Digital Storytelling
Are you ready to bring your storytelling skills to life in one of the most mesmerizing destinations on the planet? Join Dr. Jennifer Polack for CPSC 106: Digital Storytelling and/or Dr. Caitie Finlayson on GEOG 200: Digital Geographies course spring break trip to Peru featuring Machu Picchu. This immersive experience isn’t a vacation; it’s an invitation to unleash your creativity, capture mesmerizing visuals, and craft compelling narratives at one of the most iconic sites in the world.
As you embark on this journey, you’ll explore the lush landscapes of the Andes, delve into the rich history of the Incan civilization, and savor the flavors of traditional Peruvian cuisine. Wander through the vibrant markets of Cusco, visit historic landmarks, and engage with local communities, all while honing your storytelling techniques through photography, videography, and insightful interviews.
The adventure culminates at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Surrounded by jagged peaks and shrouded in mystery, you’ll have the chance to document this ancient wonder and its breathtaking vistas. Create a visual narrative that captures the essence of this archaeological treasure and transports your audience to the heart of Peru’s rich cultural heritage.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to blend education, cultural immersion, and storytelling in one extraordinary journey to Machu Picchu!
February 26 – March 7, 2026
Program Fee: $5,186
Registration and $500 non-refundable deposit due: October 15, 2025
Final Balance ($4,686) due: October 31, 2025
Use the Make a Standard Payment button below to pay your deposit and regular program balance payment. Use the Make a Flexible Payment option to pay an alternate amount (such as additional insurance or payment in a different amount as a result of a scholarship award).
Online payees have the choice of either credit card or eCheck (ACH) payment. ACH transactions will be charged a flat fee of $0.50 per transaction. All credit card payments will incur a 2.95% service fee. For credit card payments, a minimum convenience fee of $3.00 will be applied to transactions over $20.00 and under $102.00.
Students can avoid fees by paying in-person at the UMW Cashier’s office by cash or check (made out to “UMW”). The Cashier’s office is located on the 2nd floor of Lee Hall.
In addition to the program travel during Spring Break, students will enroll in the Spring 2026 course CPSC 106: Digital Storytelling and/or GEOG 200: Digital Geographies (each 3 credits). The courses automatically count as Digital Intensive.
These courses satisfies the Beyond the Classroom OR Diverse and Global Perspectives general education requirement by contract with the Faculty Director only.
Students will stay in local hotels in double or triple occupancy.
There are no prerequisites for either course. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in order to participate. This program is open to all UMW students regardless of major or year of study. It is also open to non-UMW students.
Included in the program fee:
- International airfare
- Accommodations
- Some meals
- In-country transportation per itinerary to include airport transfers
- Group excursions and entrance fees per itinerary
- UMW Education Abroad Fee
- International medical insurance
Excluded in the program fee:
- UMW Tuition (may be included into your spring term course load)
- Passport and/or visa fees
- Souvenirs and other personal expenses
- Personal health costs (ex. vaccination fees, COVID-19 testing, etc.)
- Supplemental meals and snacks
This program requires a moderate level of activity, including significant walking and hiking on uneven terrain. Machu Pichu is a high-altitude destination and participants should be aware of how this may affect them and their participation in the program. If you experience altitude sickness, you should NOT register for this program.
International travel may require immunizations or preventative medicines. Please refer to the US Center for Disease Control’s Traveler’s Health Information Page for recommendations. The UMW Health Center provides free travel consultations by appointment, as well as travel information for UMW students. The Center for International Education recommends that each student have a personalized medical consultation prior to international travel.
Visit CIE’s Scholarships & Funding webpage to learn more about financial options as it relates to education abroad including Financial Aid, 529 Plans, etc.