Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Confirmation Deadline | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2027 | February 1, 2027 | February 14, 2027 | Tentative - May 9, 2027 | Tentative - May 31, 2027 |
About the Program
Program Overview
Forget the traditional classroom. This May 2027, let’s make Peru our classroom and embark on a journey that will change the way you see the world—and your career. This program is designed to be a hands-on and personal exploration of success. Have you ever wondered how a local tradition suddenly becomes a global sensation? In Peru, we don’t just read about it; we live it. This program will take you from the bustling markets of Lima to the high-tech agro-export farms of Ica to show you how this nation built a powerhouse global brand out of its own kitchen.
Why Peru? Peru isn't just an emerging market. It is a global leader in biodiversity and culinary excellence. You will see firsthand how food has become a powerful force for social cohesion, bringing an entire nation together to build a shared identity that is now famous worldwide. While most students stick to other traditional destinations, Peru offers you a massive professional differentiator. When you’re in a job interview and can talk about analyzing supply chains in the Andes or marketing strategies in Lima, you aren’t just another candidate—you’re a global professional with a vision of how to grow niche markets.
The "Elite Access" Experience is one of the most exciting aspects about this program. The Universidad del Pacífico isn’t just a top business school; it’s the place where Peru’s presidents, vice-presidents, and CEOs are educated. Studying here is like going to Washington D.C. to learn about policy from the people actually making the laws. Universidad del Pacifico will introduce you to the policymaking elite and business leaders who are driving the region’s growth, giving you a level of access you simply cannot get anywhere else.
From Coastal Seafood to Desert Oases, students will get their hands dirty and their palates excited. The group will head to the Pacific coast to explore the Ballestas Islands—often called the "Galapagos of Peru"—where the group will learn how to cook the freshest ceviche of their life with seafood straight from the ocean. The program visit the Huacachina Oasis, a stunning natural wonder hidden among massive sand dunes, and the program leader will race you on buggies and sandboards for an afternoon of pure adrenaline.
Adventure with a purpose of course, we’ll stand in awe at Machu Picchu and hike the "roof of the world" at Vinicunca’s Rainbow Mountain (5,000 meters up!). But through every hike, every visit, and every meal, the program leader will be right there with you, helping you connect what you see to the global business world.
More than a "trip", this program is an investment in your future. Students will return home with a resume that stands out, memories that last a lifetime, and a global mindset that will serve you for the rest of your career.
Program Highlights
- VIP Business Access: Go behind the scenes of the Peruvian Gastronomic Boom to meet the chefs, CEOs and policymakers who turned local food culture into a world-class global country brand.
- The "D.C." of South American Business: We’re studying at Universidad del Pacífico, Peru’s elite business hub—think of it as the Washington D.C. of the region, where the country's presidents, ministers, and top executives are minted.
- Catch, Cook, and Eat: We’ll head to the Pacific coast to see the Ballestas Islands’ wildlife, then learn to prepare ceviche using seafood that is as fresh as it gets.
- From Export Giants to Adrenaline in the Desert: We’ll walk the massive fields of Ica to see how Peru dominates global markets in blueberries, asparagus, and quinoa, and then head to the Huacachina Oasis—the only one in South America—for buggy riding and sandboarding down massive sand dunes.
- The Wonders of the World: Together, we’ll explore the historic heart of Lima, navigate the Sacred Valley, stand atop Machu Picchu, and hike to the 5,000-meter summit of Rainbow Mountain.
- A Taste of Everything: Explore Peru’s world-famous culinary scene by visiting local markets, cooking with traditional chefs in ancient Pachamanca earth-ovens in the Andean foothills. and dining at some of the world's most celebrated restaurants.
- A Global Career Advantage: Build the kind of real-world “global mindset” that employers are looking for by learning how to navigate business and culture outside of more traditional study abroad paths.
Academics
Prerequisites:
- 2.5 GPA
- ECON 1003 or ECON 1022 or ECON 1023 or Instructor consent
- Students may participate in study abroad anytime after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits post completion of high school). Note: Students may apply to a program during freshman year but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate in the program.
From Farm to Global Brand and Identity in Peru, ILSA 4231, 3 credits
Course Topics:
- Nation Branding & Food: Visit the government agencies and brands that turned Peruvian food into a global marketing phenomenon
- The D.C. Connection: Engage with the leaders at Universidad del Pacífico to understand how policy and business intersect at the highest levels
- Superfoods & Global Trade: Walk the massive farms in Ica to trace the journey of quinoa, asparagus, and blueberries from Peruvian soil to U.S. grocery stores
- Sustainable Business: Study environmental finishing and marine wildlife management while exploring the Pacific coast
- Market Realities: Explore Lima’s local markets to show you how "informal" business works on the ground
- International Marketing: Visit local and global companies to see how brands adapt to unique cultural identities
- Culinary Immersion: Take cooking classes and visit diverse markets to understand the economic importance of food production
This course is approved to count for:
- LSBE upper division International requirement
- Liberal Education: Global Perspectives Category
Cost Information
Use this cost estimate to help calculate expenses and budget for your study abroad program. This includes all program fees billed to your UMD student account and necessary out-of-pocket expenses. Please note that cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. We will post final fees once enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Winter and Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic Year programs. This cost does not include the $50 application fee.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Scholarships are Available!
- Financial aid applies! Share the cost estimate with One Stop Student Services to understand how your financial aid can contribute to your study abroad program.
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Travel Documents
Get a passport right on campus! Processing times vary, but it can take several weeks to a few months to receive one. If you already have a passport, make sure its expiration date goes at least 6 months beyond the end date of your program so it's valid the entire time you're abroad.
Contact
Program Instructors
Luiggi Donayre, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Minnesota Duluth and was born and raised in Peru. He's designed this program to be the bridge between your studies in Duluth and the fast-paced world of international business through food and country branding. His goal isn't to teach you from a textbook; it's to give you the "keys to the city." He’ll use his local connections to introduce you to Peru’s policymaking and business elite and show you the hidden gems of his home country—from the best street food to the most influential boardrooms. At the end, you will return home with a professional edge and a global perspective that you can't get anywhere else.
UMD Labovitz School of Business and Economics
Dept. of Economics and Health Care Management
LSBE 330N
218-726-8463
[email protected]
Study Abroad Instructor-Led Program Coordinator
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - Instructor-Led: From Farm to Global Brand: Food, Identity, and the Business of Peru - May Session;
and the - Term (e.g. May 2027)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
