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Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership

Students

Peru: Summer in Cusco

Study Spanish, Inca culture and other topics in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes with students from all over the world. Hilton College's partner university in Peru, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL), runs summer programs in the historic city of Cusco. Besides being the gateway city to the world famous Machu Picchu archaeological ruins, Cusco is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

HRM students may take up to six credit hours of elective credit during a five-week summer session (May 22-June 29 or July 3-August 10).

Choose two courses from the following

  • Spanish (three levels are offered; will transfer as "Spanish for the Hospitality Industry") AND
  • Business in Peru & Latin America
  • History of the Inca Civilization *
  • Contemporary Society and Culture of Peru *
  • Biodiversity of Peru *
  • Inca Architecture *
  • Art & Design in Cusco *
* These courses will transfer as "International Culture & Tourism." 

There is no limit on how many students can participate in this program.

Requirements

  • Must be a declared GHL major with at least sophomore status
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85
  • Must have at least one semester remaining at UH upon return from abroad
  •  Must have a valid passport: 6 month validity rule meaning that your passport should be valid for more than six months before you would be allowed to enter Peru. If you do not have a passport, apply immediately from the U.S. Department of State. Or inquire with the UH Learning Abroad Office
  • Health insurance is required that covers basic medical illnesses. If you do not have health insurance, you will be required to purchase either with the UH Health Center or through a private insurance provider.  

How to Apply

  1. Complete and submit an GHL Study Abroad application. The application includes submitting a résumé, essay and naming a faculty reference.
  2. Applications will be reviewed by the HRM Study Abroad Selection Committee and students will be informed of their status within two weeks of the application deadline. Assessment of application is based on academic qualifications of the applicant, integration of USIL curriculum with applicant's degree plan and strength of essay.
  3. Selected applicants will meet with Jennifer Glickman regarding their application packages to USIL.
  4. Selected applicants will meet with UH Learning Abroad academic advisors

Selected Applicants Agree to

  • Apply for an International Educational Fee Scholarship (IEFS)—deadline March 1.
  • Sign a Student Responsibilities Contract.
  • Comply with all requirements, deadlines and procedures of UH Learning Abroad. Please note that Learning Abroad requires an additional application form and a number of documents for outgoing exchange students.
  • Assist Hilton College with study-abroad exchange activities (i.e. promoting at All Students Organization Fair, giving short presentations to students about the experience, greeting/assisting incoming exchange students, assisting outgoing exchange students, etc.) during the semester after returning.

Expected Expenses

  • Program fee paid to USIL - Summer semester approximately $1800
  • Tuition for six credit hours payable to UH
  • Airfare - round trip Houston to Lima (LIM) and Lima to Cusco (CUZ) (total approximately $1,550 as of Aug. 2012)
  • Housing - student housing available for $684 at Casa de Don Ignacio for the program duration
  • Meals (breakfast included with student housing)
  • Textbooks or materials, as specified by USIL syllabus
  • UH Learning Abroad Administrative Fee - $75-$125
  • Optional field trips including Machu Picchu
  • Personal expenses and incidentals

Personal preferences affect the total cost of your program. Participants should plan for the trip and budget appropriately.

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