Pre-Departure Orientation
Pre-Departure OrientationHarnessing collective intelligence to
support community-led development in the highlands of Peru
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About the AASD
PeruPeru is celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, stunning
mountain ranges, lush jungles, thriving rivers and fertile valleys.
Peru is a large country with the capital city of Lima on the
central coast and Cuzco (the ancient capital of the Incan Empire)
in the south. Travelers to this country are fortunate to be able to
easily experience its diversity and immerse themselves in
remarkably intact ancient cultures.Watch this videoCapital:
LimaPopulation: 31 millionLanguages: Spanish, Quechua,
AymaraReligion: 75% CatholicCurrency: Sol
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The Sacred ValleyThe Sacred Valley is in the Andes and near the
historic sacred city of Machu Picchu. During the time of the Incan
Empire, this valley was mainly populated due to its special
geographic and climatic qualities that allowed for flourishing
agriculture in a secure location. Today the sacred valley is still
an agro-economy, yet you can also enjoy checking out ancient ruins
on the way to Machu Picchu, all the way from the communities of
Pisac to Ollantaytambo.
Watch this video
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CalcaThe town of Calca is where the AASD office is located. It
is an indigenous community of about 8,000 people that is located in
the Sacred Valley an hour north of Cusco. Calca has food markets, a
bus station, a bank with an ATM, and a modest amount of stores and
restaurants all within walking distance of each other.
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Culture & LanguageMany communities throughout the Sacred
Valley speak Quechua, the native language of the Incas. Children
typically speak Quechua at home and learn Spanish at school. While
some adults speak Spanish, many only speak it at a basic level. It
is common for women in these communities to only speak Quechua.
Watch this video
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Solidarity ProgramWhat is Solidarity?The unity which produces or
is based on common interests, objectives, standards, and
sympathies.
Teamwork
You will be immersed in a place-based curriculum that introduces
you to the work and life of an international grass-roots NGO. The
programs academic approach will enables you to experience the
process, the difficulties, and rewards of the development field,
and ask you to:ParticipateObserveRespond
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A Typical DayProjectsGreenhouseFarmSchool gardenWorkshopsFarming
techniquesGreenhouse constructionInteractive
lecturesActivitiesCooking demonstrationsHikesSite
visitsDiscussionReflectionIntrospectionIdeation TimeDay
17amBreakfast8-10pmProject: School Greenhouse10-12pmWorkshop: Adobe
Brick making12pmLunch2-4pmActivity: Weaving6pmDinner7-8pmActivity:
Hot springs
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Harnessing Collective IntelligenceYou will work
with:OrganizationsProfessionalsCommunity membersAnd
moreCommunity-led DevelopmentYou will learn about:Community problem
solvingIdentifying opportunitiesDevelopment theoryBiointensive
farming And more
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Health & SafetyBefore traveling to Peru you first need
to:Receive immunizations (Consult a doctor and look at this
website)Apply for health insurance (We recommend Global Health)
Watch this videoAASD Safety
PrecautionsAccommodationMealsTransportationStaffView Risk
Assessment
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PreparationRead this article for some tips on mentally preparing
for travel abroad: linkBefore traveling to a new place you need to
Know YOUR cultureStudy host cultureCulture guidelines
LinkChecklistAction ItemLinkPassportLinkVisaLinkShotsLinkHealth
InsuranceLinkPacking ListLink
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How will you get here?Where will you stay?Where will you
work?Where will you eat?
Logistics
Map
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Homework Read the following articles: article 1, article 2,
video. Write a 500 word essay that includes:A personal
introductionYour expectations for the trip1 thing you learned, 1
thing you found interesting, 1 question you haveWatch this
slideshow with your parents, if you havent already!
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See You Soon!
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