Lima, Peru - Experiential Learning Abroad Programs with ISA

Prices & Dates What's Included Culture Corner Testimonials

The experience at the organization in Lima has been extremely beneficial for the following reasons: 1) I love working with children and it was an opportunity to help those who are less fortunate than myself. The first day we went to Cerro-Bala and me the children, my heart melted for them. Not because they lived in difficult conditions, but because I have always had a soft-spot for kids. 2) I learned how to create lessons without any textbooks for guidance, which is useful as I am a teacher now in a school with limited funds for new textbooks 3) I also learned how to be cost-effective with my lesson-planning, as we only had so much money for the entire program that we (Mandy and myself) could use. We had to share materials and consult each other before buying anything or making copies. Again, as a teacher at a school where funds for resources are limited, it was an extremely helpful experience. Mandy and I made the most out of what we were given. 4) Because I teach Spanish (and English) at a Catholic School, I am able to explain about my experiences in Lima, Peru (a Spanish-speaking country) to my students. It both helps them understand my experiences with Spanish language and culture better, as well as serves to remind them how fortunate they are to be here in the United States with a great deal of opportunities. 5) All in all, my experience volunteering with the children of Cerro-Bala was a time that will stay with me forever. There were times when it was hard and seemed more difficult than it was worth (paying for rides to and from, lesson-planning, coping with the language barrier, adjusting to the style the students are accustomed to learning, etc), but everyday we showed up at the site, the children would come running to us, excited to learn and when it was time to leave, they gave us hugs and begged for us to come back. It was in those moments that we were strongly reminded why we were there: to give back to those who need it.

Amanda Powers - University of Minnesota, Duluth
Lima, Peru - Summer ISA + ELAP 2007

I volunteered at one of the local colegios in Lima. Well I LOVED my experience as an assistant teacher. I really had an opportunity to practice my Spanish in a different type of learning setting and I learned a lot about the public school culture in Peru. I talk about my experience all of the time because I am currently a middle school Spanish teacher. One of the subjects that I discuss is the schools in Latin American countries. And of course my experience in Peru through ELAP is shared with my students. They really enjoy looking at the pictures and learning about the students. They generally have so many questions. I truly want to thank you guys for the opportunity. I am so grateful that I had a chance to experience it and now I can share my experience with my students. Oh yea and I still keep in touch with some of the students and the teacher that I worked with. Again thank you!!

April Scott - Georgia State University
Lima, Peru - Summer ISA + ELAP 2008