Discover the living Amazon. Explore the extraordinarily biodiverse ecosystems of the northern Peruvian Amazon. Discuss threats to the region – from climate change to resource extraction – and get at the heart of Peru’s conservation and development issues. Experience flooded forests on a multi-day riverboat expedition and travel to theAndes where you’ll visit cloud forests and experience the rich cultural traditions of the highlands.
SFS-Peru: The Living Amazon
Program Details
| Program Location | Iquitos, Peru |
| Sponsor | School for Field Studies |
| Program Type | Co-sponsored |
| Duration | Semester |
| Upcoming Program Dates | |
| Fall 2026 | 08/31/26 to 12/10/26 |
| Current Program Dates | |
| Spring 2026 | 01/26/26 to 05/08/26 |
| Page Links | |
| Overview | Purdue Credit |
| Eligibility | Academics |
| Housing | Program Costs |
| Financial Aid | Deadline |
| Returnee Info | Resources |
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
Overview
Eligibility
One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science.
GPA Requirement:
2.8 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none
Purdue Credit
Direct Credit
available from the following:
[College of Agriculture] [College of Liberal Arts]
Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.
Academic Program
On The Living Amazon program, you will take three 4-credit disciplinary courses, one 2-credit language and culture course, and a 4-credit capstone Directed Research course. Courses are participatory in nature and are designed to foster inquiry and active learning. Each course combines lectures, field exercises, assignments, tests, and research. All courses are taught in English.
More information about the classes can be found on the SFS website.
Excursions
- Take a multi-day excursion to the village of Sucusari to learn about the livelihoods of the Maijuna people and explore the rainforest from one of the world’s longest canopy walkways
- Take a five-day riverboat expedition in Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Regional Conservation Area, home to species like pink river dolphins, sloths, piranhas, primates, macaws, and giant river otters
Housing
The Peru Center is an oasis of calming nature, while a short walk from the bustling town of Tarapoto, gateway to Amazon adventures. The Center is connected by a web of pathways lined with flowers, medicinal herbs, and rows of stone terraces teeming with native plant species. Students have access to wooded hiking trails through protected areas, as well as quiet lofts and rocking-chair-patios offering panoramic views of the Escalera mountain range.
Estimated Program Costs
Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location. This will vary by program. The program fee includes: tuition, all meals, local travel, and class-related excursions/field trips.
Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Spring 2026
| Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor | |
|---|---|
| Program Fee | $19,000.00 |
| Study Abroad Fee | $914.10 |
| Housing | $5,000.00 |
| Purdue International Insurance (per month) | $32.00 |
| Approximate additional costs per semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| To be paid by the student. | ||
| Round-trip Airfare | $1,200.00 | |
| Visa | $50.00 | |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $0.00 - $1,900.00 | |
| Travel Documents (passport, photos) | $175.00 | |
Financial Aid
SFS offers many scholarships and/or 0% interest loans (no FAFSA form required). Please see the SFS website for more details.
Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should
- direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus;
- consult website Study Abroad Financial Aid Process;
- complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.
NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.
Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.
Application Deadlines
For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline. Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.
As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.
| Program Application Deadline | |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester Programs | Mar 1 |
| Spring Semester Programs | Sep 15 |
Returnees Information
Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted. If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.
Resources
The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.
- Program Sponsor's Home Page: School for Field Studies
- Program Website
- Search Google(tm)*
- Department of State Consular
Information
(You must find Peru in list) - CDC Travel Information (You must find Peru in list)
For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.