Program Description
Peru, the ancient heart of the great Inca Empire, is a country with an amazing history and exciting present. Explore its beautiful landscape, framed by the Pacific Ocean, the Andean peaks surrounding Machu Picchu or the tropical rainforests of the Amazon. Get to know Peru’s diverse population, which includes the Quechua Indians (descendants of the Incas), mestizos (a blend of Indian and European), and people of Spanish ancestry. And learn more about Peru and its people through traditional festivals ad carnivals
Community activities and sports, especially soccer and volleyball are key to teen life in Peru. But for relaxing: Movies, dancing and hanging out at shopping malls, the town square or local cafés are top choices.
Language
Spanish is the official language In Peru, while Quechua is officially acknowledged as a second language. Having a basic knowledge of Spanish will be helpful.
Host Family & Community
Students can be placed throughout Turkey, though most placements are in or near one of three main cities: Izmir, Istanbul or Ankara.
Host families in Turkey, like all AFS host families worldwide, are volunteers and are not paid. They open their homes to students in order to share their community and culture as well as to enrich their own family lives.
People
You may live anywhere in Peru, most likely in a mid-sized or small urban area. Peruvian families are comfortable expressing their emotions, and like to spend time together during meals and at family gatherings. Parents are usually very protective of their children, especially girls.
Meals
Peruvian cuisine is well known and admired worldwide for its rich variety and influences from different cultures around the world. Staples of Peruvian cuisine are rice, potatoes, chicken, fish and vegetables, and food can be moderately spicy. Peru offers unique fruits, some only grow in this lush country.
Host School
You may attend a private or public school. School usually lasts from around 8 am to 3 pm, and students wear a uniform. There are seasonal extracurricular activities in preparation for special occasions and holidays, like dancing classes or theater. Your school tutor and AFS contacts will also help you organize presentations about your country.
Orientations & Activities
In addition to the orientations that you will participate in domestically (the locally held Pre-Departure Orientation, the Culture Trek online orientation, and the national Gateway Orientation), you and your fellow AFSers will have several orientations while abroad.
These required orientations are intended to help you maximise your AFS experience, reduce culture shock and to gain knowledge, skills and a global understanding.