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Summer 2012 - 2013 Volunteer Program in Cusco-Peru

Highlights: Volunteering projects, Community work, Culture and Travel 
Arrival and Departure : Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco
Intercultural Projects: Rural nursery schools, day care centers , kindergarten, teaching or medical project
Language requirement: Basic - Intermediate Spanish Level depending on the project choice
Skill requirement: None
Special need: Good health
Accommodations: Volunteer Residence, Host family
Meals: local meals – 3 times a day from Monday to Saturday
Arrival to Peru: One Day before the Program Start Date 
Dates: 14th May 2012, 11th June 2012 and 9th July 2012
Weeks: 2
 
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Program Schedule

One day before the Program start Date: Cusco airport pick up and transfer to volunteer residence or host families to unpack and rest. 
 
Day 1: Orientation and Cusco city tour 
Volunteers will receive the orientation at the Volunteering Solutions Office early in the morning. Then you will do a city tour which includes Qoricancha (The temple of the Sun), Cathedral, and then we go by bus to visit the four ruins at less than 8 km from Cusco, including Sacsayhuamán, famous for its enormous carved rocks and Q´enqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay. The tour is done on a Tourist bus and is for approximately five hours duration.
 
 
Weekdays : Volunteering at Intercultural projects 
Our Social projects seeks to contribute to the development of the poorest families in our population, principally in poor rural areas and marginalized urban areas in order for them to attain integral human development, which translates into better living conditions in harmony with nature.

Volunteers will be working in rural nursery schools/ day care centers or kindergartens where there is shortage of teacher assistants and volunteer assistance is regularly needed.

Volunteers who will apply for med school also are invited to receive training in small medical centers located in rural areas (for health volunteers must speak Spanish).  During those two weeks volunteers will work for four -five hours duration daily from Monday to Friday. You will provide care, love and attention for these children as well as assisting the Peruvian staff at the projects. Volunteers will be subdivided into small groups of 2 per project. All volunteers must bring kindergarten supplies, teaching materials, kits for handicraft activities, white medical jacket (health), stethoscope (health), digital thermometer(health), cholesterol kit equipment (health) as per the project you choose.

Weekend Excursions

 
Tour of Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley of the Incas was undoubtedly a key area of settlement to the Incas. Its agreeable climate and fertile plains make a rare and fruitful combination for the high Andes. It was also the route to the jungle and therefore an area with access to the fruits and plants of the tropical lowlands.  The Sacred Valley served as a buffer zone, protecting Cusco from incursions of the Antis, the fierce jungle tribes who from time to time raided the highlands. Today the Sacred Valley remains a lush agricultural region supplying the city of Cusco with much of its produce such as maize, fruit and vegetables. 
 
The tour includes a visit to the market at Pisac, a stop for lunch in Urubamba, a visit to the beautiful Inca village and fortress of Ollantaytambo and a quick stop at the Quechua village of Chinchero on the way back to Cusco. 
 
 
Exploration of Macchu Picchu (2 days)
"Machu Picchu is a trip to the serenity of the soul, to the eternal fusion with the cosmos; where we feel our fragility. It is one of the greatest marvels of South America. A resting place of butterflies in the epicentre of the great circle of life
The well preserved ruins of Machu Picchu seem to almost cling to the steep hillside, surrounded by towering green mountains overlooking the Vilcanota River Valley. Machu Picchu becomes more and more of a popular destination it is important to try and make your arrangements as far in advance as you can. 
 
Day 14: Farewell 
You can spend your last day saying good bye to Cusco and do some shopping. At night you will have a traditional Peruvian Cuisine dinner.
 
Day 15: Day of departure or continue traveling in Peru
 
Very important: 
  1. Dates subject to change, this itinerary will be finalized in Cusco during orientation. 
  2. There is no devolution of any fee is some volunteers do not join the summer program. 
  3. After planned the whole project a volunteer cannot change a tour or postpone it. 

Start Date

Volunteers can begin their project placement on these dates : 14th May 2012, 11th June 2012 and 9th July 2012. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.
 

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference. 
 
USD GBP
2 Weeks
$925
Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
2 Weeks
£648
Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

    What are you Paying For ?

    • 24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
    • Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
    • Airport Pickup 
    • Orientation 
    • Accommodation 
    • Meals
    • Insurance (Provided at an extra cost)

    What's NOT Included ?

    • Airfare 
    • Visa and Visa extension fee 
    • Airport drop, airport taxes 
    • Local Transportation
    • Any personal expenses

What are the Program locations in Peru?

Volunteering Solutions offers programs in Cusco and Iquitos. Cusco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. It is a major tourist destination and receives almost 1.5 million visitors a year.  We also arrange programs for groups in Tambopata Rainforest areas. Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest and it is the capital of Loreto Region and Maynas Province.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Peru. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Peru?

We are able to offer placements on the first Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.

When do I need to arrive in Peru for my program?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Volunteers are picked up from the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are joining the project in Iquitos will be picked up from Iquitos Airport.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will be provided in a host family or homestay.  You will have your own room, which you might share with another volunteer. You should bring along things like towels and toiletries. Accommodation will be neat, clean and basic.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Peru-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -
 
-- Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program
-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -

  1. Hepatitis A and B
  2. Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Peru?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling from Bus within Peru is cheap; however, you should carry around $40 - 50 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in Peru? Are there ATMs in Peru?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATMs located all around Cusco and Iquitos city.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

What will be the food arrangement?

Depending on your host family you will be provided with three meals a day from Monday to Saturday at their accommodation. Food is usually vegetarian and a mix of meat and salads.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

What sorts of clothes are required for Peru?

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A pair of walking shoes is highly recommended as well.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Peru?

For cheap airline flying into Cusco and Iquitos are LAN Peru, Star Peru, Peruvian Airlines, Kindly visit, http://www.kayak.com, http://www.orbitz.com

Devorah Fried (Canada)
Devorah Fried-Volunteer in Day Care Center The children were delightful and loving. The staff was very nice. It was a bit of a culture shock as well , but overall a very positive and wonderful experience...... read more
Shamus Moran (USA)
Shamus Moran-Healthcare Program I very much enjoyed working a t my project. I was able to do many things that I would not be able to do in America like giving people shots and helping with suturing...... read more
Vivian Lee (USA)
Vivian Lee-Healthcare/Medical Program My experience at the clinic was eye-opening and eventful. I learned many useful skills, such as giving injections, cleaning/dressing wounds and suturing wounds. My experience has taught in with injuries I never saw firsthand, and I helped them. All in all my experience has taught me many lessons, and inspired me to continue helping...... read more
Gyujae Choi (USA)
Gyujae Choi-Healthcare/Medical Program I liked the flexibility of the program in setting my own dates and also the support in Cusco. It was great especially hot showers and meals...... read more
Sorsha Huff (USA)
Sorsha Huff-Teacher Assistant in a Kindergarten I think volunteering through organizations like VS is extremely important because they allow volunteers to fully immerse themselves in a new culture while also providing a humanitarian service to the global community. ..... read more
Anna McCorquodale (USA)
Anna McCorquodale-Teacher Assistant in a Kindergarten This was an amazing experience. I learned more about teaching, Peru, poverty, Spanish and learned more about myself. This program opened up my eyes to a new part of the world and I will be so sad to leave. I loved my placement, the food, the culture and especially my host family...... read more