Peru

Peru, the ancient heart of the great Inca Empire, is a country with an amazing history and exciting present. Explore its beautiful landscape, framed by the Pacific Ocean, the Andean peaks surrounding Machu Picchu or the tropical rainforests of the Amazon. Get to know Peru’s diverse population, which includes the Quechua people (descendants of the Incas), mestizos (a blend of indigenous and European), and people of Spanish ancestry. You’ll have fun learning more about Peru and its people through traditional festivals and carnivals!

Find out more about Peru’s culture below, and check out our student Adam’s blog post about his experience so far in Peru!

People & Community

You may live anywhere in Peru, most likely in a mid-sized or small urban area. Peruvian families are comfortable expressing their emotions, and like to spend time together during meals and at family gatherings. Parents are usually very protective of their children, especially girls. Community activities and sports, especially soccer and volleyball, are key to teen life in Peru. For relaxing, top choices are movies, dancing and hanging out at shopping malls, the town square or local cafés.

School

You may attend a private or public school. School usually lasts from around 8 am to 3 pm, and students wear a uniform. There are seasonal extracurricular activities in preparation for special occasions and holidays, like dancing classes or theater. Your school tutor and AFS contacts will also help you organise presentations about your country.

Language

Spanish is the official language in Peru, and having a basic knowledge of Spanish will help you settle in quickly.

The local indigenous language, Quechua, is officially acknowledged as a second language, with over 10 million Peruvians speaking both Quechua and Spanish and a full 3 million only speaking Quechua!

Did you know? The words llama, condor, and poncho all come from Quechua.

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Food

Peruvian cuisine is well known and admired worldwide for its rich variety and influences from different cultures around the world. Staples of Peruvian cuisine are rice, potatoes, chicken, fish and vegetables, and food can be moderately spicy. Peru offers unique fruits, some only grow in this lush country.

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact. This journey will help you maximise your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community, and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad and as you return to your home country. Find out more about our educational expertise here!

Magical peaks and historic cities