University (Peru)

Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL) is an autonomous not for profit institution of higher learning. USIL’s mission is to produce humanistic, entrepreneurial, leading professionals who conduct research and contribute toward the sustainable development of Peruvian society. The university achieves its mission through a bilingual (English and Spanish) competence-based curriculum that meets the demands of a globalized world.

The academic structure consists of the following divisions:

• School of Administrative Science (Business, Economics, Marketing & Finance)
• School of Education
• School of Engineering and Architecture
• School of Hospitality, Tourism and Gastronomy
• School of Humanities (Art, Design, Psychology & Communications)

Since its establishment in 1993, USIL has expanded to include an academic community of more than 5,000 students and faculty. The majority of the student body comes from Peru with a growing number from other South American, North American, Asian and European countries. USIL faculty have extensive academic and professional experience; many have studied or worked in the USA, Canada, Europe and other parts of the world.

The University is situated on three campuses in La Molina and Huachipa, Lima and Cuzco. The La Molina campus consist of administrative offices, classrooms, library and computer labs. The Huachipa campus is USIL’s sports and recreational complex.

The Cuzco campus was opened in 2010 to serve international students interested in Peruvian culture and Spanish language. The location takes advantage of the historical and cultural heritage of Cuzco, the capital city of the Inca Empire, and nearby Machu Picchu, one of the best preserved examples of Inca civilization. The campus consists of classrooms, administrative offices and a student residence.

Teaching & grading

USIL curriculum combines discipline-specific and interdisciplinary (liberal arts) studies. Theoretical concepts are paired with management and business experience, through case studies. Knowledge acquired in class is complemented with practical assignments. Student-professor interaction contributes toward a dynamic learning process.

The style of teaching may differ from what you are used to in the USA. For example, courses may be more centered on lecture instead of discussion.

Grading is based on the Peruvian educational model. Assessment methods may be different from universities in the USA. Professors may test students orally (as opposed to passing out written exams); students from the same class may be asked different questions on their exams, and your final grade may be based on just one or two assignments and/or exams.