SJU in Peru is an international service-learning program where you can broaden your horizons and understand global, environmental, socio-economic, political and cultural issues through experiences within various communities in Peru. You will learn from and work side-by side community partners in Lima and a coffee co-operative, Café Femenino, in Chiclayo. Students will be exposed to consumption and waste patterns, the disparity within and between the global north and south, the foundations of social justice issues and work, gender inequalities, and the exploitative arrangements built into the marketplace.
To hear from students who have previously completed this service-learning opportunity as well as our hosts, please view the video on our YouTube site.
For more detailed information about the SJU in Peru program, objectives, policies, and more, please read our SJU in Peru Student Handbook.
Our partners
Program requirements and dates
Apply for SJU in Peru 2026 using the link below! Applications are open from January 9th through February 22nd 2026.
The SJU in Peru program involves:
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April 8, 2026: In-person Orientation at SJU
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May-Aug, 2026: Independent travel preparations
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Sept 3-4, 2026: In-person Pre-departure Retreat at SJU
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Sept-Dec, 2026: On-campus course, including weekly seminars, readings, and assignments
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October 9-18th, 2026: 10-Day International Experience in Peru!
Tentative itinerary
This is a tentative itinerary, which means the exact days and activities may vary. The SJU in Peru international experience includes the following components:
Day 1: Travel from Toronto to Lima
Day 2: Tour of Lima. Learn about Indigenous worldviews and impacts of colonization
Day 3: Travel to Chiclayo and meet our friends at Café Femenino
Days 4-6: Visit a rural community in the Andes and collaborate on a community project
Days 7-8: Tour a coffee farm and learn about organic coffee production
Day 9: Tour the coffee processing plant and learn how coffee is prepared for export
Day 10: Travel home via Toronto
Eligibility and costs
All University of Waterloo students from any faculty are encouraged to participate in the program and will go through an interview process before being accepted into the program.
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The cost of the program is $3000 and this covers expenses associated with:
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Flights
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Ground transportation within Peru
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Pick up and drop-off to/from airports
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All accommodations
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Most meals (Note: meals required while in transit through an airport are not covered).
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Facilitation, language interpretation, museum entry fees, and other direct program expenses
Additional costs:
- Health consultation fees prior to travelling
- Immunization fees
- Travel health insurance
- Passport renewal fees
- Any travel supplies students would need (i.e. luggage, clothing, hygiene products, gear, etc.)
- Baggage fees not covered by the airline
- Personal e-sim/international phone plans – this is optional
- Some meals (specifically meals required while moving through airports)
- Any extra-curricular activities students engage in on their own time
