This is the rainy season in the Andes. But the rain that fell this week is nothing compared to the torrent that lasted four days back in January 2010. That extraordinary storm flooded the Cusco region, closing the airport for several days and the railroad line to…
Our first week of lectures and workshops began with a diverse set of presenters. Jerrell, who teaches economics when not helping Jane lead the Peru Study Service Term, opened with a presentation on the Peruvian economy. At first glance Peru seems quite poor when compared to the United States —…
The Andes are spectacular. With peaks reaching over 20,000 feet and valleys made green by the recent rains, the tallest mountains in the western hemisphere provide a striking backdrop to our study program. People have called the sierra home for thousands of years. They have sustained themselves…
Our introduction to life in Peru began in the nation’s capital, Lima. The students awoke to a warm, sunny day and took a walk through the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, observing the modern architecture and some oddly familiar images — the new KFC on the…
All is well. Nineteen tired but eager students emerged from immigration and customs with all their luggage in tow and smiles on their faces. After a quick group photo, we boarded a bus for Miraflores House to get settled before beginning orientation in the morning. Rest well……
Change is everywhere. From the KFC’s and Starbucks that are replacing traditional eateries here in Lima to the appearance of hundreds of off-highway vehicles for this weekend’s Dakar Rally, the old is giving way to the new. Globalization promises new opportunities, higher incomes and greater awareness of what is happening…
We left before dawn for the airport. The streets were quiet. So were we, for the most part — each to her, or his, own thoughts. Three months ago this short bus ride marked the beginning of a journey. Now the journey comes to an end. The luggage was…
During the retreat two students presented original writings — Anna read a letter she penned for her presentation and Ben recited a poem he drafted during a time of reflection on our final day. With their permission, the two pieces are reprinted below. LETTER TO A DEAF CHILD…
Retreat is a time to share, reflect, play and prepare for the students’ return to the United States. We traveled south to Kauai, a retreat center owned and operated by Scripture Union and strategically located on a quiet stretch of beach. The students began with presentations of the research…
St. Martin School for Special Education (Centro Educativo Básico Especial Don José de San Martin) has a special mission: to educate disabled children. Each day parents bring their daughters and sons here to Cusco’s Wanchaq district — on foot or by bus — to give their children an opportunity…
