Sustainability & Community Studies + Community Engagement
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About this Program
Discover Peru’s living history and vibrant cultural traditions in Cusco, where ancient Incan heritage meets contemporary environmental and social challenges. Over the course of a full semester, you’ll dive deeper into topics like food systems, environmental justice, and cultural identity through courses taught in English, Spanish, or introductory Quechua. With more time to engage, reflect, and explore, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how indigenous communities are responding to modern sustainability and development challenges—all while experiencing Cusco and its surroundings as a dynamic, hands-on classroom.
At the WorldStrides' Global Campus in Cusco, your classroom extends far beyond four walls. The campus is located near the lively Avenida de la Cultura and just across from the city’s Real Plaza shopping mall—home to restaurants, cafés, and shops popular with local students. While in Cusco, you'll have the chance to explore Incan history, vibrant cultural traditions, and the dynamic blend of old and new that defines this storied city.
Program Highlights
- When you study at WorldStrides Cusco Study Center, you will take Spanish language courses and electives in both Spanish and English in a program designed for American students. While study center programs offer less exposure to local students and follow a more American-style curriculum than local universities, this program is ideal for language acquisition. WorldStrides supports you with pre-departure advising & support, visa-related support, airport reception, onsite orientation, onsite staff support, 24/7 emergency assistance, comprehensive travel and global medical insurance, centrally located housing, meals and laundry service, cultural activities, excursions, personal and professional development, and WorldStrides Discovery Model.
Level of Immersion
Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Spanish
Features
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Local University Program
- Language Intensive Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Community Engagement Learning
- Visa Light
Housing Abroad
- Students arrange and pay for housing directly through the Global Partner or its housing provider. See the Budget Worksheet for estimated housing costs. Available housing options:
- Apartment
- Homestay
Program Dates
- Fall Semester: late-August to early-December
- Spring Semester: late-January to early-May
Housing at Seattle University
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preferenceas best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May