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peru

Study abroad in peru

The study abroad program in Peru is a service-learning experience in Cusco, where FHU students from the Nursing Program and other health care majors can use and hone their skills while volunteering at a women’s health clinic. The two-week trip to Peru also presents an opportunity for an excursion by train to Machu Picchu, where the group climbs Huayna Picchu mountain and visits the Inca citadel during a full-day hike.

The program is designed for nursing students but is open to students in other medical/healthcare programs of study, including kinesiology and biology pre-med. Junior nursing students can receive credit hours for their Pediatric Clinicals, and all participants can receive three credit hours for NSG 299A/399A Nursing Medical Missions: Peru.

Verviers Central

Gain Hands-On Experience

Nursing students spend the majority of the trip volunteering at a women’s health clinic, where they take vital signs, initiate referrals for doctor’s visits, and assist PAs during their examinations and diabetes and cancer screenings. Students are kept busy during the day as they provide healthcare to local residents, from young adults to the elderly.

The group also takes two days to visit an orphanage and a nursing home. Students will gain considerable experience with pediatric patients, and at the nursing home they interact with residents and practice their conversational Spanish language skills. There is also a daily debriefing with an on-site doctor during which students will reflect on each day’s experiences.

Costa Rica Lodge

Explore Cusco and Machu Picchu

In addition to being a service-learning opportunity, studying abroad in Peru is a cultural learning experience. Our students are able to spend time with locals (and alpacas) while enjoying the beauty and culture of this special country.

Situated high in the Andes Mountains, Cusco is the perfect location to take in the breathtaking scenery of Peru’s mountainous regions. Our group makes an overnight excursion by train to Aguas Calientes and hikes to Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, and also takes a day to visit the spectacularly multicolored Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain.

In addition to the group excursions, the students are free in the evenings to explore Cusco, play card games in the dormitory, and dine at a local restaurant or prepare dinner from locally-sourced ingredients. The group of students and instructors grow close-knit over the short trip as they experience new, exciting things together and gain valuable experience in the field.