Volunteer / Internship

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Any

Description: Come and work at one of the most fun and exciting places in Cusco and find yourself at the center of the community. Volunteers at South American Explorers can take on a whole range of tasks from organizing community events, helping local NGOs, travel writing to day to day help to travellers.

South American Explorers is a friendly place and volunteers are involved in weekly staff meetings and always included in decision making or brainstorming sessions, in the aim of improving services.

On initial application interns / volunteers will be interviewed to match their skills to tasks more exactly. Some interns prefer to meet and greet members and give direct member assistance, while others prefer to take on special projects. These projects keep the club current, address local needs and are, as a consequence, invaluable. Such projects are tailored to reflect the needs of the Club and the volunteer's area, interest or expertise and are discussed again upon arrival in Cusco.

Examples of past special projects include:

- Organising and running a clean-up of the River Urumbamba
- Expanding and updating SAE's volunteer resources
- Creating or updating SAE's area information packets
- Expanding the discount list and marketing the advertising opportunities in the magazine.
- Organising and managing the events program.

And of course many others and we are always open to new ideas and initiatives.

Highlights: Purpose of volunteer work with SAE
Over the last couple of years the volunteer program has grown to become an integral part of SAE. The club has much to offer a volunteer in exchange for their hard work. Beyond the amazing experience of working and living in Cusco, a volunteer has the chance to:

- Work in an international multi-cultural environment
- Obtain working knowledge of international tourism
- Develop Spanish language skills
- Gain an in-depth knowledge of South America
- Develop new projects to reflect the needs of the clubhouse
- Work specifically in their area of interest or expertise further developing their skill set
- Understand the inner workings and management of a NGO

Qualifications: Requirements
Time: A minimum of 3 months full time is preferred although this can vary. Please be aware that volunteers who can commit to a longer time frame will be given priority.

Education: We are looking for university educated individuals or university students or people with equivalent experience.

Computer literacy is also a required skill; the office is based on a PC/Window system using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook Express. Any skills in graphic design, networks or website development would be an asset because they are regularly in high demand in the office.   

Language: Fluent English is mandatory and a decent working knowledge of Spanish is a huge asset as we handle a large amount of correspondence in Spanish. The better the volunteers Spanish language skills the more options they will have concerning projects and other tasks.   A willingness to learn goes a long way. Other European languages are not required but have always been a real advantage when communicating with other travelers.

Travel Experience: Although travel experience in South America is a plus it is not a mandatory requirement. We prefer our long-term volunteers to have travel experience in Latin America (travel in Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile is a plus). We spend a good deal of the day just interacting with members, and it's imperative to have a good base of travel knowledge. That's not to say that you have to have been everywhere, but sounder advice definitely comes with first-hand experience.

Other skills: We look for enthusiastic, reliable, friendly and open-minded individuals. To have good initiative is important, to work well in a team and to be a "people person". Sometimes, be prepared for chaos and disruption in your working schedule to help finish tasks with the team.

Cost in US$: No cost

Credit Available: yes

Salary / Pay: Help with finding cheap accommodation. Lunch provided weekdays. Initial accommodation. Help with Spanish classes. NB Living costs in Cusco are low.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical Volunteer Volunteers here at South American Explorers tend to be friendly, out going, confident individuals. Good communication skills are needed to work with tourists/members who need help with their travel plans. Working well in a team is essential, flexibility and a good sense of humour. Fluent English is necessary and intermediate Spanish preferred. Volunteers normally can use their own initiative and have experience in managing a range of tasks. Most volunteers have had some travel experience in South America or knowledge of Peru, though this is not obligatory.

Age Range: 18 plus

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 5

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad

South American Explorers's Mission Statement: South American Explorers is a non profit organization which aims to provide travelers with services and helpful unbiased information and advice. The mission of the South American Explorers is to improve the social, economic and environmental conditions within South America by fostering greater awareness of this continent through the diffusion of information and cross cultural interaction.

Year Founded: 1977