Service, Exploration and Cultural Immersion in Peru!

10 Days Until Peru! 

Essential Question:

How has Peru been shaped by its past and how have modern influences interacted with the country's rich history?

Competencies:

• Students will contribute to Peruvian society by participating in a service project in Ollantaytambo, Peru.
• Students will understand the economic struggles and politics of Peru through exploring Lima, Cusco, and smaller villages as well and by speaking with our local tour guides about these issues.
• Students will learn about one of the great American cultures, the Inca by visiting historical sites like Machu Picchu, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Students will learn how the Inca people traveled the steep slopes of the Andes by visiting the same trails as the Inca did hundreds of years ago.
• Students will understand family life in Peru by living with a host family in a living Incan city which they will eat local foods, speak Spanish and experience a culture that is greatly different than their own.
• Students will learn about the colonial history of Peru through walking on the cobblestone streets and visiting the massive cathedrals of Cusco, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. 
• Students will read articles and a novel as well as research the history of this unique South American country in preparation to exploring everything that it has to offer.
• Students will learn how natural geography (jungles/mountains) impacts the development of culture and livelihood through exploring the Andes and interacting with the local people who live there.
• Students will reflect on all aspects of their journey through organized pre-travel, during travel and post travel discussions to enhance understanding of their experience.