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Peru

Join us as we study environmental science using the beautiful and diverse natural and cultural landscape of Peru as our textbook!  Peru's natural resources have long been the foundation of its economy, with biologically diverse forests, vast mineral deposits, fertile agricultural lands, and abundant marine life.  We will investigate how ancient and contemporary Peruvians interact with these resources, while simultaneously considering our own experience in California and how both locations are intertwined with global processes and global issues.    

As we travel, we will explore Peru’s three distinct geographic regions: the lush tropical Amazon Basin, the rugged Andes mountain range, and the arid coastal desert. Further, we will take some time to settle into life in a small coastal fishing town, where we will work side by side with community members on ongoing projects related to reforestation, water treatment, and/or renewable energy.

Peru 2024 Program Dates 

Arrive: July 20, 2025

Depart: August 4, 2025

Duration: 16 Days

Activity Level: Moderately Active

Program Provider: Maximo Nivel

Apply by: March 14, 2025

Apply Now Info Sessions Planned Itinerary Important Dates

ENVS 115 - Environmental Science | 3.0 Units

Prerequisites: None 

AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area B1, B2

Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area B1, B2), UC (IGETC Area 5A, 5B)

Non-student community members and students who have already taken ENVS 115 are both welcome to join this adventure.  Contact us for information on community travel and/or independent study credit opportunities.

Program Fee

TBD

Program Fee Includes

TBD

Refund and Withdrawal Policy

TBD

At the time of application to the program, students must satisfy the following program eligibility requirements:

  • 18+ years old
  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing
  • Complete an interview with the Professor of the course

Community Participants

Community participants are welcome to attend the summer Program. Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. You are not required to take any course. 

A $500 contribution to the San Mateo County Community College District’s study abroad scholarship fund is required for the community participants.  This is the same practice as other Community Travel Programs offered by SMCCCD Study Abroad. You may pay it separately at the SMCCCD Foundation webpage after you apply for the program.

* Information about how to make the $500 donation will be sent to you via email after you are officially accepted by the program.

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: 

TBA

 

More Information or Questions?

Diego Zevallos | Program Chaperone
EOPS Retention Specialist | Cañada College
Email: zevallosd@smccd.edu
Phone: (650) 381-2254

Professor Susan Mahoney

Email: mahoneys@smccd.edu 

 

Kelly Li
Program Services Coordinator|SMCCCD Study Abroad
Email: studyabroad@smccd.edu
Phone: (650) 738-7098

Meet Professor Susan Mahoney 

Danielle Powell

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!   

 

 

Meet Staff Chaperone Diego Zevallos

Frederick Gaines

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. 

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