Peru Trip

What is the Peru Trip?

The Peru Trip is part of a three credit online course offered in Spring 2020: HST 298 Study Abroad. After the semester ends, students travel to Peru for 12 days, returning before the summer semester. The Peru Trip is open to the public, provided they not only sign up for the trip, but audit the course in the Spring Semester. Dual Credit students may enroll with special permission.

FAQs about the Peru Trip

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Are there are any scholarships for this trip?

Yes, the Frank Shepard Scholarship is for study abroad. $500 is available for a student going on the China Trip. Unlike most scholarships, students may not apply for this money until after the Spring Semester has begun, and they are enrolled in HST 298.

Can I use my grant, scholarship or student loan for this trip?

Yes, but only from a federal grant or loan. As this trip is part of a regular 3 credit course, and is a legitimate study program, you may use any federal funds from grants or loans. You cannot use Missouri’s A+ funds to pay for the trip, only for the course and course fees. The Veterans’ Administration’s grants also do not cover the trip.

Are there any additional costs?

Yes. Everyone will need money for the tips of drivers and guides. We collect the tip money before the trip, and present it in a special red envelope from the whole group. You will also want to take spending money. We recommend at least $200 and a credit or debit card. If you do not already have a current passport, you will need to pay for that, and most travelers need at least one or two vaccinations.

Can I bring my spouse/parent/child on the trip?

Yes, but only if the family member is over 18. The family member must be approved through the interview process, and must audit the course. Be aware that this means the course fee, and student fees, must be paid, as well as the cost of the trip itself.

I am not a current OTC student. Can I go on the trip?

Yes, anyone who is over 18 and is approved as a result of the interview can go on the trip. You will become an OTC student when you take the course! Be aware that you will need to pay student fees as well as the cost of the course.

Do I have to pay the full cost right away?

No, you must have deposited $1000 by January 2020 and the rest must be in your OTC study abroad account by March 10. n

Does the announced cost include the flights to and from Peru?

Yes, the announced cost pays for all travel to and from Springfield.

How safe is travel in Peru?

Our trip is very safe. Our trip is operated by Study Abroad Association, who provide a highly experienced guide and excellent drivers. There is a risk of altitude sickness after arrival in Cusco, but our guides are experienced in minimizing the effects of this temporary illness. The risk of being involved in any violence is extremely low, but there is a risk of theft, so do protect your valuables. The risk of illness is low providing you follow the recommendations: never drink tap water, eat raw fruit or vegetables outside of a hotel or restaurant selected by our guide, and don’t eat street food.

Do I need to know Spanish?

No, our guides, the hotel staff and many other people you meet will speak English. You will be taught really basic Tourist Spanish in our meetings, such as hello, thank you, I don’t want it (very useful when shopping), goodbye etc. It does make your trip more fun and rewarding if you can communicate with the Peruvian people you meet in their language.

The 2020 Peru Trip

If you are considering going on the OTC Peru Trip, this section gives you the information you need to make the decision. You can find out what we see on the trip, check the detailed itinerary, take a look at the requirements of the online course, and get the details about the process of signing up and paying for the trip. Click on these links to learn more about our Peru Trip, taking place May 18- June 29, 2020.

Information About the 2020 Peru Trip

The 2020 trip is our first OTC trip to Peru.

2020 Itinerary

May 18 Flights from Springfield to Lima, Peru

May 19 Bus to Caral for historical and cultural walking tour. Bus to Chimbote

May 20 Bus to Trujillo. Temple of the Dragon Huaca de la Sol y la Luna Caral

Archaeological Site of Chan Chan, Huanchaco Beach

May 21 Flight to Cusco. Cusco historical and cultural walking tour, Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

May 22 Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman Tipon and Pikillacta

May 23 Sacred Valley Excursion, Pisaq Archaeological Site

May 24 Ollantaytambo Willoq Local Community visit – Alpaca Farming Wool Processing and Textile Making, Archaeological Park of Ollantaytambo

May 25 Hike to Pinkuylluna Inca Storehouses, Free time to explore Ollantaytambo,

Train to Aguas Calientes, Town Orientation

May 26 Full day excursion to Machu Picchu

May 27 Train back to Ollantaytambo, bus to Cusco, Flight to Lima

May 28 Overnight flight Lima historical and cultural walking tour, Farewell Dinner, Depart Lima for home

May 29 Springfield Arrive back in Springfield

The Frank Shepard Scholarship

The Frank Shepard Scholarship is for students participating in OTC’s study abroad program. Currently, $500 is available for one student in each of the two programs being offered. For more information, contact the OTC Foundation office. Check their website at foundation.otc.edu/ or call 417-447-2651.

Registration Paperwork

This section is for students who have decided to go on the PeruTrip who need copies of the required documents. The registration form must be completely filled in (passport information can be added later) and the Liability and Release Form and Student Conduct Form must be carefully read, but not signed. They can only signed in the presence of Dr. Gerard. Be sure that you have medical insurance. You can obtain short-term travel insurance if you do not have regular medical insurance.

Contact Information

For further information about the OTC Peru Trip, please contact Jessica Gerard, phone (417) 447-8255 or email gerardj@otc.edu