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 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

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:

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.

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!

Eight Reasons Why You Should Consider a Virtual Study Abroad Experience

Written by Guest Blogger: Sara Cavalieri

So your plan was to study abroad this semester or the next semester. Maybe you were planning to do your entire degree overseas.

You did the research; maybe you had even chosen your destination, applied, got accepted, booked your flights and were all set to begin your adventure.

And then COVID-19 hit, and everywhere you looked, borders were closing, flights were being cancelled, cases were spiking, and there was just a large amount of uncertainty on every corner.

Now what? Enter… virtual experiences; or virtual study abroad if you like.

With so many of us finding extra time in our day from not commuting, or traveling as much, here are 8 reasons why you should consider enrolling in a virtual experience:

1. They’re confirmed – How many other activities can say the same? As businesses are forced to open and close from one day to the next, there’s nothing ‘uncertain’ here; with a virtual program, consider your plans a lock. Having that ‘confirmation’ sure would feel nice, right?

2. They’re comfortable – It’s culture without so much of the shock. You will often find yourself in a virtual classroom with students and teachers from around the globe; giving you an instant network. And it may be that you’ll be able to travel with this group at a later stage, making the transition and process of forming connections so much easier.

3. They’re flexible – You can often tailor your virtual experience around your job or other responsibilities. When is it most convenient for you to “leave your local behind’?

4. They look great on your resume – If you’re applying for college, grad school or jobs soon, they may want to know how you engaged with your subject area when you couldn’t do so in person. Virtual experiences are an excellent activity to add to your resume, as they are great talking points and examples of how you took the initiative to further your learning and thought outside the box.

5. They’re safe – You won’t have to worry about picking up the virus or potentially having to get vaccinated for other diseases; you get to enjoy the experience from the comfort of your own home/study space.

6. More money in your pocket – Without having to pay for flights or accommodation, the investment is lower. This means that some students who wouldn’t normally have been able to go overseas at all can participate.

7. No passport or visa required – And this means you don’t have to plan 3-6 months in advance. You may even be able to jump on a program just a few days away. Have a look and see what’s out there!

8. Discover new interests – Maybe you’re interested in Italian cuisine and this type of course isn’t offered where you live. Or maybe you’re in college and want to get credit for an elective not offered at your institution. Either way, virtual experiences give you the space to explore new interests that may or may not be relevant to your future career but in fact allow you to develop as a more well-rounded person.

Regardless of the program you choose, you’ll no doubt reap the benefits from adding a global flavor to your learning.

This includes increasing your cultural competencies, improving your communication skills and getting to delve deeper into a topic of interest, gaining a wide range of perspectives—and these are exactly the skills every employer is looking for nowadays.

But if nothing else, virtual experiences allow you to transport yourself away from the stresses and pressures of everyday life in a pandemic—something we all need to do from time to time.

Sara Cavalieri is the Founder/CEO of College Apps Abroad.

College Apps Abroad is an Independent Educational Consultant that specializes in providing advice and guidance on applying for college and grad school overseas in places such as the UK, Australia, Ireland and more.

Learn more about College Apps Abroad here.

The views and opinions expressed in guest features on EdOdyssey’s blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of EdOdyssey. Any content provided by our bloggers or guest authors are of their opinion.

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

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! 

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!! 

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!

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!

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.

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?  

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!

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! 

Want to learn about virtual study abroad?

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!

Scholarships That Inspire: Share Your Passion for the Global Community

Education is becoming more and more integrated with virtual learning and now you have access to virtual programs that connect you with people and ideas from different continents. Continuing to engage with people of different backgrounds, and learning about new cultures is vital even if travel opportunities are limited.

Scholarships that increase access to programs are integral to any program, which is why we’re proud to present exciting scholarship opportunities for our virtual programs .

Students are highly encouraged to apply for EdOdyssey’s merit-based scholarship opportunities, and to share with the EdOdyssey team what excites and inspires them about the world. EdOdyssey does its absolute best to provide all students with access to affordable programs so that students of all backgrounds, identities, and socioeconomic statuses are able to learn, explore, discover, and connect with global societies. 

SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

Our scholarship prompts enable you to reflect on your experiences, passions, and inspirations, and to share some of this with the EdOdyssey team. Learn more below about the ways you can convey your passions and desire to explore global perspectives with the EdOdyssey scholarship committee. 

Both of our scholarship prompts encourage you to share your personal experiences, interests, and inspirations, while thinking about how they connect with international education. Global thinking and engagement are central to both of our two prompts for our virtual programs that you’ll see below.

The prompts ask you to reflect on the EdOdyssey values and mission, as well as your personal experiences.

1. Young Global Citizen

This prompt focuses on EdOdyssey’s vision for students to become Global Citizens. Global Citizens are always looking to expand their knowledge of the world, gain an international scope of social problems and systems, and develop crucial communication and cultural competency skills to understand people from unique backgrounds. 

The first option within this prompt is to describe an international leader who you look up to and discuss the qualities which make them an inspiring global citizen. The second option asks you to be more introspective and explain what you would like to learn from the world as a global citizen.

It also challenges you to think about some new skills you could gain from EdOdyssey’s programs and how your global education could inspire others to also become global citizens. 

2. A Diverse and Connected World

This second prompt focuses on the highly connected world which all of us are a part of and how you expand your understanding of humanity from international exposure. The prompt asks you to indicate a time when you had a meaningful interaction with someone, or a group of people, from a different background, culture, or country than your own. 

Follow up questions will guide your response as you think about how this interaction influences your desire to engage in international studies, and connect with people of different cultures or backgrounds from your own. Additionally, we ask you to think more broadly about the importance of meaningful dialogue or shared experiences with people of different backgrounds. 

CHOOSING A SUBMISSION THAT REFLECTS YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL

You are encouraged to use your talents and submit the application material that you believe best represents you as a person and learner, and that demonstrates your strengths and passions. The options for submission are a Poetry Portfolio, two short written responses, one long essay response, a video, or Photography. All submissions require some sort of written component, whether it is the essay option, or a caption to accompany a video or photography submission. 

SUBMISSION EVALUATion

Our scholarship committee judges entries based on how well participants reflect our company values of Authenticity, Positivity, Harmony, Passion, Professionalism, and Adaptability. Additionally, students are encouraged to reflect on our motto “Travel Changes People, People Change the World” and how it relates to their journey.

Our scholarship committee looks for insightful responses from enthusiastic students who are excited to open themselves to new experiences from different cultures. Organization of the essay or entry and whether the student responded to the prompt completely will also be taken into consideration when evaluating entries. 

CREATIVE FREEDOM

The goal of these scholarships is to enable excited and eager learners to participate in EdOdyssey’s virtual programs. While our team asks that you follow the scholarship instructions and guidelines, we also want to encourage creativity and allow some flexibility. 

The various submission options allow you to showcase your best style of work, and be able to respond to either one or both prompts depending on your preference. High quality, thoughtfully created submissions are what we are looking for and excited to receive from you! Scholarships are available for students registered in any Virtual Study Abroad program or the Virtual Medical Spanish course. 

As a company that values authenticity, we look forward to hearing your experiences and learning about how your personal passions, experiences, goals, and interests relate to international education.  

To learn more about EdOdyssey’s new virtual programs, head over to the EdOdyssey website!

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