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!