Cusco, set in the southeastern Andes, was declared Cusco a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. Until the arrival of the Spaniards in 1532, it was the capital of the Inca Empire. Cusco has dazzled visitors with the perfection of its massive stone constructions and with the richness of its culture. It is also the gateway to Machu Picchu, the most celebrated Inca citadel.
Language Programme
- Maximum 4 students per class.
- Average 2 or 3 students per class.
- Spanish levels offered - 7 Levels: Low/mid/high beginner, Low/mid/high Intermediate, advanced, based on ACTFL standards (American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages). Students must pass a test at each level to progress to the next.
- Teaching Method - Based on the four language skills: grammar, oral, aural and written comprehension. No English should be used in class.
- Private Instruction - Available at extra cost. From June to August private classes usually take place in the afternoon only and availability is limited.
- Arrival first day of class - 8:30am.
- Placement test - On the first day of classes there is a written exam.
- Orientation - On the first Monday there is a talk about the school facilities, homestays, language programme, cultural information and a walking city tour of Cusco.
- Class schedule - low season: Classes 8:30am -1.00pm. During high season there is also an afternoon session from 2.00-6:30pm.
School Atmosphere
- Most students are from U.S.A., Canada or Europe.
- Age group - The majority are university students, independent travellers and professionals.
- Facilities - The school occupies a large building on one of Cusco's main avenues, Avenida El Sol, directly in front of the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun). The building houses 15 classrooms, a video room, a kitchen, an entertainment room and a sundeck. It is located next to the main post-office, Internet cafes, banks, money exchanges, etc. It is about 4 blocks from the main square, the Plaza de Armas. There are many restaurants, cafes, and museums nearby.
- Capacity - 60 students.
- Organised activities - The school organises optional activities 2-3 times per week.
- Weekend trips - The school operates a tourist office and cultural centre in the school building offering assistance with general information, arranging individual trips, or tours for groups of students looking to travel together with a guide. Sometimes official school organised weekend trips take place such as: the Sacred Valley tour, horseriding to nearby ruins, mountain biking trips etc.
Homestays
If staying with a family, the airport pick-up in Cusco is included. (If flying into Lima it is necessary to arrive on a Saturday and overnight there, then take a domestic flight on to Cuzco the following morning).
- A few homes are located within a 20 minute walk. The rest are a 10-15 minute bus ride or 5-10 minute taxi ride to school.
- Number of students per home - 1 or 2 depending on the time of year. Often 2-3 during high season (maximum 3). If the student requests to be alone in the homestay, every effort will be made during low season.
- Private or shared room - Private.
- 3 meals per day included (one meal is a light snack, such as crackers and coffee).
- Private bathroom - Some available. The rest have bathrooms shared by one or two other people.
- It is best to arrive Sunday and depart Saturday from the host family. Anything outside of this time frame is considered extra homestay time.
- Laundry service - Provided by the host family once a week.
Weather
Year round it is cold at night. (No homes have heaters). The rainy season is from December to March. | 
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