Volunteer in Peru

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Arequipa

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: Volunteers start on either the first or third Monday of every month

Description: GVN has opportunities to work on a range of projects in Peru such as childcare, teaching, construction, healthcare and conservation projects.

Peru boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in South America and volunteers will primarily be based in the city of Cusco, the historical capital of the Inca Empire.

Volunteers may choose to work in the following areas:
* Childcare: At childcare placements volunteers assist the children with their homework, organise educational activities and provide the children with love and attention. Volunteers can also work with street children at two shelters located in Cusco, helping with a feeding program and also teaching basic English.

* Teaching English: At teaching English placements volunteers assist the full time teacher with speaking, listening, writing, reading, grammar, and vocabulary lessons. Volunteers may also be asked to help with specific learners in terms of their pronunciation and for one-on-one tutoring.

* Construction: At construction projects volunteers assist with construction and/or renovation usually at a childcare project. Construction projects change all the time, but our partner organization is currently helping to build a new orphanage in Oropesa, near Cusco. Tasks on the construction program may include: renovation, labouring, painting, decorating and carpentry. Volunteers will assist with cement mixing, sand sifting, cutting wood and transporting building materials. The building projects are to help the community improve their schools and community centres. Be prepared to be very patient and flexible, and to get your hands and clothes very dirty.

* Healthcare: There are two options for this program: the first is to work at a clinic for mentally and physically disabled children. This project does not require any qualification or experience. It is in a clinical setting but volunteers essentially help to look after the children, organizing activities and helping at meal times. There are options at this project to assist in physiotherapy and to shadow a doctor as well. The second option is to work at a clinic for low-income families. This project is for med students or qualified nurses or doctors. Notarized documentation of your medical school, nursing school, or other medical credentials will be required. Volunteers for these projects require at least intermediate Spanish.

* Conservation: There are two options for this program. The first is to volunteer at a zoo in Cusco, assisting with cleaning and feeding. This is a small zoo which also houses injured animals. These are taken in and rehabilitated to go back into the wild. The second option is to work at the Manu National Park in the jungle region of Peru in the Sacred Valley. At the jungle project, volunteers may assist in orchid planting, bamboo removal, teaching at the local school, and creating an inventory of species. Please note that for the Jungle project volunteers will complete one week of Spanish lessons in Cusco before heading to Sacred Valley for the remainder of their stay.

Highlights: Peru boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in South America and volunteers will primarily be based in the city of Cusco, the historical capital of the Inca Empire. In contrast to its stunning geography, which attracts growing numbers of international visitors to Peru, poverty and unemployment remain high throughout rural regions and more than half of the population live below the poverty line.

Qualifications: As a volunteer in Peru you must:
- be at least 18 years of age
- have no health problems
- for the Healthcare and Cultural Immersion Programs volunteers must have at least an intermediate level of Spanish (i.e. be able to hold a relevant conversation, understand and follow instructions, and so on).
- for the Construction and Conservation/Wildlife programs volunteers must be physically fit.

Cost in US$: Please contact us for more details

Experience Required: yes

For the Healthcare Program volunteers must have a minimum basic level of Spanish, be studying medicine or have a qualification in medicine, nursing or related subject.

Age Range: 18+

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

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our incorporation number is WN/1194442. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded: 2000