International Learning-Peru 2014. College of Education, University of Louisville: Wednesday, July 9

Today was another great day in Lima, Peru. Meredith and Dr. Pentecost had to say farewell to the wonderful students, faculty and staff at the Colegio Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Carmelitas School). The doctorate students had another visit at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru where we heard a presentation from José Carlos Vera. He discussed the current issues with decentralization and the impact on education. It was amazing to hear the similarities between the practices and barriers to education in both Peru and the United States.

We took a tour of the campus and Dr. Aliaga was able to see former colleagues and friends and show us where he studied. I had a headache and spotted a vending machine on the tour and it made my day! J

Next we heard from Ms. Carmen Diaz. She discussed how a principal gets appointed as a principal in Peru and the issues surrounding the current practices. She discussed how to link the educational content to a business approach and discussed six approaches.

Next we visited the Juana Alarco de Dammert school. This is a public (all girls) school with an enrollment of 2,000 students. We were all amazed the moment we walked through the gates. The students and faculty gave us a warm welcoming. The school has two sessions because students only go to school for 5 hours. The playground area was enormous! The students in the secondary school took a culinary class where they were making homemade empanadas! The school also had an Olympic size swimming pool for the girls to take lessons. We also visited a class where parents were learning how to teach help their child at home with mathematics. We had a great time teaching the girls how to put their “Ls” up! Dr. Jean-Marie was tracked down by a group of girls asking her to take a “selfie” with them!

We finished the day with a wonderful dinner at La Rosa Nautica. The restaurant is built on top of the ocean and we were able to enjoy our meal with the sound of waves crashing against the pier. The view was breathtaking and the meal was amazing!

We are excited about our trip to Cusco tomorrow! Stay tuned to find out what we experience tomorrow!

--Carla Kolodey

First day of engaging discussions. Posing with Mr. Martin Vegas, former vice-minister of Education of Peru and passionate advocate of education in the country. Dr. Jean-Marie, Stephanie, Martin Vegas, Deborah, Cabrina, LaRhondolyn, Dr. Aliaga, Sarah, Ashley, and Carla.

A great conversation with Mr. José Carlos Vera of Peru's Ministry of Education. Pictured with Deborah, Cabrina, Ashley (and, of course, Cardy), Dr. Jean-Marie, Dr. Aliaga, and Carla.

At the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru campus (aka Fundo Pando campus) in Lima. Stephanie, Ashley, Deborah, Sarah, Carla, Dr. Jean-Marie, LaRhondolyn, and Cabrina. PUCP is the acronym of the university in Spanish.

Somebody is happy of founding a favorite beverage.

With Ms. Carmen Díaz, a presenter from the Catholic University. With Dr. Jean-Marie, LaRhondolyn, Cabrina, Cardy, Ashley,Carla, Stephanie, Sarah, and Deborah.

Visitng the Faculty of Education building.

Taking a stroll on the PUCP campus: LaRhondolyn and Deborah.

The exterior of the building of the Juana Alarco de Dammert all-girls public school in Miraflores, Lima.

Students showing the Cardinal proud sign at the Juana Alarco de Dammert school in Lima. Go Cards!

Stephanie and students in one of the classrooms at the Juana Alarco de Dammert school in Lima.

Visiting the Juana Alarco de Dammert all-girls public school in Lima. Clockwise from the top: At the 5th grade classroom, with the culinary arts class, a family support session, and in the hall ready for recess.

At the Juana Alarco de Dammert school. Top row: Stephanie, LaRhondolyn, Cabrina, Ms. Carmen Lira, the school principal, Deborah, Dr. Aliaga, and Ashley. Bottom row: Dr. Jean-Marie, Sarah, and Carla.