s to 70s Fahrenheit. April to September is the coldest time, with high 60s during the day and 30s at night. Rainy season is from October to April.

PROGRAM
This specially designed four week program includes 20 hours per week of Group Spanish classes that focus on language skills used in a medical setting. The Volunteer component includes observational learning and structured interaction in local hospitals and other healthcare facilities. This allows students a chance to practice the Spanish they have learned while viewing practices utilized by medical professionals everyday. All of this is woven into a cultural activities & excursions program that lets students experience the sights & sounds of the Quito area.

Weekly components:

1st week - Orientaion, Spanish classes & cultural activities.
2nd week - Morning volunteer service in hospital, afternoon Spanish classes.
3rd week - Morning volunteer service in hospital, afternoon Spanish classes.
4th week - Morning free time, afternoon Spanish classes.

LODGING
One of the most important parts of your learning and cultural experience is the homestay portion. Families belong to Peru΄s middle class, although students should take note that living standards in Peru are generally lower than in Europe or North America. Family homes are located in neighborhoods usually no more than a 10 minute bus ride to school. Participants choosing to stay with a family should recognize that a certain degree of flexibility will be required to adjust to the Peruvian customs and way of life. There is no heat provided in homestays.


Students are provided with a private room, unless otherwise requested, and 3 meals daily. (Note: dinner is a light snack, such as crackers and coffee). Laundry service is provided by the host family once a week.

The number of students per home is one or two, depending on time of year, however, it will never exceed three. If the student requests to be alone in the homestay, every effort will be made to arrange that.

Activities
Excursions,Cultural & Social Activities Organized trips or activities are offered and included in the cost of the program 2-3 times per week. Activities include: city tour, cooking class, dance class, parties, videos, lectures, trips to museums. The student pays for own transportation, entrance fee, etc.

Sometimes the school organizes weekend trips. Usually two professors serve as guides.

The school can help students who want to travel independently or as a group with outside tourism agencies.