Photo courtesy of Nuru Mugsit
Many know Peru as the home of Machu Picchu, the centuries old Incan citadel located high in the Andes Mountains. Today, in addition to its vibrant culture and rich history, Peru sits at the apex of a fast growing business environment in Latin America. Over the past 10 years, Peru’s economy has nearly doubled in size, a trend that shows no signs of slowing. Next summer, Ramapo is offering a study abroad program to the country entitled “Peru: International Business Experience,” which runs from May 15 to May 28. This will be the third year the program has been offered to students.
“Study abroad immersion courses, like the program that we offer in Peru, tend to be landmark experiences in a student’s education,” said Dr. Ed Petkus, the Dean of the Anisfield School of Business. “The combination of academics and cultural exploration is extraordinary, in the purest sense of the word. Venturing outside of one’s comfort zone in such an intense, unique way results in deep, transformative learning.”
The program, led by Ramapo professor Gladys Torres-Baumgarten, aims to introduce students to the fundamental aspects of business and culture in Latin America. The experience will also explore the global integration of businesses in the region, specifically looking at the trade and investment ties between Peru and China. Students will assess the opportunities and risks that this relationship poses to Peru.
From a cultural standpoint, Peru has close to 3,000 annual festivals, famous historic sites and a diverse, renowned cuisine. Due to its many different ecosystems, Peru, known as the “land of abundance,” is home to a wider variety of plants and animals than most places on Earth. Those who have traveled to Peru have often also noted the friendly and inviting nature of its people.
“I am extremely happy with my decision to study in Peru,” said Ramapo student Michelle Santucci. “Being in Peru for those two weeks allowed me to immerse myself into a new culture that is so vastly different from my own. I really enjoyed learning about the different business environments and challenges that are present in Latin America.”
Prior to departing, there will be a detailed orientation on culture, health and safety – as well as academic meetings which will cover Latin America’s business environment. While in Peru, students will reside in hotels in Lima, Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. Participants will have the opportunity to visit both multinational and local businesses, take excursions to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley and be a part of a service-learning project with a local non-profit organization from Lima.
At the end of the program, students will understand how Latin America’s business environment has been influenced by economics and history. Having gained first-hand experience in the complexities of the region’s businesses, they will have a new perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing multinational firms in Latin America.
“This program takes students to many of the iconic cultural sites of Peru,” said Torres-Baumgarten. “The students loved it so much. All came back with stories to tell, memories of new experiences, plenty of photos and many newfound amigos.”
The cost of the program is $4,950 for New Jersey residents and $6,085 for non-New Jersey residents. The price includes international round-trip airfare and domestic airfare within Peru, tuition and related fees, accommodations, program-related in-country transportation, entrance fees, international health and security insurance, pre-departure and on-site orientations and some meals. The deadline to apply for the program is March 1, 2017. Generous scholarships are available.
For more information, students can contact the Roukema Center in ASB-123, email international@ramapo.edu or visit ramapo.edu/international.
jgarci10@ramapo.edu
