Language School in Cuzco (18+)

Cuzco is the ancient capital of the Incan Empire and the oldest city on the American continent. The school is located in a colonial building only one block from the main square, the Plaza de las Armas. This famous plaza, known as Huacaypata in Quechua, is lined with small shops, restaurants, the main cathedral, and covered walkways that all add to the colonial feel of the city’s central gathering place.

Language School and Class Schedule
Cuzco is the ancient capital of the Incan Empire and the oldest city on the American continent. The school is located in a colonial building only one block from the main square, the Plaza de las Armas. This famous plaza, known as Huacaypata in Quechua, is lined with small shops, restaurants, the main cathedral, and covered walkways that all add to the colonial feel of the city’s central gathering place.

The school is equipped with multimedia classrooms, offices, a large meeting room, internet café, and a relaxing patio where students can engage in conversation, meet friends, and enjoy the mild climate.

On the first day you will take an oral and written placement test to make sure you are placed in the appropriate class. Depending on your level, you will either have class in the morning or in the afternoon Monday through Friday as follows:

Morning Timetable M-F
8:30-10:15am	intensive class
10:15-10:45	Break
10:45-12:30	intensive class
Evening	Optional cultural activities

 

 

 

 

 

Afternoon Timetable M-F
2:30-4:15am	intensive class
4:15-4:45	Break
4:45-6:30	intensive class
Evening	Optional cultural activities

 

 

 

 

Teaching Methods
The language school is known for its interactive and personal teaching methods focused on increasing students’ communication skills. All class sizes are small with a maximum of six students per group and your group will be determined by your level. There are many levels ranging from complete beginner to highly advanced. The school uses many different materials to enhance learning including textbooks, newspapers, songs, literature, and videos.
Students will also have lessons outside of the classroom visiting local sites and practicing their Spanish in a very interactive way.

All of the teaching staff at the school are native speakers and professionals who are dedicated to providing the students an unforgettable experience exploring Peruvian culture. All of the staff was chosen because of their excellent teaching skills and knowledge of the country, its culture, history, and customs.

Accommodations and Meals
You will live with a carefully screened Peruvian host family in Cusco and be provided with 2 meals daily. Host families represent all walks of life. Your family may be a couple with or without children, a single parent, or a single person interested in other cultures. Greenheart Travel works together with the Language School to find the best match for you according to your unique profile and interests. The Language School selects, screens, and monitors host families to make a placement that is appropriate for each student. Host families are not expected to know English and students should be prepared to speak only Spanish in the home.

You will usually have your own room, although it is common during the summer months for families to host more than one student. Within each family you will experience a different dynamic, but they are all motivated by the idea of making cross-cultural friendships. They will be eager to learn about you and your culture and are excited to teach you about their own. However, host families are not expected to be tour guides so you must feel comfortable exploring the city independently, with other students or through excursions organized by the school.

Greenheart Travel can also arrange for you to stay in a student residence that is located right next to the language school. (additional fees will apply). Contact us for details.

Dates and Application Deadlines
Start dates are available every Monday throughout the year for all levels. Applications are due at least 8 weeks before your intended departure date.

Local Support
Greenheart Travel always provides you with a thorough network of support before departure and during your time abroad. You will be provided with pre-departure orientation materials that will walk you through every step of your program. Your host family and Language School office are more than happy to address questions or difficulties that you may have at anytime during your program.

Travel Arrangements and Transportation
All travel arrangements must be booked according to our instructions. Booking travel is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you as needed. You will fly into the airport in Cuzco where a representative of the school will meet you and take you to your accommodations. It will be your responsibility to make your own arrangements for your return to the airport upon departure; a taxi is the easiest option and very affordable.

Depending upon where your host family is located, you can either walk to school or take public transportation. Buses are the main form of transportation in Cuzco and are extremely inexpensive. However, you will find that it is quite easy to navigate on foot and many of the local residents prefer this option. When you first arrive, ask your host family which bus is the best option. They will be more than happy to show you the way!


Typical Activities and Excursions
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the social and cultural activities arranged by the school in order to meet other students and practice their language skills. The following activities are included in the program fee:

• Walking tour on your day of arrival (Sunday at 4pm)
• Welcome dinner
• Peruvian cooking class
• Salsa class
• Music class
• Latin American movies
• Daily lectures on Peruvian culture and society
• Farewell dinner

For an additional fee, the school can arrange excursions that may include train trips to Machu Picchu, rafting adventures, hiking the Inca Trail, mountain biking, rafting and visiting the Temple of the Sun.

Program Costs 

Included	Not Included
Lodging/3 meals per day	Airfare
Books/materials/internet	In country transportation
Medical/Accident Insurance	Phone cards
Local Coordinator
24 Emergency Staff
Cultural Activities
Pre-departure and arrival Orientation/city tour

Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.