Overview
Education in Peru is free for children from the age of 7 to 16. The attendance rates are sound, with 94% eligible children attending primary school and 89% attending secondary school. However Peru’s high levels of participation are not matched with educational quality. Extremely large class sizes, inadequate facilities and poorly trained teachers are typical characteristics of public schools throughout Peru.
We places volunteers at public schools in some of the most impoverished areas in the district of Cusco. Volunteers will lead their own English classes, as English is not included in the national curriculum and it is unlikely that the local staff will speak much, if any, English. As a result, it is a real advantage if applicants possess teaching experience. Volunteers with no teaching experience will work with the younger children, usually between the ages 7-9. You are also welcome to get involved in teaching a variety of other subjects such as art, music and sports.
Schools are closed from the 1st week of December to the 3rd week of April, and also from the 1st week of July to the last week of August. During this period volunteers can work at a day-care facility, street children centre or home for the elderly.
We also support educational centres for homeless children. Street children are a highly stigmatised group in Peruvian society and are often terribly mistreated by the general public. The majority of the children are orphans or have fled from abusive homes. Alcohol abuse is a common problem in Peru – and domestic violence is a real issue for many. The centres we support are situated close to markets where many of the children work as porters. The ages of the children vary from 4-18 years.
Volunteers must be creative and be able to take the initiative as the children drop in and out of the centre over the course of the day – as they need to work in order to survive. You will need to be flexible and adapt to situation at the time. Lessons are largely informal. From teaching English to organising activities, volunteers should teach subjects where they feel most confident. It is also essential that volunteers are patient and remain positive. These children have very difficult lives and will look on you as a positive role model.
Spanish Lessons
If you are arriving into Peru with little or no Spanish than it is compulsory for you to enroll in our Spanish language classes. Volunteers are encouraged to book at least 20 hours of Spanish lessons as your Spanish proficiency will play a big role in your ability to impact on the projects.
We have two options for Spanish lessons:
1) The first option is the Spanish Immersion Week. This week includes 20 hours of Spanish lessons, accommodation and meals. The Spanish Immersion Week gives you a great chance to build your Spanish and get used to life in Cusco before you start your volunteer work. It is possible to book multiple Spanish Immersion Weeks if you wish to.
2) Alternatively, you could combine Spanish lessons with your volunteer work. In most cases you will volunteer in the morning and take lessons in the afternoon. You can book lessons in blocks of 20 hours.
You can add Spanish lessons onto your volunteer programme during the online application process. Please note that the Spanish Immersion Week will extend your overall programme duration by one week. For example, if you apply for a 4-week programme and the Spanish Immersion Week – then your total time in Peru is 5 weeks. You should arrange to arrive into Peru for the start date outlined for your volunteer programme but factor in the additional week/s when working out your finish date.. You will take part in the Spanish Immersion Week prior to starting your volunteer work.
If you choose option two, and combine Spanish lessons with your volunteer work then length of your volunteer programme remains the same.
All Spanish lessons are on a one-to-one basis and are held at your accommodation. Half the time will be spent learning the theory and the remaining time focuses on practical learning, which often involves getting out into the community!
Arrival airport: Velazco Astete Airport (airport code CUZ)
Volunteer role: Teach English, art, sport and other subjects. Prepare and lead your own classes
Working hours: 08:00 to 13:00 from Monday to Friday. Afternoon work is available on request
Transport to the project: Walk or bus – budget around £2 per day
Requirements: Intermediate level of Spanish, a good level of spoken & written English, minimum age 18, Criminal Background Check
We places volunteers at public schools in some of the most impoverished areas in the district of Cusco. Volunteers will lead their own English classes, as English is not included in the national curriculum and it is unlikely that the local staff will speak much, if any, English. As a result, it is a real advantage if applicants possess teaching experience. Volunteers with no teaching experience will work with the younger children, usually between the ages 7-9. You are also welcome to get involved in teaching a variety of other subjects such as art, music and sports.
Schools are closed from the 1st week of December to the 3rd week of April, and also from the 1st week of July to the last week of August. During this period volunteers can work at a day-care facility, street children centre or home for the elderly.
We also support educational centres for homeless children. Street children are a highly stigmatised group in Peruvian society and are often terribly mistreated by the general public. The majority of the children are orphans or have fled from abusive homes. Alcohol abuse is a common problem in Peru – and domestic violence is a real issue for many. The centres we support are situated close to markets where many of the children work as porters. The ages of the children vary from 4-18 years.
Volunteers must be creative and be able to take the initiative as the children drop in and out of the centre over the course of the day – as they need to work in order to survive. You will need to be flexible and adapt to situation at the time. Lessons are largely informal. From teaching English to organising activities, volunteers should teach subjects where they feel most confident. It is also essential that volunteers are patient and remain positive. These children have very difficult lives and will look on you as a positive role model.
Spanish Lessons
If you are arriving into Peru with little or no Spanish than it is compulsory for you to enroll in our Spanish language classes. Volunteers are encouraged to book at least 20 hours of Spanish lessons as your Spanish proficiency will play a big role in your ability to impact on the projects.
We have two options for Spanish lessons:
1) The first option is the Spanish Immersion Week. This week includes 20 hours of Spanish lessons, accommodation and meals. The Spanish Immersion Week gives you a great chance to build your Spanish and get used to life in Cusco before you start your volunteer work. It is possible to book multiple Spanish Immersion Weeks if you wish to.
2) Alternatively, you could combine Spanish lessons with your volunteer work. In most cases you will volunteer in the morning and take lessons in the afternoon. You can book lessons in blocks of 20 hours.
You can add Spanish lessons onto your volunteer programme during the online application process. Please note that the Spanish Immersion Week will extend your overall programme duration by one week. For example, if you apply for a 4-week programme and the Spanish Immersion Week – then your total time in Peru is 5 weeks. You should arrange to arrive into Peru for the start date outlined for your volunteer programme but factor in the additional week/s when working out your finish date.. You will take part in the Spanish Immersion Week prior to starting your volunteer work.
If you choose option two, and combine Spanish lessons with your volunteer work then length of your volunteer programme remains the same.
All Spanish lessons are on a one-to-one basis and are held at your accommodation. Half the time will be spent learning the theory and the remaining time focuses on practical learning, which often involves getting out into the community!
Arrival airport: Velazco Astete Airport (airport code CUZ)
Volunteer role: Teach English, art, sport and other subjects. Prepare and lead your own classes
Working hours: 08:00 to 13:00 from Monday to Friday. Afternoon work is available on request
Transport to the project: Walk or bus – budget around £2 per day
Requirements: Intermediate level of Spanish, a good level of spoken & written English, minimum age 18, Criminal Background Check
Itinerary
Please make sure you arrive into Velazco Astete Airport (CUZ) on Monday.
Day 1 (Monday) Arrival
Welcome to Peru! Whether you’re flying into Cusco or arriving by bus, our team will be waiting for you at your point of a arrival holding a sign.
We will transfer you to our accommodation where you can get settled and meet fellow volunteers. Our local coordinator will show you around the local area and brief you on what we you have in store in the upcoming days.
Day 2 (Tuesday) Orientation
Your orientation kicks off at 9am at our local office in Cusco. The first part of the day will be spent learning about Peru, its culture, safety issues, transport network and travel opportunities. In the afternoon our team will tell you all about your volunteer project so you’re fully prepared to start volunteering the next day. Your orientation will finish off with a Spanish lesson.
* If you are taking part in the Spanish Immersion Week then you will begin your Spanish lessons today.
Day 3-5 (Wednesday-Friday) Volunteering
It’s the day you’ve been waiting for! Wednesday is your first day at the placement. A member of our local team will escort you to the project site so you can learn the route for the future. After a full induction, we will work together to develop your work schedule so you are comfortable with your role and understand what is expected of you.
As the week goes on you will begin to find your feet at the project and your role will begin to evolve. It is important that you communicate any issues you may have with our team. We want you to have the best time possible so don’t leave us in the dark!
Day 6 & 7 (Saturday & Sunday) Weekend!
What to do for the weekend? Well, the choices are endless. Whether you want to trek up to Machu Picchu, take a tour of the Sacred Valley or soak up some culture in Cusco – you will not be short of things to do!
Our local team can help you arrange any independent travel you wish to take part in.
The following weeks
Your volunteer week is Monday to Friday. It is important that you remain committed and give it your all. Our local team are never far away so if you need any help they are on-hand!
Last day (Sunday)
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. The Sunday of your final week is your last day in Peru.
Whatever you plan to do next, our coordinators can assist you with transport arrangements.
Day 1 (Monday) Arrival
Welcome to Peru! Whether you’re flying into Cusco or arriving by bus, our team will be waiting for you at your point of a arrival holding a sign.
We will transfer you to our accommodation where you can get settled and meet fellow volunteers. Our local coordinator will show you around the local area and brief you on what we you have in store in the upcoming days.
Day 2 (Tuesday) Orientation
Your orientation kicks off at 9am at our local office in Cusco. The first part of the day will be spent learning about Peru, its culture, safety issues, transport network and travel opportunities. In the afternoon our team will tell you all about your volunteer project so you’re fully prepared to start volunteering the next day. Your orientation will finish off with a Spanish lesson.
* If you are taking part in the Spanish Immersion Week then you will begin your Spanish lessons today.
Day 3-5 (Wednesday-Friday) Volunteering
It’s the day you’ve been waiting for! Wednesday is your first day at the placement. A member of our local team will escort you to the project site so you can learn the route for the future. After a full induction, we will work together to develop your work schedule so you are comfortable with your role and understand what is expected of you.
As the week goes on you will begin to find your feet at the project and your role will begin to evolve. It is important that you communicate any issues you may have with our team. We want you to have the best time possible so don’t leave us in the dark!
Day 6 & 7 (Saturday & Sunday) Weekend!
What to do for the weekend? Well, the choices are endless. Whether you want to trek up to Machu Picchu, take a tour of the Sacred Valley or soak up some culture in Cusco – you will not be short of things to do!
Our local team can help you arrange any independent travel you wish to take part in.
The following weeks
Your volunteer week is Monday to Friday. It is important that you remain committed and give it your all. Our local team are never far away so if you need any help they are on-hand!
Last day (Sunday)
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. The Sunday of your final week is your last day in Peru.
Whatever you plan to do next, our coordinators can assist you with transport arrangements.
Accommodation and Meals
During your time in Cusco you will stay at our Volunteer House or with a host family. The Volunteer House accommodation is only available from April to mid-August. Outside of this period volunteers are automatically placed with a host family.
Volunteer House
The Volunteer House is a comfortable property located in a safe urban neighbourhood. The Volunteer House can cater for up to 30 volunteers at any one time, which makes for a real fun and social environment. You will share a room with fellow volunteers, up to 6 per room. Bathroom facilities include western toilets and hot showers. Wi-Fi connection is available and there is a lounge area where volunteers can hang out. There is also a weekly laundry service at no extra cost.
The house is cleaned on a weekly basis. Most of the members of our local team live within walking distance of the Volunteer House and are always on-hand to resolve any difficult situations. All meals are freshly prepared by our in-house cook.
Host family
Living with a host family is great way to improve your Spanish and learn about the Peruvian way of life. All the host families we place our volunteers with, are carefully selected by our local team. Homes are comfortable, clean and safe. Volunteers are usually placed together, with up to 6 volunteers staying with one family. In most cases, you will share a room with another volunteer.
Some homes may have Internet connectivity but the majority do not. Volunteers are welcome to use the Wi-Fi at our local office and there are also plenty of internet cafes in the area (around £0.50 per hour). All homestays have western bathroom facilities and hot showers.
Meals
You are provided with meals from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays you will need to purchase your own food. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants in Cusco. Ask our local team for recommendations. It is best to dine at the restaurants filled with locals – these are the hidden gems where you can get a 3-course meal for around £2!
Peruvian cuisine is among the most varied and best in the world. Peruvian dishes are diverse and unexpected. The food is rooted in Incan origins, which are still evident today. Potatoes and rice are served with almost every meal. The most common meats are chicken, pork and lamb, all of which were introduced by Spanish explorers and conquerors in the 1500s.
Ceviche (seafood marinated in lemon, aji, garlic and coriander) is a classic Peruvian dish. Other popular culinary delights include ají de Gallina (chicken in a creamy spicy sauce), an African-Peruvian dish called tacu-tacu (refried spicy black bean and rice tortilla) and sweet mazamorra morada, which is a desert made from purple corn. In Cusco and the highlands, you will also find Alpaca meat and guinea pig.
Lunch is often the main meal of the day. Favourite dishes might include aji de gallina, a dish of chicken in a creamy sauce thickened with bread and sometimes ground nuts, or lomo saltado the much-loved chifa dish of stir fried strips of beef with peppers, aji chilli and soy. Soup is another favourite, from light broths to hearty, almost stew-like bowls.
* Please inform us in your application if you have a preference of accommodation type and any dietary requirements. Couples, families and older volunteers will be accommodated to suit their needs.
Volunteer House
The Volunteer House is a comfortable property located in a safe urban neighbourhood. The Volunteer House can cater for up to 30 volunteers at any one time, which makes for a real fun and social environment. You will share a room with fellow volunteers, up to 6 per room. Bathroom facilities include western toilets and hot showers. Wi-Fi connection is available and there is a lounge area where volunteers can hang out. There is also a weekly laundry service at no extra cost.
The house is cleaned on a weekly basis. Most of the members of our local team live within walking distance of the Volunteer House and are always on-hand to resolve any difficult situations. All meals are freshly prepared by our in-house cook.
Host family
Living with a host family is great way to improve your Spanish and learn about the Peruvian way of life. All the host families we place our volunteers with, are carefully selected by our local team. Homes are comfortable, clean and safe. Volunteers are usually placed together, with up to 6 volunteers staying with one family. In most cases, you will share a room with another volunteer.
Some homes may have Internet connectivity but the majority do not. Volunteers are welcome to use the Wi-Fi at our local office and there are also plenty of internet cafes in the area (around £0.50 per hour). All homestays have western bathroom facilities and hot showers.
Meals
You are provided with meals from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays you will need to purchase your own food. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants in Cusco. Ask our local team for recommendations. It is best to dine at the restaurants filled with locals – these are the hidden gems where you can get a 3-course meal for around £2!
Peruvian cuisine is among the most varied and best in the world. Peruvian dishes are diverse and unexpected. The food is rooted in Incan origins, which are still evident today. Potatoes and rice are served with almost every meal. The most common meats are chicken, pork and lamb, all of which were introduced by Spanish explorers and conquerors in the 1500s.
Ceviche (seafood marinated in lemon, aji, garlic and coriander) is a classic Peruvian dish. Other popular culinary delights include ají de Gallina (chicken in a creamy spicy sauce), an African-Peruvian dish called tacu-tacu (refried spicy black bean and rice tortilla) and sweet mazamorra morada, which is a desert made from purple corn. In Cusco and the highlands, you will also find Alpaca meat and guinea pig.
Lunch is often the main meal of the day. Favourite dishes might include aji de gallina, a dish of chicken in a creamy sauce thickened with bread and sometimes ground nuts, or lomo saltado the much-loved chifa dish of stir fried strips of beef with peppers, aji chilli and soy. Soup is another favourite, from light broths to hearty, almost stew-like bowls.
* Please inform us in your application if you have a preference of accommodation type and any dietary requirements. Couples, families and older volunteers will be accommodated to suit their needs.
Volunteer Fees
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What's Included?
- Accommodation - Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat) - Airport pick up - In-country orientation - 24 hour in-country support Registration Fee: - 24 hour UK based support - Volunteer Handbook - 100% Financial Protection - Regular programme inspection |
What's Not Included?
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Sun) - Flights (£600-£800) - Insurance (£12 per week) - Return airport transfer (£20) - Visa (Free) - Criminal Background Check (£25) |