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Summer Session 1:  May 20, 2012–June 30, 2012, Cusco, Peru  no longer accepting new applications

As capital of the ancient Incan society and center to today's large Peruvian indigenous population, Cusco is a natural choice for immersion in Latin American language, culture, and history.  The anthropological seminar includes a study of Peru's past and present cultures and many local visits – from ancient world wonder Machu Picchu to modern agricultural cooperatives.  

Also learn about centuries-old alternative medical practices, often the only option for distant communities.

Week 1: Introduction to Cusco: present day indigenous groups, brief history of the Inka, etc.

Week 2: Inka architecture and the debate on its origins & Spanish contact

Week 3: Peruvian independence and the role of the indigenous

Week 4: Indigenous solidarity in Cusco & greater Peru

Week 5: Tourism and its affects on indigenous groups

Week 6: Summary of modern day struggles facing indigenous groups

NOTE: exact topics subject to change.

Cost: $1,990 includes Spanish course and anthropology components.

Summer Session 2: July 1, 2012–August 11, 2012, Mendoza, Argentina

Join our group of 24 students in the Andean mountain city of Mendoza for Spanish classes and participation in a community project focused on the cartoneros, a surprisingly organized movement of night-time recyclers,  which often means entire families of Argentina's lowest economic strata as well as middle class casualties of Argentina's economic crisis.    

Ample free time for enjoying optional salsa dancing, hiking in the Andes, exploring local vineyards, and visiting gaucho ranches of Argentina's pampas region is built into the program.

Week 1: Introduction: the working-class Argentine laborer

Week 2: The 2001 economic crisis and how it affected working-class laborers

Week 3: How working conditions affect mendocina families & government assistance

Week 4: NGO assistance to laborers and how microindustry aids low-income families/populations

Week 5: Natural Recyclers (Cartoneros) I

Week 6: Natural Recyclers (Cartoneros) II

NOTE: exact topics subject to change.

Cost: $1,990 includes Spanish course plus anthropology components.

Standard Program:  year-round, all ECELA Spanish schools in Argentina, Chile, and Peru

If there is no space in our special group programs you may alternatively study at any of our locations in the normal course.  Although there is no anthropological component, you have the advantage of ultimate flexibility in planning your program.

Cost: varies depending on program length.

Some students from the 2011 Spanish & Anthropology Cusco group at nearby Machu Picchu, a visit both visually and physically (8,000 foot altitude) breathtaking.

Housing

In all sessions, ECELA will arrange housing for an extra cost. The options are a shared student apartment or a family homestay. The homestay provides the most Spanish language practice and puts you in touch with everyday life in your study abroad country. If you value a thriving social life, you'll want to choose the shared student apartment. It affords the freedom to have friends over and to come and go as you please. Please contact us for housing costs.

How to Apply

Space is limited so apply early! Please send us a brief description of your educational experience and career plans, and be prepared to have a school advisor vouch for your character and serious intentions. We strive to include a diverse mix of students from different colleges in each program.