Program Overview

The program is based in the provincial, colonial city of Arequipa, which sits at roughly 7,000 feet above sea level. Students spend approximately 14 weeks in Arequipa where they live with Peruvian families. Classes are held at the Universidad Católica San Pablo, a local private university where students also may participate in extracurricular activities. Professor John Wertheimer, a member of the Davidson College History Department, will serve as Resident Director in 2013.  The 14 weeks of Arequipan life are book ended by several weeks of travel through the country, with other excursions throughout the semester.

Academics

Students have the freedom to choose from a selection of program-designed courses taught by San Pablo professors (intensive Spanish language courses; literature; history; Cosmovisión del Mundo Andino; etc), a course taught by Davidson professor and program director John Wertheimer, and the full (and extensive) complement of regular university courses offered to all the university's students.  Students may receive core requirement or major credits depending upon coursework chosen and completed.  Students also can audit courses offered at the university.

Program Highlights

• Internships (non-credit bearing)
• Membership to the Club Internacional, a YMCA-style sports/activities campus in central Arequipa (cost included)
• Optional weeklong spring break trip to Bolivia (cost included)
• Optional multi-night excursion to Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest, during Semana Santa (cost included)
• Opportunity to hike Chachani or Misti, two of the three snowcapped volcanoes looming over Arequipa
• Post-semester travel stipends for students who submit proposals with detailed academic programs, budgets, and itineraries
• Pre-semester intensive language training in Arequipa for students needing additional study before beginning the program (cost included)
• Excursions to the capital city of Lima with visits to government ministries, non-profits, museums, and others (cost included)
• Semester-opening bus trip down the coast from Lima to Arequipa, with visits to a working farm and winery, among others (cost included)
• Post-semester exploration of Perú's maravillas: Lake Titikaka, the Incan capital of Cusco, Machu Picchu and the vaunted ‘Inka Trail’, Peruvian Amazon, and more (cost included)

Housing and Meals

Students will live with host families in Arequipa. All meals are included in the program fee. During excursions, students will stay in hotels and will receive stipends for meals.
 

Admission Requirements

This program is open to Davidson and non-Davidson students. It will appeal to those interested in Latin American or Peruvian culture, history, politics, and literature. It also will appeal to students interested in social justice, the environment, and human rights. We recommend that students have completed the equivalent of two semesters of college-level Spanish. Pre-semester intensive language training in Arequipa will be offered to students needing additional study before beginning the program (cost included). 

Contact Information

Dr. John Wertheimer, Program Director 
Chambers 2151 
704-894-2039