CIEE Liberal Arts in Lima, Peru

When people ask me about the 5 months I spent in Peru, I always tell them that it was nothing short of incredible. I can't say enough positive things about this program. One of the reasons I chose CIEE was because the program includes a 2-week intensive Spanish course before the semester starts, which allowed us students to get adjusted before taking classes in Spanish at the university. During the semester, because we took 2 required history and Spanish language classes with the CIEE program and 2-3 open-enrollment courses with other students at PUCP, there was a perfect mix of getting close with the students in your program while also branching out and making local Peruvian friends. PUCP is one of the best universities in Peru and has a beautiful campus, and it was really fun playing pick-up soccer and volleyball occasionally after class. For those who like to travel and explore, Peru is a wonderful place because it is so ecologically diverse; many students will experience desert dunes, the rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges throughout the semester. I really liked the 5 program excursions (1-3 days each) that we went on with our awesome coordinators, because we often went to remote villages that we wouldn't have travelled to on our own. It's like traveling without any worries about planning with 10 close friends. Students also often take trips on their own. I need to summarize the rest quick or I will be writing all night. Peruvian food is delicious. Spanish immersion is very rewarding. There can be challenges getting used to life in Lima but CIEE has a great support network. Going out to discotecas is super fun. Go to Peru! I will be back soon.

This program was the best experience of my life, from the challenging academics, great and fun staff and other participants, the amazing city of Lima and amazing country of Peru, there were too many great experiences to count. The program director, Marion, makes it feel like you are coming to a new home as soon as you arrive in lima, along with the amazing host families they work with it feels like I have another home in Lima right now. Also the opportunity to travel around Peru and see amazing places is unlike anything ive ever experienced.

Wow, I expected to love my study abroad experience, but I didn't know just how much it would impact my life. The support and classes available through this program provide resources to really dig in and understand the host culture as well as promoting personal development as well. There are so many opportunities to interact and get involved with the host culture from volunteering to teach English in a local school, living with loving host families, taking classes with Peruvian students, traveling, tours, walking through the city and so much more. There are so many experiences possible in Peru, you just need to look for what you want! I came back to the states with so many amazing stories, new friends and a deeper love for South America and the Spanish language in general. Seriously, go! Peru is a beautiful country with such welcoming people and CIEE is a true family while you're there:)

My semester in Lima was the best one of my life. The program directors went out of their way to ensure we got to experience everything Perú had to offer, my host family was incredible, and the places I got to see and things I got to do are like nothing I've experienced before. One of the highlights from my time abroad would be the relationship I had with my host grandma. She would take me to the market with her and tell the people working, "My granddaughter is helping me today!" We would sometimes watch movies together and she would redescribe every scene to me after it happened and it brings a smile to my face whenever I think of her. I loved eating three meals a day with a family. I loved traveling and hiking and unsung public transportation. I am forever grateful for the friendships I made, the opportunities I had to be out of my comfort zone, the strangers who helped me so often on the micros, and my professors who made sure I got everything I could out of every class. My life will never be the same and I am thankful always that I got to spend four months in a country that I now love with the CIEE liberal arts program.