Developing Your Study Abroad Personal Project: 3 Steps for Student Success

Studying a semester abroad can be one of the most important experiences of your life, and you’ll want to have a piece for your professional portfolio that differentiates you from other study abroad students and young professionals. When you walk away from this experience, you’ll come away with a unique project that showcases your passions and skills.

Guest Post By Narda Antón - EdOdyssey’s Academic Advisor (Peru)

As a part of EdOdyssey’s semester study abroad, each student has the opportunity to create a meaningful personal project. Studying a semester abroad can be one of the most important experiences of your life, and you’ll want to have a piece for your professional portfolio that differentiates you from other study abroad students and young professionals.

When you walk away from this experience, you’ll come away with a unique project that showcases your passions and skills. With EdOdyssey, you have the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and improve your Spanish and show your academic knowledge.

I’m at the front of the classroom walking students through Personal Project process!

I’m at the front of the classroom walking students through Personal Project process!

At Pontificia Católica del Perú (PUCP), you’ll gain local knowledge from your classes and experiences outside of the classroom. Most importantly, you will also be able to develop a personal project that you can bring home and share with your professional prospects in the future. 

Your unique project will create engagement with the local community as you research a topic that interests you during your semester in Lima. Each student develops each project during a semester and I, as the academic coordinator, will guide them through the whole process.

Below are three main steps that I recommend to my exchange students to accomplish an excellent personal project:

STEP 1: Choosing Your Personal Project Topic

For you to choose the topic of your personal project, you should keep these three key questions in mind:

What topic would I like to explore during my student exchange abroad?

In the initial stages, you will have three topics that you like and you have worked on at your university. Then, you will identify which topic best  fits the reality of the country where you will study and if it is possible to consider it for your personal project.

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The topic you will choose will be developed during your semester abroad. You will have to write at least a 10 page essay and make a final presentation for your exchange peers at the end of the semester.

For this reason, it is important that you take into account how accessible and easy it will be to obtain information about the topic you are going to research. For example, some former exchange students chose an interesting topic that they developed in their classes at PUCP and even had the chance to talk to their professors and receive recommendations about their project.

How will my personal project contribute to my exchange experience?

One of our study abroad alums loves dogs and studied Sociology. Her personal project analyzed dogs in different neighborhoods in Lima!

One of our study abroad alums loves dogs and studied Sociology. Her personal project analyzed dogs in different neighborhoods in Lima!

During your exchange, you will have the opportunity to do different activities such as playing sports, taking dance classes, going on excursions to different parts of Peru and even doing volunteer work.

To develop a good personal project, I recommend that the topic you choose is linked to some extracurricular activity you decide to do, so this way you can match your project with your personal experience.

 Here are some examples of past projects:

  • A former exchange student, Joe, who was part of the swimming team of his home university, decided to choose “Peruvian university swimming competitions” as a topic for his personal project. He even joined the PUCP swimming team in order to make his exchange experience better. He did some research on university swimming competitions in Peru and did some interviews and surveys to his teammates and coaches in order to write his project essay. In addition, for his final presentation, he showed photos and videos of his training and competitions he participated in during his exchange. His major was International Studies.

  • Erin, another former student, was interested in applying to medical school at her home university, chose 'Amazonian natural medicine' as the main topic for her personal project. She had the opportunity to participate in an excursion to the Peruvian jungle, which was organized by EdOdyssey and visited some treatment and rehabilitation centers. At the centers, she had some interviews with medical specialists and collected important information on the topic in order to write her essay and make her final presentation. Her major at her home university was Anthropology.

What impact will my Personal Project have on my career?

Identify how your personal project will add value to your career. For example, when you graduate or when you get a job in the future, how will your Personal Project help you? Are you potentially thinking about a Masters program? 

Don’t forget about your big picture goals and ambitions, and how this project can help serve you to accomplish those goals!

STEP 2: Investigation & Research

Your personal project will have a significant impact on your exchange, so it is important that you dedicate time and effort in order to succeed. Please keep in mind that I’m here to help all students succeed, but please take note of the following tips so you can have the most fun possible with this project!

Be organized: When you start researching your topic, you need to get yourself organized. I recommend that you create a monthly schedule that includes the tasks you must do and the amount of time you will spend on those tasks. 

This will help you to focus on the project and you won’t miss out on your other academic activities.

Step by step: The development of the personal project happens throughout the semester so it will take you a few months to complete it. It is important that you identify the parts of the project and set weekly assignments and goals.

Support: During the semester, you will have my advice and support in the development of your project. We will have weekly meetings that will allow you to present updates and advances with me soI can provide you with feedback  to guide you and improve your project.

Stay calm: Doing your personal project is not an easy task, so it is okay if you feel a little overwhelmed during the process. Remember to stay calm, take a deep breath and reach out to me if you have questions. If you’re proactive during the semester, and keep an open line of communication with me, you’ll enjoy the process and create a better project!

STEP 3: Final Presentation

At the end of the semester, you should present your personal project with your exchange colleagues in order to share your experience and receive feedback. For the final presentation, I recommend that you and all students studying abroad with EdOdyssey complete following:

Style Points: Present your project in a creative and eye-catching way so your fellow students pay attention and get curious about your topic. You’re encouraged to  include photos or videos from the beginning and final stages of your project.

Final Presentation Duration: Your presentation should last approximately 10 minutes. You will include the objective, development and conclusions of your project.

Demeanor: Feel comfortable and relaxed so you can give a confident image to your audience.

Your personal project will bring together your passions, academic skills and knowledge in order to have the best exchange experience abroad. Remember to focus on the three steps described: the choice of topic, the  research and the final presentation, taking into account the time and effort that each one will take.

With proper organization, strong motivation and a good guidance,  you will be able to develop an excellent project that will have a valuable contribution to your professional career!

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Blending Academics and Culture: The Uniqueness Behind EdOdyssey's Virtual Study Abroad Program

Expand your academic experience this semester with courses that go beyond traditional online classes. Take part in EdOdyssey’s virtual study abroad program that uniquely combines a cultural learning module with academic course(s) at the top university in Peru.

Expand your academic experience this semester with courses that go beyond traditional online classes. Take part in EdOdyssey’s virtual study abroad program that uniquely combines a cultural learning module with a selection of academic courses at the top university in Peru.

This is an incredible opportunity for eager learners excited about taking their education to gain cultural and academic knowledge from a local perspective. 

Growing your global understanding is integral to being an impactful society member wherever you live. Throughout the virtual study abroad program, you will connect with Peruvian professors to learn about either Indigenous Rights, Peruvian History, Global Pandemics, Spanish language, or Traditional Medicine in the Andres.

While students receive academic coursework, our Peruvian team based in Peru will engage in an open dialogue and support students while they learn about aspects of Peruvian culture.

As a Virtual Study Abroad student, you’ll gain knowledge about Peru from local perspectives, gain cultural competencies and even prepare yourself for future study abroad and travel!

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

These courses, taught by PUCP professors who are highly knowledgeable in their fields, will create an opportunity for students to connect with other students throughout the U.S., while also engaging in dialogue with the Peruvian professors. 

Class photo with one of the awesome professors at PUCP from our in-person semester program

Class photo with one of the awesome professors at PUCP from our in-person semester program

How often do you get the chance to take a course about “Indigenous Rights and Legal Pluralism” with a Peruvian professor who has extensive knowledge and experience related with indigenous rights? This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity! 

The five exceptional course options challenge students to build cultural competencies beyond the classroom. By learning directly from Peruvian professors with lived experience in Latin America, students will be able to ask questions, engage in fruitful dialogue and greatly expand their knowledge. 

CULTURAL MODULE: BECOMING A GLOBAL CITIZEN

In an increasingly globalized world, these courses provide you with an opportunity to gain crucial skills of cultural competence and a wider global perspective through interacting with citizens from another country and covering important sociocultural topics. The cultural module of the Virtual Study Abroad program will include a series of guest speakers who will share their perspectives and experiences on numerous topics related to accomplishments and challenges in Peru. 

Various presentations will inspire you to reflect and gain perspective on your personal identity, experiences, and capital through discussions and conversations in the cultural modules. While specific aspects of Peruvian society may not resonate with a student, there are numerous takeaways which students can use to reflect on social justice issues and questions such as:

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How can I make a difference in the world and community in which I am a part of? 

In what ways can I focus my community engagement where I live? 

In what ways do my individual actions impact global economies, societies, and peoples? 

What values do people have in different regions such as rural areas and cities? 

A TASTE BEFORE STUDYING ABROAD

For high school upperclassmen and college students, this program may also be helpful for those debating studying abroad or future travel. Knowledge gained will help students build cultural confidence and possibly reduce the intensity of culture shock upon arriving to study abroad in Lima in the future.

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The Peruvian History and Culture course will be particularly useful for students who will eventually study abroad in Lima, as you will be able to discuss historical events and social issues with locals.  As wonderful as study abroad information sessions and slideshows may be, the more you know before you go abroad will help you feel ready and excited about the new experiences to come. 

IS VIRTUAL STUDY ABROAD THE RIGHT FIT FOR ME?

If you are a high school upperclassmen, high school graduate, or undergrad student then YES, this program is PERFECT FOR YOU!  Knowledge about diverse cultures, regions, and societies will help you succeed in any avenue you pursue in life. Additionally, during this unprecedented time of a global pandemic, some may find the course “Pandemics, Global History & Peruvian Society” to be an exciting new perspective on what is happening across the world. 

If you plan to travel somewhere, the lessons you learn in this program about Peru’s culture will apply to various aspects of your life. Learning about Peru’s diverse range of cultures, climates, and languages will help students reflect on their own realities and how they’d like to better engage with them. 

If you’re still working on your Spanish, or haven’t studied a language in awhile, that’s okay! The Peruvian History, Indigenous Rights, and Global Pandemics courses will be offered in English. You will provide you with an opportunity to learn about various aspects of Peruvian culture and society, expand your cultural competency and better align you for a future of impactful societal engagement. 

If you’re looking to improve your intermediate or advanced Spanish language skills, or learn about Traditional Medicine in the Andes, you’ll gain even more perspective and improve your language skills!

Want to learn more about the virtual study abroad program? Learn more about the Curriculum and Experience!

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How Virtual Study Abroad's Cultural Modules Bring Peruvian Culture Home: Part 2

This upcoming semester, we are proud to incorporate this key part of global learning through our Virtual Study Abroad program. During your virtual study abroad program, you will not only take online coursework with our partner institution Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, one of Peru’s top universities, but you can also bring a bit of Peruvian culture into your home with our cultural modules that complement your courses!!

At EdOdyssey, we think that learning should be fun! That is why we make sure to include fun cultural activities in our immersion programs - you learn best when you make your coursework come alive! 

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This upcoming semester, we are proud to incorporate this key part of global learning through our Virtual Study Abroad program. During your virtual study abroad program, you will not only take online coursework with our partner institution Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, one of Peru’s top universities,  but you can also bring a bit of Peruvian culture into your home with our cultural modules that complement your courses!! 

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PERUVIAN CUISINE

No culture is complete without food! Peru is known for its vibrant cuisine. With people living in different kinds of terrains like the coastline to the west, the mountains in the center, and the rainforest toward the east, there is no doubt that you could find all sorts of different dishes from the regions of Peru!

Learn about typical dishes enjoyed in different parts of the country and try your hand at a virtual cooking class from home! Our staff in Peru will have a special recipe that you can make yourself.

Try a taste of Peru without leaving the comfort of your home!

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MUSIC AND MOVIES IN PERU

Peru’s long indigenous history, and multiple cultural influences, created the foundation for many kinds of music and how many types of movies there are in the country. Dive into the history behind different genres of Peruvian music - Afro-Peruvian pieces from the early Peruvian republic, cheerful traditional Musica Criolla of African, European, and Andean roots, the different kinds of Andean music, and more modern electronic music - and give some new tunes a listen!

Movies have a special purpose in Peruvian culture. In addition to the classic entertainment they offer, they serve as memorials to past tragedies such as terrorist acts and also as social commentaries of pressing issues such as socioeconomic disparity and class conflict.

Regardless of what movie you watch, you will certainly learn a lot about Peru through its cinema in this unique cultural module. 

FÚTBOL IN  PERU

Fútbol, or soccer as it’s known in the US, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Peruvians. Games are often filled with enthusiastic fans sporting their favorite jerseys and rooting for their favorite teams. Sports club rivalries within the country are intense, especially the one between Alianza Lima and Universitario de Deportes! Both teams are from Lima and have been competing against each other since the 1920s! 

Peruvian fútbol recently returned to the international sports scene in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This was a major event in Peru’s history; the last time a Peruvian team played in the World Cup was in 1982! You can learn about this significant moment in sports history and more abot Peru’s fanaticism for fútbol in this action-packed module!

CULTURAL IMMERSION FROM HOME

The fun of immersing yourself in a different culture is a vital part of any study abroad experience. Our staff in Peru are excited to share their nation’s culture with you through EdOdyssey’s Virtual Study Abroad program! Experience a bit of Peru from your home this upcoming semester!

Ready to learn more about what virtual study abroad has to offer you? Check out our virtual study abroad here to continue exploring!

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Virtual Study Abroad with EdOdyssey: A Cultural Adventure Both In and Out of Classes

Studying abroad is something that thousands of students consider doing in college. Learning new things from a different country provides you with new knowledge and perspectives that you might not find in the United States.

Studying abroad is something that thousands of students consider doing in college. Learning new things from a different country provides you with new knowledge and perspectives that you might not find in the United States.

It’s no wonder that so many students choose to spend at least one semester of their college career in a different country!

As you look ahead to the rest of your college career, and beyond, these following questions will be important:

  • What kinds of new experiences do you want to have, and what kinds of new skills do you want to gain before you graduate?

  • Millions of students graduate from school every year - how will you stand out from everyone else?  

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You have an opportunity to taste the immersion of study abroad without leaving your home country. Dive into global learning and develop a deeper understanding of the diversity of the world through EdOdyssey’s virtual study abroad program!

Explore the ins and outs of another country through our cultural modules and online courses taught by our expert partners at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), a top institution in Peru!

WEEKLY CULTURAL MODULES 

Anyone who has gone abroad can tell you that adventure waits at every corner. Every day brings something new to explore. As travelers ourselves, we can say that this is the most exciting part of any global experience! 

Outside of class, you can continue to learn about Peru and the Peruvian experience through our weekly modules! Join your classmates for a new discussion and cultural activity session. These two hour sessions occur twice a week and build sociocultural context to complement your course! 

Explore Peruvian culture through movies, sports, and cooking! Our Peruvian-led sessions will bring an authentic Peruvian experience to you!

PERUVIAN HISTORY AND CULTURE COURSE

When you hear the word “Peru,” what do you imagine? A lot of people picture Machu Picchu high up in the mountains. However, Peru is not just the Andes, the Incas, and Machu Picchu. Peru was the center of South American civilization for millennia, and its long history is rich with political, social, and cultural shifts.

You can still see remnants of Peru’s ancient past today, and just as history impacts the present, what you learn about the country in the present will be the good predictors of what might happen in the future. Through Peruvian History and Culture, you can learn about what has happened in the past and how it affects the present.

Most importantly, you will also examine how factors such as societal conflict and personal identity can affect Peruvians for generations ahead!

You can dive deeper into Peru’s history and culture through our weekly modules. Learn more about the intersections of the past and present and explore how the topics you learn in class play a role in the country’s current issues. Our colleagues in Peru, who live and breathe the Peruvian experience, will bring learning to life next semester!

INDIGENOUS RIGHTS & LEGAL PLURALISM COURSE

Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world. A vast majority of Peruvians are either mixed-race or descendants of the ancient indigenous peoples in the area. With over 50 ethnic groups and centuries of cultural shifts and tensions, Peru is the perfect case study if you’re interested in anthropology, race relations, global human rights, or anything relating to the state of the world!

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You won’t be taught by any college professor: you’ll learn directly from a Peruvian lawyer who specializes in defending indigenous rights and working with indigenous peoples firsthand! With pressing topics such as land distribution, environmental conservation, and equal access affecting millions of Peruvians, now is the time to learn about the legal histories and policies affecting people in another part of the world!

PANDEMICS, GLOBAL HISTORY, AND PERUVIAN SOCIETY COURSE

As the world becomes more globalized, it will push people and cultures to interact with and understand each other as an important part of our future. Knowledge of the past vitally shapes how we address global issues in the present. 

This course focuses on how Peru has handled worldwide pandemics in the past and challenges students to think about the implications that the country’s history has on people today. Your professors at PUCP won’t just give lectures on history; they will also walk with you through complex social implications of a widespread pandemic and help you navigate the shifting relationships between science and politics in Peruvian society. 

You can further investigate the effect of these factors through one of our weekly modules about Peru in 2020 - we will be discussing how Peru has handled the COVID-19 pandemic, so don’t let this chance to learn something this relevant pass you by! 

YOUR PERUVIAN EXPERIENCE

A virtual course “abroad” will show your curiosity for world affairs, and it’ll teach you lessons beyond the classroom. EdOdyssey’s virtual study abroad program opens a virtual door for you to immerse yourself in the Peruvian experience by learning directly from Peruvian experts and EdOdyssey’s Peruvian team members. 

EdOdyssey’s cultural modules take the lessons from Peru’s culture history, indigenous rights and global pandemics to make them come alive and build on the a strong academic foundation from your classes. You’ll walk away with global competencies that colleges admit from prospective undergrad and grad students. Beyond your degree, you’ll find that employers seek professionals that embrace diversity and new experiences so don’t miss out! 

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Exploring the Past, Present and Future of Peru Through Virtual Study Abroad: Cultural Modules Part 1

As part of our Virtual Study Abroad program next semester, you will gain an inside, cultural perspective on Peru with our partners at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP). To complement these courses, you will enjoy cultural modules that will provide you with an in-depth view of the past, present, and future of the country.

As part of our Virtual Study Abroad program next semester, you will gain an inside, cultural perspective on Peru with our partners at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP). To complement these courses, you will enjoy cultural modules that will provide you with an in-depth view of the past, present, and future of the country. 

Through unique cultural module topics, you’ll learn from EdOdyssey’s local team about Peru’s intricate history, diverse geography and cultural traditions, past and present movements for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. You’ll gain insight and perspective of the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru while developing a deeper understanding of Peru.

You’ll connect valuable academic knowledge from your courses to understand a wider context for various socioeconomic factors and pressing issues affecting Peru today. 

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF PERU

Peru was home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The earliest signs of human activity in the country date back thousands of years, and to this day vast structures like Machu Picchu are still standing in the mountains of Peru. With such a long past marked by drastic changes, learning about the historical background of Peru from our Peruvian colleagues is sure to bring you a new perspective of the country.

One of our first cultural modules will walk you through significant changes in Peru’s past, such as the shift from empire to colony to independent country. Through this session, you will explore how dramatic events have shaped Peru into the country it is today. Gain the background knowledge you need to better understand not only the content of your courses in the virtual study abroad program, but also other cultural modules as well that explore the geographical and cultural diversity of Peru.

REGIONS & TRADITIONS

Imagine you are planning a trip to Peru. What places do you imagine?

Many people would name the large cities of Lima and Cuzco as their main destinations.

However, our Peruvian team would tell you that Lima is not Peru! The country has several different regions outside the main cities; there are towns and places on the coast, in the mountains, and within the rainforest of the country.

With so many different terrains and distinct areas, there is a lot of diversity and domestic migration in Peru. Learn about how people from different regions brought their cultural beliefs and traditions with them as they move to other places in the country!

GENDER AND LGBTQ+ RIGHTS IN PERU

Issues such as sexism, homophobia, and other types of identity-based discrimination are common around the world, and these obstacles affect millions of people every day.

Movements pushing for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and the elimination of prejudice based on a person’s identity are also becoming more widespread, and Peru is one of the countries heavily involved in these issues.

Machismo is a phenomenon that contributes to sexist and patriarchal attitudes in Peru and other Latin American countries. Through our module on gender and LGBTQ+ rights in Peru, you can learn about how machismo affects Peruvian society and how it has impacted women and the LGBTQ+ community. Learn about the past and present movements to address these issues and gain a new perspective on one of the most relevant topics in the 21st century!

PERU RIGHT NOW

In a connected world, an issue that might begin in one country can impact others around the world. This is the case with the COVID-19 outbreak, which has become a global health issue. Peru is one of the many countries affected by the pandemic, and because of this, 2020 has been a year of large-scale socioeconomic change in the country.

Learn about how COVID-19 has affected Peruvian society by fueling rumors online, forcing people who moved into Lima from more remote areas to return into the rural parts of the country, and causing massive strain on the health system. Since the pandemic is worldwide and affects each country differently, our module on Peru in 2020 is the perfect opportunity to look at how COVID-19 has impacted a place outside the United States and how present actions can affect the future of the world.

ENHANCE YOUR LEARNING

Our cultural modules are more than extra lectures outside of class: they are an opportunity to give yourself a more in-depth perspective of Peru. Your Peruvian educators will not be the only people you learn from in these sessions: you can also learn from your classmates and guest speakers in the modules! 

You will be able to view Peru not through the perspective of an American student, but through the eyes of a local Peruvian. You will gain the knowledge to navigate the complexities of different socioeconomic in the country and how they affect life in the present and future. Furthermore, you will be able to take your new cultural analysis skills and apply them to explore the issues affecting other countries in the world.

Bring your virtual semester to a new level by registering for EdOdyssey’s classes and cultural modules!

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 Understanding the Importance of Indigenous Rights and Legal Pluralism: A Virtual Study Abroad Experience

People of drastically different cultures are connected globally in numerous ways. In a world so globalized, it is important to possess knowledge about human rights, interculturality, and history in order to understand their impacts on the present. This exciting virtual course is offered by the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) in Lima, Peru. It will provide a global perspective, with a specific focus on Peru, about indigenous rights and how cultural diversity and ethnic identity play a crucial role in construction of government policies.

People of drastically different cultures are connected globally in numerous ways. In this globalized world, cultural knowledge related to human rights, interculturality, history and traditions is important to building context around these topics and understanding their sociocultural impacts on the present. Through cultural modules and coursework, you’ll gain a global perspective with a specific focus on Peru, about indigenous rights and how cultural diversity and ethnic identity play a crucial role in construction of government policies. 

You’ll have an opportunity to learn from professors in Lima, Peru through the virtual course in collaboration with Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) and you’ll extend that knowledge into your discussions, presentations, and more during your cultural module sessions.

In addition to your two-credit PUCP course, you’ll gain cultural insight through the virtual classroom experience that will be a fun and exciting opportunity to learn more about Peru, its culture, and society. Discussions with the EdOdyssey team members, and guest speakers, will bring topics learned in the PUCP courses to life and will provide additional room for discussion.

Additionally, this will be a great chance for students to better get to know each other, and create community together and with the EdOdyssey local team based in Peru. 

COURSE PREVALENCE TO THE GLOBALIZED WORLD

Earth is home to over 300 million indigenous people. According to the United Nations, “indigenous peoples are the holders of unique languages, knowledge systems and beliefs and possess invaluable knowledge of practices for the sustainable management of natural resources” (UN). On every continent, indigenous people must navigate their place within society and their, often complicated, relationship with the national government. 

This course will use human rights and interculturality approaches to analyze problems of indigenous populations and their relations with the state. Moreover, students will learn how historical events influence laws related to the rights of indigenous peoples, and what the practical applications of legal pluralism are. Focusing specifically on Peru, the Peruvian professors will draw on their education, experience, and research in order to teach these intriguing and important topics. 

How This Course Connects To Your Future

Cultural competency is key in any profession that you pursue. Moreover, indigenous people and groups live all over the world. In the U.S., for example, Native Americans face similar challenges to other global indigenous peoples, despite having certain legal statuses or protections as indigenous people, or as people living on state-protected reservations. 

The discussion of Indigenous Rights also gives us the opportunity to reconcile the contemporary idea of progress with how Indigenous people view the use of their land. Contemporary views of progress associate this word with the construction of cities and the creation of industry in lands previously occupied by nature. On the other hand, many indigenous peoples share a culture in which progress is understood as an ever increasing connection with the natural resources available to them and their conservation through sustainable use and balance. Understanding this observable fact is key when answering the question of what rights is a person or people entitled to.

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More broadly, understanding human rights issues promotes an equitable world for all people, and for progress toward a better future for all. Understanding and valuing the diversity of future colleagues, roommates, friends, or family creates a safe environment for learning and supports successful relationship building. 

Students will leave this experience having learned from highly knowledgeable Peruvian professors and EdOdyssey team members. Knowledge and demonstrated interest in subjects that are “off the beaten path” will make students stand out in the future, as well as be able to provide new and important perspectives to conversations with peers and fellow academics. The contacts that students make during this virtual experience, both with fellow classmates and with educators, will be useful tools in the future. 

Combining the Virtual Classroom and Culture

During this program, students will learn about Peruvian culture with the EdOdyssey team in order to best put new knowledge from their PUCP course into context. Various presenters and presentations will cover different themes related to Peruvian society, culture, and life, helping students to best understand the course material. 

Additionally, there will be numerous opportunities to ask questions to and hear from people with different perspectives. Professors, study abroad alumni, EdOdyssey founder, team members from Peru, staff, and interns will all be sharing their experiences, insights and knowledge with students, and be more than willing to answer questions!

Beyond Academics: A Peruvian Experience

A key aspect of this virtual study abroad experience will be that students engage with the EdOdyssey team from Lima, Peru. We asked Luis Garcia, a PUCP graduate and EdOdyssey’s Cultural Advisor in Lima, about what he’s most excited about in regards to this course and here’s what he had to say: 

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“Historically, indigenous people in Peru have been relegated to a position of subordination and their needs have rarely been taken into account when it comes to Government Policy.

I am excited for this course because it is an opportunity to explore the culture of Indigenous People in Peru and vindicate their importance as the first people who shared their land with nature on Peruvian soil. I am also excited about this course because it discusses important matters related to the property of our Indigenous Communities and their inclusion into the Peruvian legal system. 

It’s also great that we will have the opportunity to discuss this with other students because many countries around the world share their territories with Indigenous Communities and this can lead to discussions that result in the future creation of policy to recognize Universal Indigenous Rights.”

MAKE THE MOST OF THE UNIQUE TIMES

As COVID-19 continues to affect the world, educational opportunities continue to shift with the times. The EdOdyssey team is excited to join you on this virtual journey and support your cultural and academic growth along the way.

Use this semester to create a new network of students and diverse professionals, and to expand both your global knowledge and cultural competencies. If you still have a few years left in high school or college, or you’ve graduated, you’ll have a chance to get a sense of what it may be like to study abroad and travel in Peru. 

The world is full of exciting new information and opportunities and this is a wonderful way to expand your knowledge without going an inch beyond your computer. Well, except when you join in on the cultural module’s cooking class!

Want to learn more about virtual study abroad?

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