Study Abroad

SMCCCD Home Study Abroad Peru: Summer 2026

Peru: Summer 2026

This 8-week summer environmental science course begins with 5 weeks in a hybrid online format (with 2–3 in-person meetings), followed by a 2-week field study in Peru, and concludes with a short online wrap-up. Community participants only join the Peru portion but must attend pre-trip meetings to connect with the group and review logistics.

In Peru, we use the country’s diverse natural and cultural landscapes as our textbook, examining natural resources, environmental issues, and community practices while comparing them to California. We start in Lima, focusing on resource management, pollution, and climate change adaptation. In the Andes, based in Cusco with a day trip to Machu Picchu, we explore ecotourism, water resources, and waste management. The trip ends in a small coastal fishing town where we collaborate with locals on projects in reforestation, water treatment, and renewable energy.

Community members are welcome to apply for the 2026 Peru Summer Program. Spots are limited and first-come, first-served, and course enrollment is not required. A $500 contribution to SMCCCD’s Study Abroad Scholarship Fund is included in the program fee, payable by April 10, 2026, with instructions provided upon acceptance.

Peru 2026 Program Dates

Arrive:

Mon, Jul 14th, 2026

Depart:

Mon, Jul 28th, 2026

Program Provider:

Maximo Nivel

Apply By:

April 2026

Program Brochure

Important Dates

Application

row of people in colorful Peruvian clothes sit on a stone wall facing a bright blue sky in front of them

child in colorful Peruvian outfit stands with a llama

About the Program Provider:

TBD

Meet The Staff

Professor Susan Mahoney

Professor Mahoney has taught Earth and Environmental Science courses at the community college level for over 25 years. Originally from Minnesota, Susan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Macalester College and a Master’s degree in Hydrogeology from UC Davis. She has completed certificate courses in community college teaching and online teaching, as well as numerous hands-on courses in various renewable energy technologies. Professionally and personally, Susan is interested in pretty near anything related to water and/or energy. In her free time, Susan enjoys spending time outside with her family, ideally hiking, camping, rock-climbing, biking, gardening, reading, and (especially) traveling!

Chaperone Diego Zevallos

Born in Peru, Diego Zevallos pursued an educational path that combined his interests in education and rural-urban development. He studied at Cañada College and later graduated from UC Berkeley with a major in Rhetoric and a minor in Global Poverty Alleviation. Currently, Diego serves as a Retention Specialist for the EOPS program at Cañada College. He is passionate about mentoring first-generation college students and is excited to empower his students to embark on a study-abroad program.

At UC Berkeley, Diego had the opportunity to study abroad, which sparked his passion for sustainable development. This experience broadened his perspective and motivated him to contribute to a more equitable and environmentally conscious world. While studying abroad, Diego connected with EcoSwell, a sustainable development NGO in Peru, where he has been actively involved for the past three years as an intern, volunteer, and ambassador. Through his work with EcoSwell, Diego has contributed to initiatives promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and community empowerment. </p