universidad san ignacio de loyola peru

UNIVERSIDAD SAN IGNACIO DE LOYOLA
PERU
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
 Semester in Lima
 Semester in Cusco
 Summer in Cusco
 Culinary Arts programs
 Customized programs
 Faculty-led programs
ORIENTATION
The following information is intended to provide guidelines on all the international programs offered by
Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola in Lima and Cusco. The purpose is to provide international students, visiting
faculty, and any other international guests with information regarding academics, housing, the city, and other
useful information.
I.
WELCOME
1. TO FACULTY
Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL) is honored to have the best faculty in the country and
abroad and it has worked hard to find the most suitable teachers for its programs in Lima and
Cusco. USIL is an organization focused on the educational development of both its faculty and
students, and is always open to helping its teaching staff in whatever they may need.
Please feel free to contact the academic staff any time you wish for any kind of support. Our
‘open door’ policy works for everyone and you are always welcome to discuss any issue related
to the program.
If you are a faculty member from Lima, Cusco or from any other city in Peru or abroad, we
again express our gratitude to you for accepting the responsibility of teaching in one of the
most important USIL programs and sharing your knowledge with others. If you are a visiting
professor or tutor, please accept our warm welcome to USIL.
2. TO STUDENTS
Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL) was the first Peruvian university to become
international with programs specially designed for students from all over the world. No other
university in Peru has such a large number of international students and our staff will always be
willing to provide personalized attention to assist you at any time.
Once again, welcome to Peru, welcome to Lima or Cusco, and welcome to USIL! If you will be
studying in Cusco, you will experience the best time in one of the most important cities in
South America and see the country’s most important landmark, which is now one of the New
Seven Wonders of the World: the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. If you will be studying in Lima,
you will find that the capital of Peru is the culinary capital of Latin America. Lima’s colonial
architecture has led to its recognition by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and the city is the
only South American capital on the Pacific Ocean.
USIL has welcomed students from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela,
Brazil, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, the United States,
Canada, France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria,
Iceland, India, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, China, Korea, Japan, Australia, and more,
and is proud to have you here in Peru.
II. THE UNIVERSITY
1. DESCRIPTION
In Lima, USIL has four main campuses located in residential areas where undergraduate and
graduate students take different programs. USIL has 26 academic programs and over 8,000
local students enrolled in 2012. The campuses have a library, a restaurant, pastry shop, WiFi
throughout, academic services, sports areas, a social responsibility office, and more. USIL hosts
more than 450 international students per year and local faculty and students are used to
having them in class.
USIL also has its Culinary Arts School with different programs that amaze local and
international chefs and students. The building has several demo classrooms, pastry and baking
labs, and kitchens where classes are held, plus its own restaurant and pastry shop open to the
public, an auditorium, and more.
In Cusco, the USIL International Center (Extension Center) was created to offer different
programs to local and international students in Peru’s most important city. USIL has different
academic programs designed to provide education in fields such as Business, Hospitality and
Tourism; Spanish as a foreign language; cultural courses such as History of the Inca Civilization
and Latin American Literature; and it continues to create more customized programs.
The USIL International Center belongs to the San Ignacio de Loyola Organization, which has
over 40 years of experience in education with an entrepreneurial perspective that is also at the
heart of all the programs designed in Cusco.
Main websites:
 USIL: www.usil.edu.pe
 USIL International Programs: http://international.usil.edu.pe/
 USIL International Facebook: facebook.com/usilinternational.peru
 Culinary Arts School: http://www.usil.edu.pe/chefs/
 USIL Graduate School: http://www.epg.usil.edu.pe/
 San Ignacio College – Miami: http://www.sanignaciocollege.com/
 Don Ignacio Restaurant: http://www.donignacio.com.pe/
 Don Ignacio Residence: http://www.casadedonignacio.com
2. LOCATION
LIMA
In Lima, the main campus is located in the residential area of La Molina, which is very quiet and
sunny. The campuses are located one block from each other.
How to get there
The campuses are approximately 45 minutes to an hour by bus from the USIL residence, one
hour from downtown and an hour and a half from the airport. The main avenue to get there is
called Avenida Javier Prado (Javier Prado Avenue).
Address: Avenida La Fontana 550 (Campus 1) / Avenida La Fontana 750 (Campus 2)
La Molina
Lima 12, Peru
Telephone: 51 – 1 – 317-1000 (international office extension: 3220)
Email: [email protected]
AIRPORT
USIL CAMPUS
USIL RESIDENCE
CUSCO
In Cusco, the USIL International Center is conveniently located in downtown Cusco, one block
from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) and the Cathedral, where all the main activities take
place and where tourists and students get together. The Center is on Pampa del Castillo Street,
which is parallel to Cusco’s main avenue, El Sol Avenue, and half a block from the Koricancha
temple, an important landmark of the city.
How to get there
From the Main Square, just walk along Loreto Street (it’s an alley next to La Compañía Church)
for a block, and you will find Pampa del Castillo Street. The Center is halfway down the block.
From the USIL student residence (Casa de Don Ignacio), just walk down Pardo Avenue to the
corner of Garcilazo Avenue and turn right. Go down Garcilazo one block and turn left on El Sol
Avenue. Then walk one block and turn right on the temple of Koricancha and continue one
block to the corner of Pampa del Castillo. Turn left at Pampa del Castillo and you will find the
school is in the middle of the block.
Address: Calle Pampa del Castillo 405
Telephone: 51 – 84 – 222211
Email: [email protected]
USIL INTERNATIONAL
CENTER
3. FACILITIES
LIMA
The facilities found on the two main campuses are the following:
FACILITIES
Fully equipped computer and language labs with
WiFi
Fully equipped conference rooms
Fully equipped conference rooms
(Campus 2)
BUILDING
A
A, B
A
FACILITIES
BUILDING
Library
C
Library (Campus 2)
A
Faculty lounges
A, D
E
E
D
Student lounges, study rooms
(Campus 2)
Classrooms
Classrooms (Campus 2)
Social Responsibility office
A, C, D, behind Building A –
2° floor
A, next to building A, 1°
floor
A, B, C, E, F
A, B
Behind Building A – 2° floor
F
Sports office
Behind Building A – 2° floor
B
C
C
C
F
E
Human Resources office
USIL International office
Graduate school offices and study rooms
(Campus 2)
Psychology office
Academic assessment office
Bookstore (Campus 2)
Cafeteria
Chapel (Campus 2)
A
Cafeteria (Campus 2)
Emergency area (clinic – called tópico)
A
Coliseum
Emergency area (clinic – called tópico) – Campus 2
A
Psychology, Art & Design, and Education College
Departments
B
Administrative College Departments
D
Fully equipped kitchens, baking and pastry labs
E, F
Hotel guestroom demo classroom
E
Wine room
Auditorium
Academic Services area
Academic Services area (for the Culinary Arts
School programs)
Graphic design labs
TV studio
Radio lab
C
Cinema lab
Engineering and Architecture labs
Don Ignacio Restaurant
Di Patisserie – pastry shop
Student lounges, study rooms
Center for American Education (CAE)
office
Engineering & Architecture College
Departments
Hospitality, Tourism, and Gastronomy
College Departments
F
B
A
D
D
Separate building
Behind Building A
Separate building, next to
the bookstore
Separate building, behind
building A
A
C
E
Communications and Humanities College
Departments
Language Department
C
Restrooms
In every building
D
Parking lot
In Campus 1 & 2
CUSCO
The USIL International Center facilities are the following:
 Fully equipped classrooms with WiFi
 Fully equipped computer and language lab with WiFi
 Fully equipped conference room
 Library
 Faculty lounge
 Student lounge
 Emergency area
 Main patio
 Restrooms
4. INFOSIL
Infosil is the academic system designed by USIL in order to have an electronic academic system
for faculty and students. Both can see attendance records, absences, curricula, courses,
schedules, grades, assignments, email, the library system, etc. Every faculty member and
student has a user name and password for full access to the USIL website: www.usil.edu.pe or
https://infosil.sil.edu.pe/. There is an English version for international students. This system
includes all the programs in Lima and Cusco. Students in Faculty-led and Customized programs,
please ask your own home university if Infosil applies in the program.
5. USIL ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
The USIL student body numbers around 10,000 students, and students in both Lima and Cusco
are all subject to certain rules and should be aware of their rights and responsibilities. The USIL
International Office will send the USIL Academic Regulation booklet to your email address or to
you directly; you may also download it from the Infosil system. There is an English version for
international students.
You can always talk to faculty members and the USIL academic staff for further information as
to which regulations apply only to Lima students or Cusco students, as well as which ones are
applicable to local or international students. If an academic issue arises regarding exams,
methodology, attendance, or any other related topic, try to discuss it with your instructor first.
Always keep in mind that part of your experience abroad is to be open to different educational
systems. Some students may not be used to attendance requirements or the evaluation
system.
The most appropriate way of dealing with academic issues is to discuss them with your
instructor, course or program coordinator, dean (if applicable) or the academic service staff.
You can also ask the International Office for guidance at any time.
In the academic regulations booklet, you will find information about registration, admissions,
attendance, course withdrawal, and other procedures designed for certain USIL programs.
Students in Faculty-led and Customized programs, please ask your own home university for
program policies and procedures.
REGISTRATION FOR COURSES: For Semester in Cusco, Summer in Cusco, Spanish Immersion,
Business in Peru and Latin America, Institutions in Peruvian Society, and other customized
programs, students must register in advance through the USIL International Office. Students
wishing to change or add courses should send an email to USIL International only during the
first week of classes. Students can withdraw only from one course through USIL International
or Infosil. For the Semester in Lima, the USIL International Office will be in charge of the course
registration. Students in Faculty-led and Customized programs, please ask your own home
university for course registration policies and procedures.
COURSE WITHDRAWAL: This can be done by the student through Infosil until one week after
mid-term exams. If a student withdraws from a course, it will not be reflected on his/her official
transcript at the end of the program. If a student does not withdraw from a course and simply
fails to attend classes, the course will be shown on the student’s transcript with a failing grade.
Students can withdraw only from one course through USIL International or Infosil for any
program. Students in Faculty-led and Customized programs, please ask your own home
university for course withdrawal policies and procedures.
TUTORING: Tutoring may be requested by any student by filling out a form provided by the
USIL Academic Office, explaining the reasons and the topic to be covered. The session will be
provided by the instructor according to his/her availability. Tutoring is free. Please check if the
course is available for tutoring. Students in Faculty-led and Customized programs, please ask
your own home university if tutoring applies in the program.
INSTRUCTORS AND COORDINATORS: Students may always request for information from
instructors and coordinators directly. Coordinators are in charge of academic and activity
calendars, course and instructors’ schedules, social responsibility activities, etc. Students in
Faculty-led and Customized programs, please ask your own home university if you will have an
online tutor or an on-site professor during your program at USIL and what procedures are to
follow.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: The Institutions in Peruvian Society program is run by the USIL Center
for Social Responsibility (Alianza Social Universitaria – ASU). Activities are organized and
scheduled by this office. Students will receive their activity calendars and schedules on
orientation day. USIL International and ASU will be in constant communication with students
regarding all social responsibility activities. Students in Faculty-led and Customized programs,
please ask your own home university what considerations are taken if your program includes
social responsibility activities.
6. EVALUATION
The grading system in Peru is from zero (0) to twenty (20). A grade from eleven (11) to twenty
(20) is a passing grade, while a grade from zero (0) to ten (10) is a failing grade.
In order to gain a better understanding of this system, please see the following chart for a basic
reference (please contact your home university for further detail):
GRADING SYSTEM EQUIVALENCE
Numerical grade
19 – 20
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10 or less
Letter Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD
F
Grade Points
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.0
0.0
Explanation
Excellent
Good
Fair
Low, but passing
Failing
The courses in the Semester in Cusco, Summer in Cusco, Spanish Immersion, Business in Peru
and Latin America, and other customized programs will include the following items in the final
evaluation (please verify for each course, since this can vary):




Continuous assessment (evaluations, exams, quizzes, written work, research, projects,
and presentations)
Participation in class (homework, reports, oral participation, and attitude in class)
Mid-term exam
Final exam
For the Semester in Lima and Culinary Arts programs, please see the special evaluation system
for each course. They may vary depending on the content, number of hours, etc.
In Peru, evaluation is an important part of the learning process. At USIL, courses are contentbased and competency-based. If you miss an evaluation, exam, quiz, test, mid-term exam, or
final exam, you will not be allowed to make it up. However, if you miss an exam due to any
health issue, please talk to your instructor or academic coordinator. The instructor cannot
reschedule a make-up exam for a student who has made a trip for the purpose of tourism.
Please ask your instructor about the procedures followed when a student misses an
evaluation.
Students in Faculty-led and Customized programs, please ask your own home university if your
program will use our evaluation system. If you take USIL courses, ask your home university if
USIL credits are awarded and if USIL transcripts are issued.
7. ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS
Attendance and punctuality are important issues for a good understanding of each course and
show how committed students are to the course. For content-based courses, absences may
not exceed thirty per cent (30%) and language courses such Spanish have a limit of twenty
percent (20%). Instructors are to consider a student late after the first 10 minutes of class.
However, students cannot be considered late after the first half of a class or during the second
hour, when students arriving late will be considered absent. We highly recommend that
students arrive to class on time as a way of showing respect for their instructors and
classmates.
Please keep in mind that you are in a different country and that the education system may be
completely different. In some countries, attendance is not mandatory and students only go for
exams. In Peru, attendance is required and considered an important issue. Part of your
exchange experience is to be open to new cultures and also to different education systems.
Students in Faculty-led and Customized programs, please ask your own home university if this
USIL attendance and tardiness policy applies. If you take USIL courses during Faculty-led and
Customized programs, ask your own home university if this USIL attendance and tardiness
policy applies.
8. HEALTH
Every arriving student should already have international health insurance. Health and travel
insurance is mandatory during the entire time of the program. Students are asked to carry
their health insurance cards at all times. In Lima, most private clinics accept health insurance
cards. In Cusco, some clinics accept insurance cards. If a clinic does not accept your card and
you need emergency care, we recommend obtaining medical attention there, paying for it,
asking for receipts, and then requesting reimbursement from your insurance provider. Please
ask whether there is a clinic near your residence and if you can use your health insurance card
there. It is also important to know if your insurance company has a reimbursement policy.
Sometimes, some students take regular medication or require sessions with psychologists. It is
important to inform the USIL office if you are undergoing any medical treatment in order to
receive advice or help. In Lima, if you need an appointment with the USIL psychologist, please
contact the Psychology Department (Campus 1, Building D).
MEDICAL EMERGENCY STEPS:
 If an accident occurs in USIL facilities, ask for medical attention at our medical center
(known as the Tópico).
 If an accident occurs outside USIL facilities, immediately go to the nearest hospital or
clinic.
 Show your health insurance card. If it is not an emergency, clinics usually charge a fee.
In an emergency, attention is given immediately.
 If your health insurance card is not accepted by the clinic and medical care is required
immediately, the clinic will charge. Ask for receipts and request reimbursement from
your insurance provider afterward.
 Public hospitals accept anyone in an emergency. We do not recommend going to a
public hospital for minor health issues because of the time required to obtain
attention.
 If you are going to be hospitalized in a clinic that does not accept your insurance card,
ask if it is possible to be transferred to a different clinic.
 Following your recovery, send your receipts to your insurance company for
reimbursement.
9. CONTACT US
Feel free to contact us at any time. We know you have come from very far away and
sometimes help from close friends or relatives is not available.
USIL INTERNATIONAL: [email protected] / Skype: StudyAbroadPeru or USIL
International
NAME
Mr. Ramiro Salas
Ms. Dora Ballen
Mr. Luis Jeri
Mr. Keith Annis
Mr. Gonzalo Villena
Mr. Miguel Pinto
Ms. Rosmery Barreto
Mr. Jorge Chávez
Mr. Jorge Villavicencio
Ms. Lisette Delgado
Ms. Milagros Alarcón
POSITION
International Vice President
Director of USIL International
Development
Director of International Operations
Coordinator
of
International
Relations – North America
Academic
Coordinator
for
International Programs
EMAIL
[email protected]
[email protected]
TELEPHONE
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3230)
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3224)
[email protected]
[email protected]
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3226)
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3228)
[email protected]
Coordinator of Global Alliances
Coordinator for Work & Study
Abroad Programs
Coordinator
of
International
Relations – China
Coordinator of the Global Leadership
Skills Workshop
Assistant
Assistant
[email protected]
[email protected]
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3229)
51-1-981180970
118*0970 (Nextel)
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3225)
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3222)
[email protected]
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3154)
[email protected]
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3159)
[email protected]
[email protected]
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3220)
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3221)
EMAIL
[email protected]
TELEPHONE
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3085)
[email protected]
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3087)
[email protected]
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3087)
[email protected]
[email protected]
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3074)
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3078)
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3070)
51-1-317-1000 (ext. 3212)
51-84-22.22.11 (ext.
123*8366 (Nextel)
[email protected]
51-84-22.51.41
[email protected]
51-1-221.65.68
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
NAME
Ms. Lucía Zapatero
Ms. Olenka Ochoa
Mr. Florián Condori
Ms. Wendy Fiol
Ms. Mariana De Vinatea
Mr. Matthew Allen
Ms. Rebeka Cumpa
Mr. Cristian López
Mr. Luis Valverde
Ms. Pamela Borel
POSITION
Dean of Social Responsibility Alliance
(Alianza Social Universitaria – ASU)
Director of Social Responsibility
Alliance (ASU)
Coordinator of Social Responsibility
Alliance (ASU)
Director of the Culinary Arts School
Academic Coordinator of the Culinary
Arts School
Director of the Language Department
Coordinator of Spanish
Academic-Administrative
Coordinator at USIL International
Center - Cusco
Administrator of USIL housing – Casa
Don Ignacio Cusco
Administrator of USIL housing – Casa
Don Ignacio Lima
CONTACT INFO
PLACE
USIL – LIMA
USIL International Center – Cusco
Casa Don Ignacio Cusco
Casa Don Ignacio Lima
ADDRESS
Av. La Fontana 550 – La Molina - Lima
Calle Pampa del Castillo 450 - Cusco
Av. Pardo 550 - Cusco
Calle Scipión Llona 684 - Miraflores
TELEPHONE
00-51-1-317-1000
00-51-84-22.22.11
00-51-84-22.51.41
00-51-1-221.65.68
III. HOUSING
1. DESCRIPTION
USIL has its own student residences in Lima and Cusco. Casa Don Ignacio offers two possibilities
for international visitors. Students may stay in fully furnished apartments in shared rooms with
shared bathrooms, WiFi, cable TV, their own kitchen and living room. Students may also
choose to stay in single or double rooms with their own bathroom at a different but affordable
rate.
All students staying at Casa Don Ignacio have airport pickup service available to them when
they arrive in or leave Lima or Cusco.
2. LOCATION
LIMA
Casa Don Ignacio in Lima is located in the most popular tourist area of Lima, called Miraflores.
In Miraflores, you will find banks, restaurants, shops, malls, etc. 5 minutes away from the
residence. Casa Don Ignacio is located 45 minutes to 1 hour from the USIL campuses.
How to get there
Casa Don Ignacio in Lima is one block from a main avenue, Petit Thouars Avenue, and two
blocks from Arequipa Avenue. Public transportation runs along these two main avenues. From
the airport, the best option is to take a taxi. It should take 45 minutes to one hour. Students
who will be staying more than 5 months in our housing have airport pickup included in the
cost. For students staying for a shorter time, we can make the necessary arrangements to have
a taxi for you. Taxi cabs in Lima are inexpensive; a 45-minute ride from the airport might cost
from US$ 15 to US$ 20. Do not pay more!
CASA DON IGNACIO-LIMA
CUSCO
Casa Don Ignacio in Cusco is strategically located 5 minutes from the airport, and 5 minutes by
taxi or 10 minutes on foot from the Main Square, Cathedral or USIL International Center. There
is a clinic next door, and shops, restaurants, ATM’s, banks, handicraft stores, and more nearby.
How to get there
If you are at the Main Square (in front of the Cathedral), go to corner of the square where El Sol
Avenue starts. Then, just walk three blocks down El Sol Avenue to Garcilazo Avenue (on El Sol
Ave., you will pass the Court House, banks, the Koricancha temple, the Immigration Office, and
the post office). Turn right on Garcilazo Avenue (the post office is on this corner) and walk one
block to Pardo Ave. and turn left. Casa Don Ignacio is halfway down the block. If you take a taxi
from the airport, the fare could be between US$ 4 to US$ 5, do not pay more!!!
Address: Avenida Pardo 954
Telephone: 51 – 84 – 225141
Web site: www.casadedonignacio.com
USIL INTERNATIONAL
CENTER
CASA DON IGNACIO - CUSCO
3. USIL HOUSING REGULATIONS
Casa Don Ignacio in Lima hosts hundreds of international students every year. The student
residence is under the university’s responsibility and our students’ security is priority number
one. Therefore, students must follow some rules that guarantee everyone a comfortable stay.
Ask the manager about dos and don’ts at the student residence.
Casa Don Ignacio in Cusco welcomes not only students, but also regular hotel guests. You will
find different groups of guests, such as families and executives. Therefore, some important
regulations must be followed for a comfortable stay. Please ask the manager about the
regulations for guests staying in rooms and apartments.
4. FAMILY HOMESTAY
For students who are not staying in USIL housing and have chosen to stay with a family, USIL
will provide a homestay contact and the students must follow the family’s rules.
All students staying with families will be picked up at the airport, either by a family agency
representative or a member of your “new” family.
5. CONTACT US
NAME
Mr. Luis Valverde
Ms. Pamela Borel
POSITION
Administrator of USIL housing – Casa
Don Ignacio Cusco
Administrator of USIL housing – Casa
Don Ignacio Lima
EMAIL
[email protected]
TELEPHONE
51-84-22.51.41
[email protected]
51-1-221.65.68
IV. COUNTRY AND CITIES
1. COUNTRY FACTS
 Location: Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile
and Ecuador.
 Total Area: 1,285,216 sq km
 Country comparison to the World: the 20th largest country in the World (slightly
smaller than Alaska.
 Border countries: Bolivia 1,075 km; Brazil 2,995 km; Chile 171 km; Colombia 1,800
km; Ecuador 1,420 km.
 Climate: Varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate to frigid in
Andes.
 Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0m; Huascaran snow capped
mountain 6,768 m
 Natural resources: copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal,
phosphate, natural gas.
 Important cities: Lima (capital), Cusco, Arequipa, Ica, Trujillo, Huancayo, Puno,
Iquitos, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Chiclayo.
 Nationality: Peruvian (called peruanos)
 Ethnic groups: Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and Wh ite) 37%, white
15%, Afro-Peruvian, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%.
 Languages: Spanish 84.1%, Quechua 13%, Aymara 1.7%, Ashaninka 0.3% and other
languages and dialects.
 Religion: Roman Catholic 81.3%, Evangelical 12.5%, and other.
 Population: 29’248,943 (estimation for 2011)
 Independence day: July 28 th
 GDP: US$ 152.8 billion (2010 est.)
 Agriculture – main products: asparagus, coffee, cocoa, cottons, sugarcane, rice,
potatoes, corn, grapes, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, mango, onion, bananas.
 Currency: Nuevo Sol
2. DESCRIPTION
LIMA
Lima, the capital of Peru, is located in the central part of the country on the coast. It is the only
coastal capital in South America. The city has undergone many changes in recent years and
Peruvian economic growth has made it a hub for many international companies. Lima has
approximately 10 million inhabitants and, as a large city, it has diverse areas for international
students to visit. Lima still has its old Spanish-style architecture, as well as modern areas. It is
also considered the culinary capital of Latin America and UNESCO has declared it a World
Heritage Site.
CUSCO
Cusco is a friendly city, and culture and history are all around. Its architecture has maintained
its Inca and Spanish style. You will notice that even streets and houses still have original Inca
stones. The population is around 400,000 and the size of the city allows everyone to walk
wherever they want to go. International students will feel comfortable in a city used to visitors
from all over the world, and you will find that Cusco is very cosmopolitan but at the same time
proud of its history and Peruvian culture.
3. CITY MAP
LIMA AND MIRAFLORES
DOWNTOWN LIMA
CUSCO
4. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
We know that preparing for a long trip to study abroad requires certain steps and
considerations. Please feel free to ask USIL staff for any further information you may need.
The Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima is the main entrance to Peru. You will probably
make your first stop in Peru at this airport. If you have spare days before you start your
program at USIL, we recommend you visit Lima and our main facilities. Lima is considered the
culinary capital of South America and you can find the best restaurants and shops 40 minutes
from the airport. If your program is in Lima, you should make arrangements for a taxi at a stand
inside the airport. We do not recommend taking a taxi outside the airport.
If you have a connecting flight to Cusco (flights from Lima to Cusco leave between 5am and
3pm), your flight time will be 1 hour and 20 minutes. At the airport, you will be picked up by
someone from USIL if you will be staying at the USIL student residence, or by a representative
of homestay if you will be staying with a family. Otherwise, you can take a 5-minute taxi ride to
downtown Cusco. Once again, we ask that you allow us to help you with your transportation
arrangements.
If you have a connecting flight to Cusco, make sure you pick up your luggage in Lima first.
They will probably not be sent to Cusco directly even if the airline told you so at the beginning
of your flight.
Prior to your arrival, please contact the USIL International coordinators to help you arrange for
taxi service, airport pickup, or the like. We highly recommend that you take a taxi that pertains
to a formal transportation company rather than an informal taxi. In Lima, there are taxi
companies inside the airport.
FIRST DAY IN CUSCO: Resting at least the first morning is highly recommendable. Cusco is
located at 3,400 masl (11,300 fasl) and some students may feel dizzy if they start walking all
around the city on the first day. Some students never feel dizzy or sick, but it’s always good to
prevent altitude problems. At USIL housing or your homestay, try herbal tea, which may be
helpful in preventing altitude sickness.
WEATHER: In Lima, the weather is predictable most of the year. Temperatures range from a
low of 12°C (53.6°F) in the winter to a high of 30°C (86°F) in the summer (December-February).
During the winter, the weather is mostly cloudy. Lima has a very high percentage of humidity;
although it never rains much in Lima, it drizzles in the winter.
In Cusco, between January and March (summer season), the weather is rainy. However, it
could be sunny even in winter during the day. Some students bring sunscreen if they have
sensitive skin. A cap will also do. Bring your raincoat or a good jacket for the rain and hiking
boots. Cusco is a beautiful city with a gorgeous blue sky and sometimes shorts and a T-shirt will
be enough. Nights are cold from May to September and jackets and sweaters are
recommendable. The city can get as cold as 1°C (33.8°F) during the night and 15°C (59°F) in the
afternoon in the winter time. Bringing boots, gloves, scarves, and raincoats or jackets is always
a must.
ORIENTATION DAY AND WELCOME CEREMONY: USIL always prepares an orientation talk and
welcome ceremony held on the main campus in Lima and at the USIL International Center in
Cusco where students, faculty and deans meet with the USIL authorities. The meeting is
intended to provide all the academic information that both students and faculty will need to
know. After the ceremony, students take the Spanish Placement Test given by a representative
of the USIL Language Department if they are to study Spanish.
SPANISH: Your experience in Lima or Cusco will be fascinating and part of it will be learning this
beautiful language. After the placement test, you will be able to buy your Spanish books at a
nearby bookstore. It is important to understand that the Spanish level you might have reached
at your home university may not match our standards. Please ask our USIL International
academic staff or USIL Language Department for advice.
Important websites:
 Lima airport: http://www.lap.com.pe
 Taxi company at Lima airport: http://www.taxigreen.com.pe/
 Cusco airport: http://www.corpac.gob.pe/vuelos/cusco
5. MONEY: Dollars are accepted everywhere, particularly in Lima and Cusco. However, we
recommend that you exchange dollars or euros for our currency (Nuevo Sol, or soles), as the
exchange rate varies from one establishment to another. We recommend that you exchange
your dollars or euros at a bank. There are money exchange offices and money exchangers on
the street, but we recommend that you exchange your money at the bank. Credit cards are
also accepted in most places (American Express, Visa, Master Card, Maestro, etc.).
You can also withdraw money from ATM’s (soles or dollars). ATM’s are conveniently located at
the airport in Lima and Cusco, near the USIL student residence and USIL International Center,
and in downtown Cusco.
Major banks in Peru:
 Banco de Crédito: http://www.viabcp.com
 BBVA Banco Continental: www.bbvabancocontinental.com/
 Interbank: www.interbank.com.pe/
 Banco de la Nación: www.bn.com.pe/
6. TRANSPORTATION
In Lima, buses are the main means of public transportation. There is a recommendable bus
system called the Metropolitano that runs through parts of the city. It is a well-organized,
reliable system with its own bus stations. Lima also has its own metro system that runs from
north to south in the city. Currently, you will also find 20-passenger buses called “coasters” and
small vans called “combis”. We do not recommend taking combis. If you take a taxi, please
consider going with a friend at all times, since many taxis do not belong to a taxi company.
Taxis in Lima are inexpensive and fares are negotiable with taxi drivers. Learn how to bargain!
In Cusco, taxis are surprisingly cheap and rides are less than a dollar everywhere inside the city
and one dollar after 11pm. You will be able to take taxis all day and all night. There are taxi
companies that will charge one or two more dollars for a ride. Public transportation by bus
costs around US$0.30. Try to take a bus with someone else at first.
In Lima, from USIL housing to the main campus is about a 1-hour bus ride. By taxi, it could take
40 minutes. In Cusco, from USIL housing to the USIL International Center by taxi should take no
more than 5 minutes. You can also walk from the USIL student residence to the school in 10
minutes.
Main airlines and bus companies:
 LAN Airlines: www.lan.com
 TACA Airlines: www.taca.com
 Cruz del Sur bus: http://www.cruzdelsur.com.pe/
7. PEOPLE
People from Lima are very friendly and visitors are impressed by how Peruvians in general
express their friendship. Because Lima is a big city, limeños and limeñas are reluctant to
approach others on the street, but when they know they are tourists, limeños and limeñas are
very helpful. However, we always ask our students to be careful and to avoid certain parts of
the city.
People from Cusco (cusqueño – male, and cusqueña – female) are very friendly to visitors and
they are used to being helpful. Some visitors may feel uncomfortable or extremely thankful
when they see that cusqueños try to help them as much as possible and with extreme
politeness. Nevertheless, cusqueños are used to tourists and they try their best to make you
feel welcome.
8. SAFETY SUGGESTIONS
Even though you may feel safe in Lima and Cusco, you should always consider some
precautions in order to avoid some bothersome situations:
 Avoid large crowds whenever you sense a lack of security (e.g. building emergency
exits, restaurants, dance clubs, bars, etc.).
 Try to avoid carrying your passport in your pocket or bag. You can carry copies of your
passport and ID.
 Have your health insurance card with you at all times.
 Have the address of your residence or family homestay as well as important phone
numbers with you.
 Cell phones in Peru are fairly cheap. We highly recommend buying one. Please send
your phone number to the USIL office.
 If you go out, try to be with classmates or friends at all times. If you meet somebody
else, introduce him/her to your group.
 Avoid situations where alcohol and/or drugs may be involved. Peruvian laws are very
strict regarding drug possession.
 Bringing alcohol and/or drugs to the USIL student residence and/or school facilities is
strictly prohibited. Students found with drugs will be automatically expelled from the
university and the student residence.
 If you are going to travel around the country by bus, taking the best bus companies is
advisable. Some buses do not offer good service and saving a little money is not worth
the risk.
Main websites:
 National Police: www.pnp.gob.pe/
 Tourism Police: http://www.pnp.gob.pe/direcciones/dirture/inicio.html
 Fire Department: www.bomberosperu.gob.pe/
 Javier Prado Clinic (Lima): www.clinicajavierprado.com.pe/
 Ricardo Palma Clinic (Lima): http://www.crp.com.pe/
 Clínica Internacional (Lima): http://www.clinicainternacional.com.pe/
 Tezza Clinic (Lima): http://www.clinicatezza.com.pe/
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Montefiori Clinic (Lima): www.montefiori.com.pe/
San José Clinic (Cusco): http://www.sanjose.com.pe/
Hampiland Clinic (Cusco): http://www.hampiland.com/
Clínica Peruano Suiza (Cusco): http://www.clinicaperuanosuiza.com/
US Embassy (Lima): http://lima.usembassy.gov/
US Embassy (Cusco): http://lima.usembassy.gov/geninfo.html
French Embassy (Lima): www.ambafrance-pe.org/
German Embassy (Lima): http://www.lima.diplo.de/
Colombian Embassy (Lima): www.embajadacolombia.org.pe/
Finnish Embassy (Lima): www.finlandia.org.pe/
Embassy of the Netherlands (Lima): www.nlgovlim.com/
Other embassies in Lima or Cusco:
http://www.infoperu.com/es/view.php?lang=es&p=34
9. CULTURE, BEHAVIOR, LANGUAGE PHRASES, IDIOSINCRASY
Here is a list of some general statements related to the Peruvian culture, behavior (what is
considered polite or generally accepted), useful language phrases, and more ideas that may be
useful during your stay. Some ideas may differ somehow in different cities of Peru.
 Greetings are very important for Peruvians in general. Men to men usually greet with a
handshake. Men to women and women to women with a kiss on the cheek. Students
to professors usually greet with a phrase: Buenos días profesor (Good morning
teacher), buenas tardes profesor (Good afternoon teacher), hasta luego profesor (Good
bye teacher). Lifting up your eyebrows or not greeting at all may be considered rude or
impolite by some teachers. When visiting someone at home, always greet anyone in
the house with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek.
 Leaving a classroom without asking the teacher or at least not telling the teacher to be
excused is considered rude or impolite by some teachers.
 Handing-in exams, assignments, or even a paper to a teacher, it should be given
directly to the hand of the teacher. Do not throw or toss the paper on the teacher’s
desk.
 When invited home for lunch or dinner, it’s not mandatory to bring wine or a gift, but
it’s always considered thoughtful to bring something to drink or eat.
 When asking for directions, favors, information, food at a restaurant, or suggestions,
the word por favor (please) is considered polite and sometimes necessary. Some
Peruvians may consider it rude if you do not use this phrase. When asking for anything
to your teachers or anyone at the university, do not forget to use this simple but useful
expression. When done, use the phrase gracias (thank you).
 Peruvians are considered friendly, polite, and warm, and they like to help everyone,
especially foreigners, and they expect to have the same treatment from tourists.
10. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Please see these websites for information on cultural activities in the city:
LIMA:
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Museum of Art: http://www.mali.pe/
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Museum of Contemporary Art: www.li-mac.org/
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Gold Museum: www.museoroperu.com.pe
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Pedro de Osma Museum: www.museopedrodeosma.org
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Larco Museum: http://www.museolarco.org/
Pre-Columbian Art Museum: http://www.map.org.pe/
Ministry of Culture: http://www.mcultura.gob.pe/
Peruvian-Japanese Theater: http://www.apj.org.pe/teatro
Municipal Ballet: http://www.balletmunicipal.com/
Water Fountains / Circuito Mágico del Agua:
http://www.circuitomagicodelagua.com.pe/
CUSCO:
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Ministry of Culture – Cusco: http://www.drc-cusco.gob.pe/
 http://www.cuscoculto.com/
 http://www.guamanpoma.org/
 http://www.lacasacusco.com/lacasacusco/
 http://www.agendacusco.com/
 http://www.municusco.gob.pe/agendacultural/
 http://www.icpnacusco.org/index-3.html
 http://www.alianzafrancesacusco.org.pe/portal/index.php?option=com_content&view
=article&id=47&Itemid=56
 http://www.aboutcusco.com/cusco/pubs/english/resultados.asp
 http://www.aboutcusco.com/cusco/eng/museums.asp