Take hospitality, culinary and language courses that transfer back to UH at Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL), Hilton College's partner in Peru. 

Located in the capital city of Peru (Lima), USIL is considered one of the top hospitality schools in the region. The school's superior facilities and classroom kitchen layouts are particularly attractive to students studying the culinary arts.

Lima, the main gateway to Peru, is a major city bustling with living history. An ethnic melting pot, featuring pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern elements, the city sits on the Pacific Ocean and features sporting activities (surfing, anyone?), museums and an active nightlife. While in Peru, you won't want to miss the chance to visit the world-famous Machu Picchu archaeological ruins or perhaps explore the Amazon River!

Three or four Hilton College students will be selected each fall and spring semester for this exciting study-abroad opportunity.

NOTE:  Academic terms in Peru run from March-July (Semester I) and August-December (Semester II).

Requirements

• Must be a declared GHL major with at least sophomore status
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85
• Must have at least one semester remaining at UH upon return from abroad
• Must have a valid passport: 6 month validity rule meaning that your passport should be valid for more than six months before you would be allowed to enter Peru. If you do not have a passport, apply immediately from the U.S. Department of State. Or inquire with the UH Learning Abroad Office
• Health insurance is required that covers basic medical illnesses. If you do not have health insurance, you will be required to purchase either with the UH Health Center or through a private insurance provider.  

How to Apply

1. Complete and submit an GHL Study Abroad application. The application includes submitting a résumé, essay and naming a faculty reference.
2. Applications will be reviewed by the HRM Study Abroad Selection Committee and students will be informed of their status within two weeks of the application deadline. Assessment of application is based on academic qualifications of the applicant, integration of USIL curriculum with applicant's degree plan and strength of essay.
3. Selected applicants will meet with Jennifer Glickman regarding their application packages to USIL.
4. Selected applicants will meet with UH Learning Abroad academic advisors

Selected Applicants Agree to

• Sign a Student Responsibilities Contract.
• Apply for an International Educational Fee Scholarship (IEFS)—deadline March 1 (fall) and October 1 (spring)
• Comply with all requirements, deadlines and procedures of UH Learning Abroad. Please note that Learning Abroad requires an additional application form and a number of documents for outgoing study abroad students.
• Assist Hilton College with study-abroad exchange activities (i.e. promoting at All Students Organization Fair, giving short presentations to students about the experience, greeting/assisting incoming exchange students, assisting outgoing exchange students, etc.) during the semester after returning.

Expected Expenses

• University of Houston tuition and fees for one semester
• Program fee paid to USIL (Spring semester approximately $4240)
• Airfare—round trip Houston to Lima (LIM) (approximately $1,000 as of October 2016)
• Visa fee (approximately $30-$100, depending on visa type)
• Housing—student housing available for about $400/month at Casa de Don Ignacio
• Local transportation—students generally take taxis to school at nominal cost
• Meals (breakfast included with student housing)
• Textbooks or materials, as specified by USIL syllabus
• UH Learning Abroad Administrative Fee ($75-$125)
• Personal expenses and incidentals

Personal preferences affect the total cost of your program. Participants should plan for the trip and budget appropriately.

Helpful Links

• Universidad San Ignacio De Loyola (USIL)
• Map of Peru
• Peru Tourism Bureau