Here are some general rules, tips, and expectations to help you become accustomed to your new home!
On the Semester in Cusco and Summer in Peru programs, students live in a homestay with a local family.
Homestays are a great way to get immersed in the local culture and language. The local families live very close to the downtown area of Cusco, no more than 20 minutes on public transportation. You will have your own bedroom in the house, but might share a bathroom. Sometimes other international students are also staying at the homestay family’s house, but this is less common. Two meals a day are provided as are bed linens, a towel, and furniture in your room. Please note that homestay information will not be available until 1-2 weeks before the program starts.
We expect all students to follow CISabroad and either the homestay family or La Casa de Don Ignacio’s rules while abroad. CISabroad’s code of conduct can be found in the CISabroad Policy Handbook. Don Ignacio’s rules will be distributed when you arrive onsite and for the homestay you should be respectful of their customs and any rules or requests they might make of you. If something doesn’t seem right, certainly let us know. However, if any rules are broken we will follow our behavior policy which could include dismissal from the program.
Helpful tips for living with other people:
- Respect your hosts and the other people that live in the building.
- Remember that you are not on a college campus and not in your own home. Respect the property and get out of the “college campus” mentality.
- Talk to your roommates if they do something that bothers you. Talking it through is the easiest way to solve a small problem before it gets bigger.
- Talk to your Site Director if a problem arises and you cannot work it out with your roommates.