CONTACT: Claro Spanish Language Program, Calle Paucarpata 327-Cercado, Arequipa, Peru; 51-54-286929; info@spanish-peru.com; www.spanish-peru.com.

COSTS: 25 hours per week of group instruction (no more than four students) is $65. The homestay option (includes breakfast and dinner) in a single room with private bath is another $60 per week. The best deal is a package of two-week group instruction, private room and board with a family, and a highly recommended, all-inclusive two-day excursion to the Colca Canyon for $279. All you’ll get are language skills and great stories, though; Claro does not normally grant credits for transfer to your university.