Community, Education or Medical Voluntraveler Program

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Piura

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year-round

Description: Currently all of our programs are based in Mancora Peru, a small fishing town on the northern coast of Peru that is quickly becoming a popular beach and surf destination. Our partner charity Para el Mundo works with the local community which has suffered the collapse of fish stocks, environmental degradation and natural disasters (floods and massive spoil erosion), and crippling poverty as a result. It is a community in distress, existing in the shadows of new hotels and resorts being constructed nearby to serve the growing tourism industry.

Voluntraveler offers various programs under three categories:

* Community VolunTraveler
This is ideal for people who like working with children and are prepared for the challenges of dealing with children in a poor community who may have disabilities, special needs, or who have suffered trauma or abuse.

Under the direction of local staff, you would work with children in an after-school and seasonal day camp program for children whose emotional, academic or social needs are not being met at school and at home and at a day center for children and families with special needs. Your time could be spent on either or both of these projects.

* Education VolunTraveler
This is ideal for people who want to gain classroom experience in a community that has a shortage of teachers and a large number of students.

Possible responsibilities could include teaching within your particular area of expertise such as English language, computers, mathematics, physical education, or sexual health education. You could also be an assistant to a local teacher in one or two classrooms, providing an opportunity to help classes that have particularly high needs, and get to know a teacher and a group of students on a more personal level.

* Medical VolunTraveler
You will be partnered with a local health care worker in order to increase their capacity to see more patients in the community. This is a unique opportunity to work with local doctors and nurses and to learn from one another while directly helping the community. This volunteer position will require you to work in people's homes and with limited resources.

Possible duties may include working with a team of local public health workers in programs aimed at preventing TB, dengue fever, HIV/AIDS, gastrointestinal diseases, and other chronic health problems.

Highlights: Voluntraveler programs offer opportunities to customize your volunteer experience, to work on projects that interest you the most, and the ability to try a variety of programs. Voluntraveler works closely with the local community, and is well established with its partner charity Para el Mundo (PaM). PaM has two volunteer houses that are managed by local staff. Living in the volunteer houses, you will be working with other volunteers like you, building friendships with each other and members of the community. When you volunteer with Voluntraveler, you will be integrated into the community quickly, and become part of a hard-working dedicated team that is making meaningful contributions to the lives of Peruvians.

There are many recreation opportunities:
- world-class surfing
- surf lessons with professional instructors
- sandy beach
- vibrant nightlife
- horseback riding
- hiking
- hot mudbaths
- local festivals
- soccer (futbol) and volleyball
- various restaurants (local and international cuisine)
- kite surfing
- Spanish language lessons

Qualifications:
- Intermediate level Spanish (basic for work with children)
- Commitment to stay at least 3 weeks
- Experience working with children, medical patients, or in a community service role (ie previous volunteer experience).

Cost in US$: USD 375/week

** If you are a vegetarian or vegan, or have special dietary needs, please be aware that specialty foods are more expensive compared to other foods in Máncora when available. Please plan to spend a little extra money on such items food if they will only be consumed by you. Voluntraveler can provide a list of what specialty foods are commonly available.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Voluntravelers are typically educated, culturally sensitive, concerned with global issues and seek new experiences and challenges. They are self-motivated and can work independently on their own initiative, but also able to function as part of a team under the direction of local staff.

Age Range: 18 - 68

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

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-4

Application Process Involves:

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

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Voluntraveler's Mission Statement: is a social enterprise that supports charities and non-profit organizations abroad with volunteers and funding. Our volunteer programs are all-inclusive destination packages and our "Voluntravelers" work closely with local partner charities and NGOs.

Year Founded: 2009