Orphanage and Childrens Programs in Cusco

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Flexible

Description: Volunteers in Cusco can work with an orphanage providing shelter to orphaned and abandoned children or with a day care center for children with low income working mothers. All centers place a large emphasis on education and nutrition ii order to promote the healthy development of the children. Volunteers can lead educational activities, play with the children, and help with various chores around the centers.

Highlights: Experience the incredible beauty and culture of Peru while working with local organizations and gaining a deep understanding of the people and culture. Volunteers and interns work in community run organizations, gaining firsthand knowledge of the complex development issues Peru is facing. Participants have plenty of time to explore the country during the weekends. Peru has almost endless possibilities for adventure.

* The Andes are some of the most dramatic mountains in the world dotted with small towns, clear lakes, and home to a vibrant and a wide array of microclimates ranging from semi arid highlands to cool, moist cloud forests.

*Peru is home to some of the most spectacular ruins in the world including awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca lines.

* The Amazonian region is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.

*Cosmopolitan Lima is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the world and many fascinating neighborhoods to explore.

*Wander along streets the Inca walked in the mountain city of Cusco.

ELI volunteers are enthusiastically welcomed by the communities they work in and often form long lasting relationships with the people they meet in Peru.

Qualifications: Participants should have an intermediate level of Spanish proficiency. Volunteers with children need to be energetic, patient, and motivated.

Cost in US$: Starting at $835 for two weeks

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Lima or Cusco and provided with transportation to their accommodations

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a one to two day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Peru, city tours, help with transportation, and optional Spanish classes

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Peru coordinator has years of experience working with Peruvian NGOs. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.
Accommodations: Participants stay either with a local host family or in a shared apartment depending on the project.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and older

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

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001