2014 PERU SUMMER SESSION INFORMATION

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1 Peru Session - summer 2014 FVCC is offering a summer study abroad program from June 19 27, 2014 in the The Sacred Valley outside of Cusco, Peru. This cultural immersion program is an educational experience designed to challenge one s senses and beliefs. Selected classes will be offered through Flathead Valley Community College. Here is a list of scheduled adventures included in Peru summer session. Explore significant Inca archeological sites and ruins; Take a trip to Machu Picchu and Aguas Caliente; Sightsee in Cusco, The Navel of the Inca Empire; Take part in a community service project Adobe brick building for local homes; Stay in a traditional Quechuan home in The Sacred Valley ; Experience traditional Inca meals and local cuisine favorites including the Closing Feast; Attend local festivals and parades, frequent in the month of June; Venture to Lares Hot Springs, high in the Andes; and Make life-long friends and international connections in Peru. Home Base Peru The class will live and work out of a 30-bed hacienda located in Urubamba, 72km outside of Cusco. All excursions will leave from and return to this town. It is a pleasant and convenient location for exploring the Sacred Valley and accessing the Andes Mountains. The group will take advantage of fresh daily markets, cooking many of the meals with local produce, jungle fruits and international foods. There are computers with Internet access, a hospital, 24-hour pharmacies, bus transportation, hotels, international phones and a daily market. The town is known to be safe for foreign travelers while still possessing a rural, traditional feel. Lead Instructor and Guide Mick Stemborski works at Flathead Valley Community College in the Multicultural Affairs and Study Abroad Office. He discovered the wonders of Peru on a personal trip in 2002 where he met Wilbert Yucra while trekking through the Andres. Together, Mick and Wilbert created this FVCC trip, a unique program that introduces students to the cultural wonders of the Peruvian people. Mick is a licensed clinical professional counselor and teaches psychology courses on campus. He has the honor of working with students in outdoor, international, community and academic settings. Peruvian Guide Wilbert Yucra Choqqucunsa is a licensed Peruvian guide and a graduate of the University of Peru in Cusco. He speaks several languages, including Spanish, English and Quechua (Inca). He was raised in a small Quechua village rich with Inca traditions and beliefs. He has devoted his life to studying and sharing his heritage. He possesses a deep knowledge of the Peruvian countryside and its relationship with the people who live there. Traveling Costs This Peru program lasts 19 days and costs $2,800, which includes the roundtrip airline tickets from Spokane, Wash., all listed activities, hacienda accommodations in Urubumba, bedding, hotels in Cusco, meals (except free days, four dinners and airport meals), traditional feast, purified water, all ground transportation, an archeology pass, ruin entrance fees, the excursion to Machu Picchu, hot spring tour, adobe service project, the Cultural Immersion Workbook and licensed tour guides. Participation is subject to screening for the safety and well-being of each individual and group. A completed Study Abroad Application Form is required for final approval. If a student is denied participation by FVCC, the full deposit amount will be refunded to the student. 1

2 Additional Costs not Included in Program Cost Additional costs not included in the program include all course fees, school supplies, Spanish book, airport departure taxes leaving Peru ($50 total), airport meals, overnight layover in Los Angeles airport on June 26, transportation to and from the Spokane airport, meals and personal expenses on free days (lodging in Urubumba provided), two dinners in Cusco, one dinner in Urubumba, one dinner in Aguas Caliente, bottled water, gifts and souvenirs, personal snacks, hotel upgrades and airport luggage fees. Traveling Abroad Program departure is June 9, 2012 from Spokane International Airport in Spokane, Wash. Our final flight destination is Cusco, located southeast of Lima, Peru. Each student will need a passport, but not a Visa. Students are responsible for transportation to the airport. The law does not require vaccinations; however, we recommend consulting with your family s physician to determine individual vaccination needs. Most people living in the United States have already been immunized against various diseases found in Peru. However, routine vaccines against influenza, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), hepatitis A, typhoid fever, polio and diphtheria/pertussiss/tetanus (DPT) are commonly recommended for foreign travel. Yellow Fever and Malaria are only risks if traveling to the Amazon basin. Traveler s Flu and diarrhea are common occurrences with foreign travel. Antibiotics to combat this can greatly improve a potentially miserable situation (like a long bus ride.) We strongly recommend having your physician prescribe an antibiotic in case the need should arise (Cipro works well.) The prescriptions need to be filled in the United States. Personal health insurance and traveling insurance are highly recommended. FVCC is not responsible for any medical expenses a student may incur while traveling. It will be winter in Peru. Daytime temperatures can be pleasant (60-70s). Nights and mornings can get cold but rarely below freezing. Students will have available time to exchange and make phone calls with friends and family members. The group can be contacted for emergencies when staying in Urubamba. The infrastructure in Peru is not as modern or reliable as the United States, but we will certainly be able to maintain connections back home. Traveling in the Andes There are day hikes, bus rides and excursions that access high-elevation mountain regions. These trips provide views of glaciers, lakes, wildlife, condors, mountain scenery and remote villages. In addition, Cusco rests above 10,000 feet elevation. Our licensed guides, who navigate these areas year round, will make all preparations and take precautions to minimize high altitude affects in these regions. Oxygen and emergency medication will accompany the group at all times. Altitude acclimation tips and techniques will be provided, most importantly the value of preventative hydration. During the trip, students have the choice to trek overnight to the town of Lares. This excursion requires students to bring their own sleeping bag and backpack. Students opting not to trek will meet the rest of the group in Lares by bus. All details and arrangements will be organized through the trip facilitator. Traveling to Machu Picchu Not commonly known, Machu Picchu is located in cloud forest niche called the Ceja de Selva ("Crest of the Jungle"). This high jungle region is home to both species from the mountains above and the jungle below. The orchid, butterfly and hummingbird species living in this area are unique and heavily populated around Machu Picchu. Students will be required to carry a maximum of 25 pounds in a backpack for approximately six miles while hiking into Aguas Caliente, a tourist centered town below the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Students will have to carry their cloths, equipment and personal items. Hotel accommodations will be utilized in Aguas Caliente. The Machu Picchu ruins are located atop a mountain that shares the same name. This is a full-day 2

3 tour, involving climbing and descending stairs for most of the day. Students will have the choice to ride by bus back down to Aguas Caliente or walk the Inca Trail to town. Rain or shine, the group needs to prepare for any weather. A group gear list will be distributed. Course Catalog and Credits There are two FVCC courses available during the program. ANTH 220: Culture and Society (3 credits) is required by all students in order to participate in this trip. In addition, students are encouraged to take PHOT 154F: Exploring Digital Photography (3 credits). However the photography course is optional. Course tuition and fees are not included in the $2,800 travel cost. Sign up for classes during 2014 summer session registration dates starting April 22, Tuition and fees for classes will be handled separately from trip deposit and final balance payments. No senior course discounts will be accepted. ANTH 220G: Culture and Society (3 credits): An introduction to social and cultural anthropology emphasizing key concepts and the comparison of distinctive cultures, social, economic and political systems, language, religions, esthetics and cultural change. The study of archaeology, ethnology and linguistics will be introduced. PHOT 154F: Exploring Digital Photography (3 credits): An introduction course about digital photography and the digital darkroom. Students learn about capturing technology of digital cameras and scanners, digital shooting techniques and computer transfer technology of monitors, printers and graphic programs. A photographic project included. Students must have access to a digital camera, scanner, printer and associated software. Deposit and Payment A $500 deposit is due March 7, 2014 to the FVCC Business Office to reserve a seat on the trip. A completed Application and Deposit Form must be submitted with your deposit. The $500 deposit is non-refundable after March 21, The remaining balance of $2,300 is due April 11, Should you need to withdraw from the program after the final payment date of April 11, you will be given a full refund until April 25 (excluding the initial $500 deposit). After April 25, the refund will be 50% (excluding the initial $500 deposit). After May 9, there will be no refund. A minimum of 10 students are required to enroll to assure program will be offered. If a student is denied participation by FVCC, the full deposit and program amount will be refunded to that student. For more information, please contact the Multicultural Affairs Office at (406) or at mstembor@fvcc.edu. Financial Aid may be available to qualifying students, contact Cindy Keifer in the Financial Aid Office at (406)

4 GEAR LIST Gear: Full size backpack 3 t-shirts 30 degree or lower sleeping bag (trekkers) 1 swim suit for hot springs 5 pairs of underwear 1 small backpack/daypack Waterproof pants and rain poncho Winter jacket or shell 1 towel School supplies 1 fleece pullover or sweater 2 pairs of pants Hiking shoes or light boots 2 pairs of socks 2 pairs of winter socks (not cotton) Fleece gloves and hat Flashlight and spare batteries Water Bottle Toiletries: Shampoo/conditioner Comb/brush Sunscreen and sunglasses Hand sanitizer for group Bug spray Dental care Liquid soap Personal Electronic Devices: Not required - Only to be used in transport or at Home Base Not allowed on day trips or treks Not responsible for damage or theft Only appropriate music/video content No cell phones please The class requires extensive traveling by plane, bus, boat and van. The lighter the pack, the easier the traveling can be. Please, do not exceed the gear list recommendations unless you have special needs. If you require additional supplies or clothing in South America, local merchants sell high quality goods at extremely low prices compared to the United States. The majority of the program will be conducted in varying weather. A mild to moderate degree of physical activity is required to participate in the entire itinerary. To maximize your experience in South America, consider your personal health under the consultation of your physician. In addition, please remember Peru is a developing country. The level of traveler s services, degree of modern infrastructure, time management and local cuisine may not be what Americans are accustomed to. This is all part of the international educational experience. All program meals, transports and sleeping accommodations will be above adequate and reflect the cost of the program. FVCC does not profit from the study abroad program. FVCC utilizes the available funds to provide a unique educational experience that allows students from all demographics to consider the possibility of studying abroad. Thank you. 4

5 DATE June ACTIVITY Spokane to Lima Departs 7:00 a.m. Night Flight, meals & hotel not included Lima to Cusco Cusco City Tour Hotel, meals, tour, class time, bus History and Culture / Sacsayhuaman Ruins Tour Hotel, meals, tour, class time, dinner not included Urubamba Home Stay Travel to Home in Sacred Valley Pisaq Market Sacred Valley Artisan Market Ollantaytambo Ruins Sacred Valley Pueblo & Ruins Moray & Salt Mine Tour Sacred Valley Inca Ruins Travel to Santa Theresa Machu Picchu Trip Hotel, meals, tour, class time, bus Hike to Aguas Caliente Machu Picchu Trip 5 mile hike to town, hotel, meals, tour, porters/guides Machu Picchu Sanctuary Full-Day Ruins Tour Hotel, meals, tour, bus to ruins, dinner not included Train to Urubamba Home Stay Peru Rail Services Home, meals, train Day Off Homestay Available, meals & activity not included Optional Activity 2-Day Trek to Lares Day Off - Homestay Available, meals & activity not included Optional Activity 2-Day Trek to Lares Lares Hot Spring Inca Warm Pools Springs, camping, class time, meals, bus Lares Hot Spring Return to Urubamba Home, meals, class time, bus, dinner not included Closing Diner Celebration Home, meals, bus, class time, traditional food Cusco to Lima Lima Layover Transport, airport taxes not included Lima to LAX Return to USA Overnight in LAX, Meals & layover not included LAX to Spokane Arrives 10:38 a.m. Total Trip Cost = $2,800, Credits not included 5