Faculty and staff from the College of Staten Island and across The City University of New York recently returned from a nine-day cultural and educational tour of Peru, led by Director of Global Engagement Dr. Stephen Ferst. The immersive experience was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of Peru’s rich history and culture while fostering meaningful connections with leading higher education institutions throughout the country.

The delegation traveled through Lima and Cusco, exploring some of Peru’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks, including Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the archaeological sites of Saqsaywaman and Pisac. These visits offered participants a firsthand look at the legacy of the Incan civilization, complementing a broader exploration of the nation’s museums, sun temples, and urban centers.

Central to the tour was a series of site visits and meetings with prominent Peruvian institutions of higher education and cultural exchange organizations. The group engaged with administrators, faculty, and staff at Universidad de Lima, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad Andina del Cusco, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, and the Escuela de Educación Superior Pedagógica Monterrico. Additional meetings were held with the Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano (ICPNA) and the Fulbright Commission in Peru, strengthening ties that support international academic collaboration and exchange.

“The Center for Global Engagement was delighted to bring this opportunity to learn about Peru’s history, culture, and educational system to faculty and staff from CSI and CUNY,” said Dr. Ferst. “Through this program, our participants gained invaluable knowledge about Peruvian universities and were able to establish connections with administrators, faculty, and researchers. We are looking toward a future of strong collaborations with leading universities in Latin America.”

In all, the trip provided valuable insight into Peru’s educational system and created opportunities for dialogue around shared academic priorities. As a result, CSI faculty have already begun developing collaborative initiatives with partner institutions, particularly in the fields of psychology and education. The tour also laid the groundwork for future student mobility programs, including continued partnerships with ICPNA, through which CSI will host 10 Peruvian students this June in its English Language Institute (ELI).

Participants included a diverse group of faculty, administrators, and academic leaders representing a wide range of disciplines, reflecting CSI’s commitment to interdisciplinary global engagement. Through a thoughtfully curated itinerary that balanced cultural exploration with academic exchange, the tour exemplified the College’s ongoing efforts to expand international partnerships and create new pathways for students and faculty alike.

A full photo gallery is available highlighting the trip. See the gallery below: