2015 Senior Project in Perú: Application
May 22 – June 3
This is the ninth year of Sr. Project in Peru. We spend the first part of the trip in
Cusco, Peru, working in an orphanage, touring ancient Incan sites and exploring this
beautiful colonial city in the Andes. We live in a large house with our host family near
the center. After five days we go to the small town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred
Valley, live with local families and do agricultural service. We experience traditional life
in rural Peru. We finish by hiking the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu. This trip
offers an authentic cultural experience.
The couple that directs the program in Peru is the key to this wonderful
experience. Chivi Uscamayta is currently the Assistant Mayor of Cusco and has
dedicated her life to helping those in need. Julio Lopez is one of the foremost travel
agents in Peru and an expert on Peruvian history and culture.
This is a challenging trip in many ways. We live and eat very simply. We have
one long hike, are very physically active and our two days of farm work are strenuous.
We see a lot of poverty and coming face to face with the reality of orphanage life is not
easy. We are constantly in situations where students are expected to reach across
language and cultural barriers.
Charlie Steele, last years Valedictorian, went to Peru for Sr. Project. This is from
his Valedictory Address at Graduation:
“I realize now that we take so much in life for granted. I have gained a deeper
appreciation for my family, friends, school, and possessions; and I will always keep
in the back of my mind the orphans’ pleasure from our presence, gratefulness for
our donations, and positive energy despite their adverse circumstances.”
We regret that there are only 12 spots on this trip. If we have more than 12
applicants, a committee made up of the Spanish Dept and Administration will be formed
to consider the applications. Please know that each student’s application will be given a
fair and thorough consideration before the selection committee and that each applicant
will be spoken of only in respectful and positive terms. Criteria for selection will include:
general citizenship; academic and disciplinary standing; seriousness of purpose in
traveling to Peru; devotion to the study of Spanish language and culture while at Thayer.
We ask also that, as part of the application, you include the names of two (2) non-Spanish
teachers in the Upper School who could speak in favor of your candidacy. Finally, to
complement the attached form, you are asked to respond to some brief questions
outlining your motivation in applying for this trip to Peru.
Note: Students may not bring cell phones on this trip. We’ll visit an Internet
Café every day to communicate with family and friends back home.
Tentative Dates: May 22 - June 3
Cost = $3400
The two payments will be due in early Dec. and early Jan.
This Application is due to Mr. Diamond by Thursday, Nov. 20
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available. Students should send a brief email to Mr. Koskores as
soon as possible, explaining why they’d like to go on this trip.
Feel free to contact me with questions at jdiamond@thayer.org
Jake Diamond
Application
I. Your Contact Info:
Name
Cell:
Email Account you check most frequently. Print clearly – All communication will be
done by email:
Your Current Spanish Teacher and Level:
II. Your Parents’ Contact Info:
Parents’ Names:
Parents’ Email (Print Clearly – All communication will be via email) and include at least
2 different email addresses)
Parents’ Cell phones:
________________________________ ________________________________
Student’s Signature
Parent’s Signature
This Application is due to Mr. Diamond by Thursday, Nov. 20
III. Student Response Section
I.
Short Answers
Answer all that apply in the space provided.
1. Who are two faculty members who will be able to speak to your citizenship,
character and ability to respond to challenges? Include the activities (academic,
club, service, athletic) that you shared.
2. Outline any work or internship experience.
3. Do you have travel, camping or hiking experience? If so, explain.
4. What’s the longest period you’ve been away from your parents?
This Application is due to Mr. Diamond by Thursday, Nov. 20
IV. Paragraph Responses.
Please write a paragraph in response to 3 of the 5 prompts.
Write or type your answers and attach them to the application.
1. Community Service
List your most significant community service project. In Peru we’ll work in an
orphanage and do agricultural service. How will your community service experience
help you in Peru?
2. Multi-cultural Experience
We’ll be in situations with Peruvian children, teenagers and adults in which you’ll
be expected to use your Spanish skills to reach out and engage them. Describe any
language and cultural experiences you’ve had which will help you in Peru.
3. Leadership Experience
Everyone’s a leader on this trip. Describe a situation in any activity in which you
took responsibility, helped coordinate others and made something happen.
4. Comfort Zone
On this trip you’ll be in situations every day in which you’ll need to move out of
your comfort zone. Describe a situation of any type in which you were able to do this.
5. Motivation
Why do you want to go on this trip?
This Application is due to Mr. Diamond by Thursday, Nov. 20