Volunteer work in Peru

Volunteer work and language courses in Peru

Cusco offers a fantastic insight to the past – the ancient Indigenous cultures and the Spanish colonial rule are set in stone here. The world famous ruins of Machu Picchu or the Mediterranean-style buildings attract countless tourists. Cusco offers volunteer workers worldwide a outstanding chance to boost their Spanish skills and gain both exciting travelling and working experience.

The school…

TravelWorks co-operates with an international language school where Spanish is taught at many different levels throughout the whole year. The one-week course (only possible if you already have knowledge of the Spanish language) or four-week course is adapted to your current language skills.

Language lessons

•    Small groups of maximum 6 people
•    20 hours of teaching per week

This gives you the best preparation for your project work and travel.

 

Accommodation during the language course

During the course, you will be staying at a host family (single room with full board) or in a student room at the school (double room with half board) – depending on what you prefer.

If you have no knowledge of Spanish yet, we advise you, subject to an additional payment of 135 £ (270 US$ or 180 €) per week (for the course, accommodation and meals) to extend the language course. The school will do their best to make you feel at home in Cusco. You will not only receive language lessons here, but can also take part in many different activities. After the lessons, you can kick back at the comfortable student café near the school with the other language students.

The school also has two branch schools outside Cusco:

• MANU biosphere reserve (world culture heritage site) in the primeval forest
• …and another one in the famous holy valley of the Inca, a wonderful area approximately 40 km away from Cusco, where you can go on interesting tours.

Decide on location in Cusco, whether you – subject to a fee which also covers excursions – wish to take some of your lessons at one of these two schools.

Travelling in Peru

Most projects take place in and around Cusco or Arequipa. This gives you the unique chance to explore the city and its surroundings – the intensity of the crowded marketplaces and the awe-inspiring ancient ruins are things you’ll never get to see elsewhere. Public transport is amazingly cheap throughout Peru, so just hop on the bus to broaden your mind!

After your project work, we recommend to take some time to explore and view this beautiful country. What you should certainly not miss is the Inca trail, a four-day hiking tour to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. The city is a real meeting point for travellers, legions of backpackers have met here before.

Volunteer work in Peru

• Activities: For example; work in an orphanage, in an institute for the deaf and dumb or in children’s day care centres where you can help with homework supervision, care and leisure time activity supervision, or teach English to children.
• Time off: Normally on the weekend.
• Duration: 5 or 8 weeks (1 or 4-week language course, 4 weeks of volunteer work). Maximum 90 days (it is possible to extend this time to 180 days, subject to additional payment on location).
• Application: At least 2-3 months before departure. We are happy to receive applications much earlier than this.
• Programme start: Every Saturday, except on public holidays. Work possibilities are slightly limited from the middle of December to April, as some facilities are closed during this time. Flights are more expensive in summer and are quickly booked up in December.
• Practical experience: Not mandatory for most of the projects, but it would certainly make your stay easier.
• Other: Life is less organised in Peru. Your initiative, flexibility and creativity are indispensable. Travel experience is also an advantage.