Affordable Volunteering in Cusco - Peru from $470!

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Program starts 1st and 3rd Monday of every month

Description: International Volunteer HQ's partner NGO in Cusco - Peru requires volunteers now! IVHQ has a wide range of volunteering opportunities available in jungle conservation, teaching English, childcare work, medical work, construction and renovation work in the ancient Peruvian city of Cusco and surrounding valleys.

Volunteer Placement Descriptions

* Teaching English
Cusco is the tourism capital of South American and therefore the majority of Cusquenan children will tell you that they want to be a tourist guide when they grow up. They are also aware that this dream requires a high level of English and are therefore very excited to learn English with native speakers. The ability to speak English gives local children a genuine opportunity to support themselves find work on completing their education, as tourism forms an integral part of the local economy. Volunteers will work in local schools, community centers and shelters for street children. Work varies but generally consists of providing tutoring to local students, setting up small workshops, assisting local teachers and organizing educational games and activities. NB Volunteers DO NOT need to be a qualified or experienced teacher.

* Childcare Work
The aim of our childcare program is to provide individual attention and assistance to children from difficult backgrounds. Many children at the projects we work with do not receive the level of affection and education that they deserve, and volunteers therefore play an important role in working alongside local staff to improve the educational, emotional, and hygiene conditions of the children. Volunteers will work in orphanages, community centers, daycare centers, schools and kindergartens. Work varies but generally consists of providing individual attention, sharing affection with children, paying with children, organizing games and activities, educating children regarding hygiene and assisting with home work.

* Jungle Conservation
The objective of this project is one of ecological restoration - the process of re-establishing an ecosystem that has been degenerated, damaged or destroyed. The project has a number of different phases so each individual volunteer will form part of a much bigger picture. Volunteers will work in the local jungles and ecological reserves located in the valleys surrounding Cusco. Volunteer activities vary but generally involve removing non-native plant species, planting and re-introducing native plant species, assisting with inventory and observation of wildlife and assisting at the local schools located in the jungle areas.

* Construction and Renovation
One of the ways we provide support to the different projects we work with is through our construction and renovation projects. Many projects are under-funded and run-down, and are in need of renovation work. Volunteers usually work alongside a local construction worker who provides them with direction and motivation. Volunteers work on a variety of buildings such as schools, orphanages, community centers and clinics. Volunteer work varies but generally consists of renovating buildings, re-painting community centers, building required infrastructure such as orphanages and landscaping/gardening. You are not required to have experience with construction work but having good energy levels, a reasonable level of fitness and good dedication will go a long way to ensuring you get the most out of your volunteer project.

* Medical Placement
Clinics and hospitals for low income families in Cusco tend to be under-funded and under-staffed. As a result, volunteers can play an important role in assisting local nurses and doctors, while also learning about the healthcare system here. However, it is important that healthcare volunteers have realistic expectations with regard to the activities that they will get involved in (see below).

Pre-med, 1st year or 2nd year medical students
1. Clinic or hospital for low-income families
- Triage: Taking weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, temperature
- Hospital wards: Making beds, cleaning, talking with patients
- Materials: Preparing materials, sterilizing equipment

2. Clinic for mentally and physically disabled children
- Activities: Taking the kids to the park or farm, organizing art and crafts workshops, providing individual attention
- Mealtimes: Assisting during mealtimes, assisting with tooth brushing

3rd year or 4th year medical students and medical professionals
1. Clinic or hospital for low-income families
- Cleaning wounds, giving injections and sutures
- Consult rooms and specialized departments: Assisting doctor taking physicals and histories
- Campaigns: Giving vaccinations, taking records, drawing blood samples

2. Clinic for mentally and physically disabled children
- Activities: Taking the kids to the park or farm, organizing art and crafts workshops, providing love and attention
- Mealtimes: Assisting during mealtimes, assisting with tooth brushing
- Physiotherapy: Providing basic assistance with physiotherapy

N.B. For the Medical Placement, volunteers need to be training or qualified in a relevant medical field. Naturally, volunteers are required to present a copy of their qualifications and certificates to our program partner on arrival in Peru.

Highlights:
* Extremely affordable program fees
* Quality Programs
* Flexible Placements
* 24/7 Support
* Loyalty Program
* IVHQ Information Booklet
* Discount Spanish lessons

Qualifications: Volunteers must be over 18 years of age at the beginning of the program and have at least a high school education. Volunteers participating in the MEDICAL PLACEMENT must have appropriate training and certification (to be presented to IVHQ partner staff on arrival in Peru).

Language Requirements:
We recommend that all volunteers regardless of their Spanish language ability (unless they are extremely fluent), take advantage of the very affordable Spanish lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by our program staff in Peru. Past volunteer feedback has shown us that volunteers feel they can contribute far more with some Spanish ability. Spanish is NOT a prerequisite for our Cusco program, however on certain placements (such as medical placements) the level of work a volunteer can do will be restricted with limited Spanish. Our local staff in Cusco offer hugely discounted Spanish lessons to our volunteers and wide a variety of options (one on one learning, group classes and a local student language exchange). More details on these options are provided when a volunteer registers.

Cost in US$: Program fees range from US$470 (1 Week) to US$3020

* Registration Fee (Refundable if you choose not to go)
- 24/7 support from IVHQ staff
- program marketing costs
- information pack
- administration costs
- travel costs to inspect programs and communication costs with volunteers

* Program Fee
- Airport pick up
- orientation
- program supervision
- accommodation and meals during volunteer placement period
- In-country 24/7 volunteer support and In-country administration costs

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-70

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 2-6

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad

International Volunteer HQ's Mission Statement: International Volunteer HQ aims to provide volunteers with quality, flexible, safe and highly affordable volunteering placements in developing countries. In addition to providing aid and assistance to these countries, International Volunteer HQ endeavors to increase education and heighten awareness through not only the skills and expertise taken by volunteers to their host communities and institutions, but also through the experiences and lessons volunteers will in turn take back to their own countries and cultures.

Year Founded: 2007