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. 

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!

Three Areas in Life Where Travel Benefits Your Future

Travelers carry memories and life lessons found during their time overseas with them and even when they return home. Lessons learned abroad not only act as great stories, but benefit from overcoming the challenges that create personal development and an opportunity to learn in and out of the classroom. For a college student, there’s plenty to look forward to after graduation, and studying abroad can aid lifelong success. 

As a result of studying abroad, worldly experiences directly influence your journey in the future. At EdOdyssey, we understand that travel isn’t a one-time deal, and value how impactful it can be for our students!

Here are three areas where travel can help your future:

Understanding Your Future Education 

Studying abroad isn’t only about the new city you’re living in, but also how you gain education both in and out of the classroom. Many students are afraid of spending a semester or two overseas and getting behind on their educational plan, but don’t worry! You can easily earn credit toward your degree while you’re traveling! In turn, coming home from overseas can even spark plans for higher education that you might not have considered. 

To illustrate, colleges and universities offer hundreds of courses, so why not take an international relations class? Possibly tackle those 300-400 level classes for general electives? Or participate with your campus’ study abroad office and become a peer advisor? 

There are plenty of avenues to take when planning for higher education, and travel only makes them stronger as you look ahead!

Embracing Your Future Career 

As you look to define your career path after college, you might surprise yourself as you consider embracing another culture and lifestyle. Many things students see and experience while they’re overseas are different from their everyday routine, and it can help build interest in other cultures and new activities. The change that an environment can have on one’s life, including new perspectives, creates more context surrounding alternative career paths that weren’t previously examined. 

Studying abroad can also improve your application and experience when applying to jobs and interview questions. For instance, when asked “When’s a time you’ve overcome a challenge?” a student can respond with a situation from their study abroad experience, such as moving to a new country or not knowing the native language. 

Though you don’t need to necessarily live in a country to increase mutual understanding when interacting with other nationalities, immersing yourself in travel and study abroad can create awareness. Employers do care about cultural competency!

Investing In Your Future Self 

Personal growth is a major takeaway from studying abroad. Students get to build their independence, and grow a sense of purpose. 

Having the opportunity to travel during school is not only a chance to invest in yourself, but also support others who haven’t taken the leap yet to do the same. Along with personal growth, gaining cultural awareness and respect for another culture is crucial for creating long-lasting relationships with your newfound study abroad friends. 

Overall, interpersonal skills and being able to adapt are key skills learned from living abroad. In particular, EdOdyssey’s study abroad program enable students to reflect and build their communication and leadership skills through service work and projects. Students discover themselves through their immersion experience as they embrace new customs and cultures. 

International experiences provide essential leadership skills as students evolve and mature through the challenges of study abroad. Think of travel as a long-term takeaway, that can change your perspective - and your future. Check out an interview by EdOdyssey with globe-trotting Brendan Hughes on “How To Make Travel a Lifelong Investment”.