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High School in Peru

Seize the opportunity to get to know this ancient and diverse culture, from the modern metropolis of Lima to the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu.

Living with a host family and attending a local school in Peru will give you the opportunity to really get to know this ancient and diverse culture, from the modern metropolis of Lima to the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. During your study abroad in Peru, you’ll meet new people and learn lots of new things, and in your spare time you’ll hang out with your host family.

Things to know

Peruvians eat a lot of meat – be prepared for most meals to include it in one form or another. The Peruvian communication style tends to be very subtle and indirect. There is a tremendous amount of diversity in Peru, with sizable populations of Europeans, indigenous peoples, Peruvians of African descent, and Asians. In fact, the former president of Peru was of Japanese descent.

Eligibility Requirements

Current high school students and recent graduates are eligible. Specific age requirements may apply; contact AFS for more details.
Must be in good academic standing (recommended GPA of 2.5 or above).
Spanish language skills preferred, but not required.

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare

Your journey to Peru

Your journey will begin in New York City or Miami, were you’ll meet you fellow AFS students from the United States. You’ll attend an orientation where you’ll learn some important information about your first few days in Peru and get a chance to talk to a Cultural Resource who recently spent time there. Then you’ll travel together to Lima, where you’ll be met by AFS staff and volunteers. From there you’re off to meet your host family!

On the way to your host community you might see lush tropical rainforests, sandy beaches, arid deserts, farmlands, and fishing villages. In many cities and villages there are traditional Inca celebrations as well as a wide variety of Christian holidays and you’re bound to see lots festivals and carnivals throughout the year. You’ll might glimpse people dressed in colorful woven clothing walking through town, often with a child on their back. And if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll likely glimpse some of the many llamas and alpacas that provide most of the wool for Peruvian clothing in the wintertime.

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Meeting Your Peruvian Host Family

You might be placed anywhere in Peru but you’ll most likely live in an urban area. Whether you’re among the peaks of the Andes or the tree canopies of the Amazon you’ll likely find a friendly and welcoming community. Peruvian families are well known for their hospitality and can be very affectionate. You might find that the Peruvian sense of privacy is a little different from what you’re used to, but that’s just because Peruvian families enjoy each others company so much! Peruvian families usually have three or more children and extended family or adult children often live together as well.

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Settling into daily life

Teenage Life in Peru

Outside of school a lot of your time will probably be spent socializing with new friends. Peruvian teenagers enjoy hanging out at cafes and playing soccer. Since Peru has such a long coastline and lots of beautiful beaches, surfing has become quite popular in recent years. Dancing is another favorite pastime for young people in Peru and most schools have dance teams that compete. In the evenings teenagers often just hang out at home with their families and watch TV.

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Foods You’ll Encounter in Peru

Peruvian cuisine is well known and highly regarded and reflects the diversity of Peruvian society. Many of the dishes are influenced by European, Asian, African, and indigenous flavors. Some common ingredients include rice, chicken, fish, and beans. Potatoes are native to Peru and there are over 4,000 varieties! Meat is very popular in Peru and you may even get a chance to try Guinea Pig, a Peruvian favorite!

Your High School

Education is taken very seriously in Peru. You’ll most likely be at a private school. Most schools start around 8AM and end around 2 or 3 PM. Students generally take 3 or 4 classes per day. During your time in school you’ll have a great opportunity to learn about Peruvian culture and history and share your own culture with your classmates as well.

Available Scholarships

  1. Helen “Peggie” Miller Scholarship
All Scholarships

What's Included

  • 70+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 50,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations with a vetted host family
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
  • School enrollment fees
  • Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
  • Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
  • Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people
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Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one.
When you return home, if you’re like most AFSers, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.
That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.
It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found while studying abroad in Peru.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.

A new you awaits.

Apply for High School Study Abroad in Peru!

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