The AASD offers responsible student programming in collaboration with faculty members from the high school and university level. With our established community relationships, we assist faculty to plan, develop, and deliver programming abroad in the Sacred Valley, taking care of both the logistics and itinerary while focusing on the course theme. We customize programs and collaborate with faculty to fit their needs, interests, and course requirements.
We communicate with faculty throughout the whole process from pre-departure planning to post-program reflection. We provide pre-arrival information about the context of the AASD, background material about Peru, and guidelines for health and safety. Student learning is important to us and none of our experiential learning programs are complete without observation and critical reflection to fully process personal learning experiences which impact perspectives on self and the world.
“Working with Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development (AASD) has been excellent for enhancing the quality of our annual course that travels to Peru. AASD has facilitated all aspects of our travel, from the logistics of lodging, transportation, and meals to data collection opportunities and capacity –building exercises. Its staff is warm and welcoming, responsible, and professional. Each year, our students rave about the support they receive from AASD – intellectual, emotional, cultural, etc. They also regularly discuss how AASD provides them a model for locally-based NGOs engaged in responsible sustainable development. As faculty, I am grateful to Andean Alliance to ease the demands of planning and preparation for our trip and because their efforts enhance the overall quality of the course and the research that emerges from it.”
Please contact Kerri to learn more about our faculty-led programs at kerri@alianzaandina.org
“The Alianza team works from a deep calling to heighten consciousness of indigenous knowledge to strengthen environmental and social resilience, including increased food yields in a most vulnerable region. As participating faculty members, we are part of the movement of thriving indigenous cultures and communities—creating partnerships to plan, organize and facilitate faculty-led trips that are life changing for local communities and students alike.”
It depends on how long the program will be and what type of activities and logistics will be included. In the past, we have planned anywhere from months to a couple of weeks in advance. Regardless, we are flexible to plan a program and coordinate logistics with shorter notice. Certain months of the year tend to fill up quickly, however, so it is important to be in contact with the Experiential Learning team as soon as possible.
The Experiential Learning team will be in direct communication with you to plan everything from pre-departure to program logistics. The Experiential Learning team is available via email or other previously determined forms of communication such as Whatsapp or video calls.
Yes, when needed we are happy to provide our own insured drivers. They operate vans that hold 15 passengers and are appropriate for some of the more winding roads we take to go up to the higher altitude communities. We also can arrange airport transfer to/from Cusco.
Whenever possible, we place students with local, vetted host families. These families all live within a ten minute walk of the office. Participants can have their own bedroom or share with another participant of the same gender. They will share a bathroom with the family and/or other students. We generally place 2-3 students per family. Families live in modest, but comfortable, homes with electricity, hot water and Western-style bathrooms. Our families are welcoming and hospitable, with ample experience in hosting students. They are often highlighted as the best part of the experience. Breakfasts and dinners with the family are included in this option.
If staying with a host family is not an option, we work with a local hostel to accommodate student groups, with 2-4 students of the same gender in a room, and shared bathrooms. Breakfasts are included in this option.
If students or faculty are looking for a more upscale experience, we have worked with various boutique hotels in the area.
Yes, most dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, allergies) can be accommodated, though this may limit the diversity of meals. Food in Peru usually consists of various grains (often rice or corn), meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Our host families and cooks are trained to adapt dishes to fit different needs and we are in constant communication with them about any allergies.
Student health and safety while in Peru is of the highest importance to the AASD. The AASD has established ties with many healthcare professionals, facilities, and medical consultants that are available to support participants in the event of a health concern. We also have a detailed health and safety plan with policies and procedures that we can share on request.
Yes, all of our programs require students and faculty to have international medical insurance.
Part of our staff is fluent in Spanish and English, and the other part is fluent in Spanish and Quechua. Depending on the course needs, we will have staff present to facilitate English-Spanish and/or English-Spanish-Quechua translations.
We have a student handbook that addresses FAQs and gives an overview of our team and our projects. We are happy to provide relevant readings, videos, articles, etc. to enrich the experience. We are also available to present to classes virtually.
We can discount some aspects of the budget, such as the facilitation fee.
We match projects and communities with courses based on the course topic, the sending university’s policies, program length, and student profile.
All students will visit a Peruvian family’s organic farm, Ecohuella, which is also an AASD partner. Ecohuella acts as a field school for campesinos (farmers) to learn and share different methods of organic farming. Ecohuella is designated as an ideal initial visit as it is located at a lower altitude than other communities, allowing participants to acclimate for a day or two before venturing to higher altitude communities.
Normally the faculty-led programs range from 10-20 students but we have accommodated a wide range of group sizes, from one individual to more than 40.
Yes, we work with a local tour company that helps organize Machu Picchu, and we can also incorporate side-trips into the itinerary, such as visiting Maras salt flats, hiking up to Huchuy Qosqo, exploring Pisac’s artisan market, and more. Prices vary depending on time of year and group size.