Our story
The “Worldschool Peru LLC” story starts with the realization that a company run by Peruvian tourism professionals with a deep understanding of what worldschooling is about, was needed.
Every year more families decide to join the worldschooling community. Eager to learn about the world through cultural immersion, many families start looking into visiting Peru as it is a destination with so much to offer.
However, planning a trip on your own to a place with significant language and cultural differences, where you don’t know anyone local, can be complex, time-consuming and stressful. Moreover, it may lead to logistical challenges, higher costs and even safety concerns.
Therefore, our company provides the necessary guidance for your family to fully immerse in the destination’s culture by experiencing it authentically, respectfully, and without overlooking hidden gems, cultural events, or unique experiences that could enhance your trip.
Whether your family is traveling alone or with a village; whether you are experienced worldschoolers, on a family gap year, or just testing the waters, we are here to make sure your worldschooling experience in Peru goes exactly as you dream, or even better!
Our founder
Sandra Sotomayor is a homeschool mom of two, originally from Peru but currently living in the U.S.
As a professional (M.Sc. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism from the University of Missouri) with over 20 years of experience in the tourism sector, she has worked 7 years for PromPerú (Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism), as well as for various tourism companies and projects in Peru and the U.S.
Also, she has extensive experience in Academia, teaching and conducting scientific research in tourism for reputable universities in Peru and the U.S.
“One of the last academic papers I published was on roadschooling.(*) I conducted this research as I started my first formal year as a homeschool mom. I received an initial response from the Journal while enjoying what we could say was our first family roadschooling experience. It was short but awesome, and it gave me some insights for reflecting on future research paths on this topic that I discuss at the end of the paper.
Conducting this research made me want to get a much better understanding of the worldschooling community. By doing so, I felt the need to start a company in which my two passions (tourism and homeschooling) would merge. A company to help fellow homeschoolers to fulfill their desire of visiting my country by experiencing it according to their particular interests and educational goals”.
(*)Sotomayor, S. (2023). What is ‘roadschooling’ and who does it? A data mining web content analysis. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 23(2), 269-274.
Our collaborators
Jorge Málaga is in charge of supervising all our operations.
Jorge is a tourism professional with over 15 years of experience as a tour guide and tour operator in the Cusco area. He also has extensive experience working with partners to operate tours in other regions of Peru. He founded and directs Andean Tailormade Tours – Antato since 2016.
His vast knowledge of the area and the local culture, in addition to his charming personality and English language proficiency, make Jorge a key in situ partner and the ideal host.
All our workshops are carefully designed and taught by outstanding bilingual experts. Some of them are academic researchers and university professors. Some others are tourism management practitioners originally from Cusco, with many years of valuable experience in the public or private sector. In all cases, our experts possess a deep understanding of the area and the Andean culture. We also work very closely with knowledgeable members of different indigenous communities along the Sacred Valley.
Our mission and values
“To help families to make the most of their worldschooling experience in Peru, by tailoring the perfect experiential education programs that satisfy their particular interests, based on respectful cultural immersion and destination exploration.”
We are committed to the following values:
1. Flexibility and Personalization
Recognizing the ever-changing nature of travel and education, and being responsive to the unique situation, needs and interests of each family.
2. Education
Prioritizing experiential learning and real-world experiences as a crucial part of education.
3. Cultural Diversity
Embracing and celebrating different cultures, while fostering empathy and understanding among visitors and host communities.
4. Community Engagement
Building a supportive community of like-minded families, encouraging collaboration and shared experiences.
5. Adventure and Exploration
Promoting curiosity, discovery, and exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes, histories, and cultures.
6. Sustainability
Committing to responsible travel practices that minimize environmental impact and support local economies and communities.
7. Innovation and Creativity
Seeking innovative approaches to learning and travel, and encouraging creativity and critical thinking in participants.
8. Personal Growth and Development
Fostering individual growth, self-discovery, and confidence through immersive educational experiences.
9. Communication and Transparency
Maintaining open and honest communication with families regarding trip details, expectations, and any changes or challenges that may arise.
10. Safety and Well-being
Ensuring the safety and security of families during their travels, both physically and emotionally.
If you would like to start crafting an amazing worldschooling experience, click here