Detours Abroad: Projects in Peru

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Huancayo,  Sacred Valley of the Incas,  Urubamba

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Building, Teaching English, Community Development Work

Volunteers in Peru can teach English, build a school or a combination of both. Teaching and building opportunities are based in schools in Huancayo and Cusco, as well as towns in the Sacred Valley including Pisac and Urubamba.

Volunteers keen to teach will be based at local schools. The schools are often basic with limited resources. The children will have limited English. We advise that volunteers learn a basic level of Spanish to assist them with teaching English.

Community projects vary depending on the time of year. Typical examples include:
* Teaching English in afternoon classes to teens and young adults. Other technical subjects may also be available
* Building projects such as renovation of a classroom, a kitchen and eating area, play/sport area or perimeter fence
* Conservation work to allow ample water supply
* Development of a vegetable garden to supply lunchtime meals for the children
* Providing health education lessons on hygiene, nutrition and pregnancy

On arrival, volunteers will undergo an orientation phase allowing time to acclimatise and begin the immersion into the local culture. Spanish classes are optional and depending on the program may be at an additional cost.

Highlights: Peru lies in the heart of South America The country is rich in Incan culture, steeped in history and laced with spectacular scenery. Peru is a traveller's delight. You can visit Lake Titikaka, Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, the Nazca Lines, the Amazon rain forest, Cordillera Blanca, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, or walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Cuzco lies in the heart of the Andean Mountains. It is the archaeological capital of the Americas as well as the oldest continuously inhabited city. Each year millions of tourists visit Cusco's cobbled streets and narrow alleyways. At 3,326m above sea level, a few days to acclimatize in this beautiful city is advised. Huancayo our other centre for volunteers is a market town five hours east of Lima.

The indigenous population is the largest of all the South American countries. Many have maintained their traditional customs as seen in the smaller villages. The main tribes are the Quechua and the Aymara with other Amazonian tribes making up the remainder.

Qualifications: Any special skills you have will be gladly received. It is essential to bring enthusiasm and an open mind. Bring a smile, commitment and a desire to meet the local people. The key to a successful volunteer experience is a desire to be involved.

Cost in US$: From $1950 for 4 weeks

- Meet and greet on arrival
- Transfers to and from airport and placement
- Board and accommodation
- Project placement
- Back-up and support in-country during placement
- Optional extras such as sightseeing trips, language courses and workshops generally involve an additional cost and can be arranged at the time of booking.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Peru Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Detours Abroad's Mission Statement: Detours Abroad brings people and communities together by allowing travellers to immerse themselves in local communities where in turn they make a contribution through volunteering their services. Detours Abroad organises volunteer placements from 2-12 weeks in a variety of developing countries. These include Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo, China, Peru and Ecuador. Volunteers assist in three areas - education, health and administration, community services including construction, care work and community development.

Year Founded: 1996