Peru

Peru's breathtaking landscapes, mysterious ancient cultures, and present day cultural diversity capture the imaginations of visitors from all corners of the globe. The country stretches from the equator in the extreme north to the rugged deserts in the south where Peru borders Bolivia and Chile. The Andes run through Peru north to south, dividing the country into three distinct geographical regions and hundreds of micro-climates. Humans have inhabited Peru for thousands of years, and the country has been home to some of the most advanced civilizations in the world. Present day Peruvian culture is shaped by the rich heritage of the ancient civilizations in combination with recent influences from Europe and East Asia. Peru's recent history has been shaped by dictatorships, political upheaval, and economic hardships. Despite daily struggles, Peruvians tend to be optimistic and warm. Family and friends are highly valued, and small gatherings tend to quickly turn into lively impromptu parties.

ELI's programs are based in Lima, the Spanish capital on the Pacific Ocean, and in Cusco, the Incan capital high in the Andes. Volunteers in Lima will experience the excitement of living and working in one of the largest cities in South America. From the colonial streets of downtown to the chic high-rises of Miraflores, Lima has adventures for almost everyone. Volunteers have the opportunity to learn firsthand about day to day life in Lima through working with organizations devoted to serving street children, domestic workers, and migrant workers.

Cusco is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas, and is a premier destination for world travelers. Bits of conversations in languages from all over the world echo through the narrow streets built by the Inca over 1000 years ago. Volunteers have the opportunity to experience Cusqueño life on a deeper level than most travelers through living with a local family and working with local organizations devoted to education, child welfare, and community development.

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.

The streets of Lima are a tough place for kids with nowhere else to turn. Many Peruvian children end up on the streets as an escape from extreme poverty, abusive home situations, or as a result of losing a parent or other family members. On the streets, children face serious issues such as drug addiction, sexual assault, and teen pregnancy. Volunteers work with an organization devoted to rehabilitating and educating street children in a residential facility. The organization emphasizes education and vocational training with the goal of integrating the children into the workforce when they graduate from the program. Volunteers will assist with teaching academic subjects, leading activities, and spending time with the children. This placement requires a minimum 12 week commitment to maintain as much stability as possible for the children. For more information on working with kids, see Brianna's Photojournal.

Statistically, 1 in 4 Peruvian mothers are under the age of 18. Many of these young mothers are the victims of sexual abuse and have been abandoned by their families. We work with an organization in Cusco devoted to providing shelter for young mothers while educating them and giving the mothers the life skills they need to provide the best care possible for their children. All the mothers complete their secondary education and receive vocational training as well as training on child health issues, the importance of hygiene, and other child development topics. Volunteers with this organization will help in a variety of areas such as providing care to the smallest children while their mothers are in school, assisting the school aged children and their mothers with homework, helping with chores around the home, or leading other activities. This placement requires patience on the part of the volunteer as well as a high level of Spanish proficiency. Please note that a $150 contribution to the local organization will also be added to the program fee for this project.

Over the last century, Peru has been experiencing a massive rural to urban migration. Many of the workers pouring into Lima are domestic workers from the countryside, many of indigenous descent, hoping to make their fortune and support their families. Many domestic service workers find themselves in abusive situations. Interns work with an education center that offers adult education, training, advocacy programs, and assistance with job placement. This organization serves to empower newly arrived domestic workers and encourages everyone to support each other, make friends, and create a support system for themselves. Interns can assist with teaching classes and workshops. Possible topics include English, Spanish as a Second Language, child development, cooking, arts and crafts, family planning, and other subjects. This program requires a four week minimum commitment. To learn more about this project, take a look at Brianna's Photojournal.

Teach in Cusco

Volunteers with an interest in teaching are welcome to work in several schools with a special focus on local culture. The schools focus on preserving traditional knowledge and customs while giving the students a rigorous education in the areas of math, science, and information technology. Volunteers can assist in a wide variety of areas including English, Math, the Arts, Sports, Science, and after school activities. Volunteers are also welcome to participate in teacher training activities.

Teach in Ollantaytambo

Volunteers have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the challenges being faced by small schools in the Sacred Valley. Schools are underfunded, in disrepair, and short staffed. Volunteers can assist teaching subjects such as Basic English, Geography, Math, Science, and leading after school activities. Volunteers are also welcome to make physical improvements to the school grounds. Teaching placements are available in the town of Ollantaytambo and surrounding villages. This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to live and work in Andean Village rarely visited by outsiders.

Katie taught in Ollantaytambo and shared this beautiful photo journal with us.

For similar resources on other countries and programs, please see the "Experiences" tab above.

Photojournals:

Andrea's Photojournal

Brianna's Photojournal

Kate's Photojournal

Interviews:

Dawn's Interview

Feedback:

"I spent every free moment with the family, and I could not be happier that I did. I learned about the daily life and culture of these people, and I was able to build meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime. I cannot possibly speak highly enough of the Huarcaya Jaimes family. They are truly some of the warmest, most welcoming, loving, caring, genuine and generous people I have ever known. [The program director] was wonderful! She was always very responsive, helpful and friendly. Although some of my questions for her were strange ones (like computers) she did a great job of finding answers and getting back to me quickly. When I was flying home and had a layover in Lima, she and her brother met me at the airport and we all went to dinner. That was such a nice way to spend the evening, and I really enjoyed and appreciated their company."
-Katie E.

"Before my volunteer experience at Mantay, I was NOT a fan of babies. I love working with children, but I never liked dealing with those under age 5. I did a complete 180 while at Mantay- the mothers and staff encouraged me to change diapers/clothes, rock babies to sleep, feed them, and of course play with them. This was the most amazing experience of my life and I would be happy to sign up for another placement with ELI in the future. From my interactions with ELI’s staff, to my host family, and the people at my volunteer site, everything went very well and I have no real complaints! I hope more people get involved with ELI because it really is a life-changing organization."
-Linea W.

Program Includes:

* Pre-departure information
* Pick up from the airport in Lima or Cusco
* Orientation
* City tour
* Volunteer Position
* Accommodation
* Breakfast and Dinner each day
*24/7 emergency service

Program Does Not Include:

*Round Trip Airfare
*Return Trip to Airport
*Required Travel and Medical Insurance
*Travel Within Peru

Accommodations:

Volunteers in Peru stay with local host families. We believe that this is the best way to fully immerse in another culture and get the most from an international experience.  All families are carefully screened and are well-respected members of the community. Host families do not speak English, creating a full immersion environment to help participants improve their Spanish language skills.  Participants will have either a private or shared bedroom with secure storage (volunteer must provide own padlock).  Bathrooms are shared with the host family.  Volunteers will be provided with breakfast and dinner daily.

Spanish Classes

Spanish classes are not included in the program fees but can be set up either at a language school or with a private teacher. The cost of language classes vary depending on the type of class and number of class members.

Arrival Dates

Participants should arrive on Saturday or Sunday. Other than this, the arrival dates are completely flexible.

In December, we ask that participants not arrive December 22-28. This allows our coordinator to spend the Christmas holiday with her family.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. We prefer to let participants decide what kind of coverage they need.

All prices are listed in US Dollars. The program fees reflect the costs ELI faces when setting up a program. We work hard to keep our costs as low as possible. ELI is a registered 501(c)3 non profit. US taxpayers may be able to deduct some or all of the program fees. If you are outside the US and wondering what these costs translate to in your currency, click here for an online conversion tool that will give you the approximate current exchange rate.

Apply Now

After you fill out the application form on our website, our applications adviser will be in touch to help you with the next steps. We have set up a checklist here for you see exactly what steps you need to take to go abroad with ELI.

Application Fee: $100
(refundable only if we are unable to find a placement that matches your request)