Peru

The Republic of Peru is located in western South America and is bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and the Pacific Ocean. The capital city is Lima. Peru’s population is made up of many different ethnicities. The main language is Spanish, but many native languages such as Quechua, Aymara and several dialects are also spoken. It is home to a mixture of cultural traditions which has resulted in a wide diversity of expressions in fields such as art, cuisine, literature, and music.

Peru is a growing country, but there are still many living in poverty. Spend some time in Peru in one of our volunteer programmes, and you will get to know the cultural richness of the country while volunteering in a local project supporting people from a disadvantaged background.

Main Features

  • Homestay with a local host family
  • Projects: Teaching, Welfare, Health Care, Conservation
  • From 2 to 24 weeks
  • Optional Spanish classes
Teaching in Peru: volunteer teaching in Peru in a local school

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Projects

There are many interesting projects available in the categories listed below. The projects given here are an example of the projects in each category. Our goal is to match the skills and expectations of the participants with the needs of the local projects. Our volunteer coordinator in the field will suggest a project for you once they have your application. They are well placed to match your skills and interests to the right placements.

Teaching and Education

Las Flores de Villa School is located in the south of Lima, in the District called San Juan de Miraflores. In the 1980's and 1990’s, some departments of Peru (Ayacucho, Cerro de Pasco, mainly) were under attack by terrorists. This caused a migration to Lima, where people rapidly settled around the city setting up “asentamientos humanos” (human settlements). Today the houses are a hodgepodge of building materials, most in a state of continual construction. Most of them have access to electricity but some are still without plumbing. Las Flores School, which serves six hundred children from the settlements, lacks good infrastructure and some basic educational tools and materials. We have been working for 4 years with Las Flores School which now has a library, computers and a recreation area - much due to the work of our volunteers and extra donations given by them.

Volunteers will work as a teacher's assistant at all grade levels. Subjects depend on the grade and level of study, but include math, art, language, English, etc. Volunteers can also be P.E. teacher assistant (both for elementary and high school) or play sports during their break, such as soccer, volleyball, etc. The school has some chess boards, therefore teaching chess or a similar game is possible. If a volunteer has a skill that he/she wants to teach, feel free to tell us, and we can coordinate any additional classes with the school authorities. Intermediate Spanish level is recommended.

Welfare

The Rosa María Refuge is located in the city of Chiclayo, on the north coast of Peru. The refuge is run by Catholic nuns for girls between the ages of 12 and 19. At the moment it houses 65 girls who have come with different problems; some are orphans, others have been sexually abused or have drugs problems. The infrastructure is a big house and in each room there are 6 to 8 bunks. The center receives funds from 2 governmental programs, MIMDES and INABIF. All of the girls receive lodging, meals, education, spiritual and medical support.

Volunteers can work in the areas of art, education, nutrition, hygiene, ecology, recycling and arts and crafts. He/she can also present a proposal for a workshop or project to be done during the programme, such as forming an English language club. We can work with applicants to arrange it in advance.

Health Care

The Delicias Health Center is located in the southwest of Lima, in the district called Chorrillos. Chorrillos was once a beach resort town, and was the scene of heavy fighting during the war between Peru and Chile in 1880 – 1881. Much of it was destroyed. Today, Chorrillos offers stunning panoramic views of the bay of Lima and the island of San Lorenzo in Callao. The Delicias Health Center sees approximately 40 patients per day. The main responsibility of the health center is providing medical assistance to all the community, regardless of socio-economic conditions. It provides the following services: laboratory, pharmacy, general medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, nursery, dental, and emergency room services for minor surgery.

In the medical center, volunteer duties include assisting the staff, and providing primary care and health information to patients and families. Sometimes volunteers will go out to the community to visit patients in their homes. Volunteers may also present a proposal for a workshop to be done during his/her programme such as teaching English to staff members or a presentation on new technological developments in the field. The volunteer has a schedule from Monday to Friday starting at 08:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

Conservation

Villa Natural Reserve is located in the district of Chorrillos at the south of Lima. It has an area of 2000 acres. This reserve is a wetland and habitat for 210 species of birds, 70% of them being migratory, including the plunger, the coloured duck, the yanavico, the parihuana and the white heron among others.

This area is also host to 13 species of fish, such as guppies and tilapia; also rodents, bats, reptiles and 40 classes of insects.

The wetlands are part of the ecological corridor that goes all along the Pacific coast. In this natural reserve, several kinds of birds come looking for shelter, food and a place to nest running from the cold winter of the northern hemisphere. Flora is represented by 67 species of plants including totoral (grows in swamps and 5 centimeters per day); gramadal (grows in sandy soil) and wild bushes. Volunteers will help to preserve the environment and do activities such as: cut the totoral, improve the visitor’s hiking trails, be a tour guide, research and investigation, etc.

Programme details

Arrival & Orientation

Upon your arrival a local representative will be waiting for you at the airport and will transfer you to your host family. The next morning you will be picked up to begin your 4 day orientation with a walking tour around the most popular districts of city. After lunch, you will be taken to our local offices to continue with your orientation and introduction to the programme, where we will explain more about the projects, the host families, and life in Peru. We also can help you to arrange your travel around Peru.

Arrival Dates for 2010

International arrivals should be arranged for Thursday, with few exceptions.

January 7, February 4, March 11, April 15, May 20, June 24, July 15, August 5,  September 9,  October 14, November 18, December 9.

Accommodation

You will reside with a Peruvian family. Living with a host family is an ideal chance to practice your Spanish and to gain an insight into Peruvian life. You will be treated as a family members. This also means that you will have obligations, like cleaning your bedroom, doing household chores and following family rules. Participants may share rooms with other volunteers depending on the season, and the bathroom is usually shared. Families will provide bed linen.

Optional Spanish Courses

Our Spanish programme is based on general subjects, such as Peruvian Culture, daily situations, and daily life that will help you to improve your language skills. There is greater emphasis on speaking the language, so you will become more confident in interacting with locals. You will be placed according to your own level individually or in small groups and taught by qualified teacher. We also offer a Spanish programme in Lima and Cusco.

Project Locations

Chiclayo

Peru's fourth largest city, Chiclayo is the capital of the Lambayeque region located on the northern coastal plain of Peru. It is 95 feet above sea level A sunny and warm climate with fresh ocean breezes embraces a geography including impressive mountains and expansive beautiful beaches with spectacular waves, (quite popular with surfers). Chiclayo City is located on a productive valley, where agriculture activities are very important, outstanding rice production, sugar cane and cotton. Thanks to important archeological discoveries, Chiclayo has become the second most important destination for archaeological tourism in Peru after Cusco. The kindness and warmness of the people from Lambayeque has earned it the nickname "capital of friendship".

Cusco

It was once the foremost city of the Inca empire, and is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas. Cusco is a beautiful city riddled with contrasts between the indigenous and colonial styles, it is also the gateway to the famous Machu Pichu. While Cusco has rapidly developed infrastructure to at least partly cope with the influx of tourism over the last few decades, its historical past retains a powerful grip on the present.

Lima

Lima is the capital of Peru and its largest city. Its shantytowns contrast dramatically with the business districts, promenades and seaside suburbs. Overpopulation problems have earned this fast-moving metropolis a reputation as a polluted and frenetic. Yet in no time it can transport you from pre-Inca pyramids and the waning splendor of Spanish colonial architecture to ultramodern shopping malls, many of the country’s best museums, wonderful restaurants and bohemian bars. Lima’s climate can be a challenge. The city is blanketed in a melancholy coastal fog from April to December but when summer comes, the sun blazes and limeños head in droves for the Pacific coast beaches.

Visas

Upon entry to Peru, you will receive a three-month tourist Visa. If you wish to stay longer you can extend the visa. The local co-ordinator will assist you in this.

The EIL Development Education Network

Our volunteers work and live alongside local people in local communities in some of the most deprived areas in the world. It is in response to their experiences that the EIL development education programme was set up. On their return to Ireland we ask our volunteers to be the voice for the stories of the people they worked with and to highlight their experience of poverty and inequality. Then together we campaign to make a difference by promoting global justice, human rights, fair trade, debt relief and greater equality and respect among the peoples of the world. Our goal is to see global justice and equality reach the top of the Irish agenda.

The Application Process

Applying for the Volunteer Abroad programme is a straight forward process: after receiving your application and CV we will contact you to find out more about your interests and motivation for wanting to be a volunteer. We then send your information to our colleagues in the country of your choice and they make your placement. As soon as they confirm a suitable placement for you, we will send you all the information necessary to finalise your preparations. Although some countries can accept late applications, you should send your completed application 12 weeks in advance. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you.

What you need to do:

  • Complete the application form ( Word / PDF ) and send it to us together with 2 recent passport photos, €350 deposit, and recent CV.
  • Do a telephone interview (or in person if you live in Cork and/or want to call in).
  • A confirmation letter of enrolment will then be sent within 10 working days.

If you prefer we can send you the application form by post.

For more information about applying to volunteer with EIL please see How do I apply? or contact Anton.

Cost & Details

We guarantee no hidden costs.

We encourage you to compare our costs with other organisations and a careful comparison of what is included and what is not included is always advisable.

What Is Included

What Is Not Included

  • Cost of flights
  • Medical, liability and travel insurance (available for €10 per week)
  • Personal expenses
  • Local Transportation

Costs

Duration Chiclayo and Lima Cusco
2 weeks €1195 €1245
4 weeks€1345€1545
6 weeks€1545€1695
8 weeks€1795€1895
10 weeks€1965€2195
12 weeks€2245€2495

Optional Spanish Course (in Lima or Cusco)

  • 1 week – 10h €145
  • 1 week – 20h €250
  • 2 weeks – 20h €295

Medical, liability and travel insurance available for €10 per week.

Prices are reviewed annually and may be updated in the first week of November.

Visit our WHY PAY? and FUNDRAISING pages.

Protect the environment: EIL Carbon offset system

Compensate for the CO2 that your flight will generate by helping to plant trees in Guatemala.

Photos & Videos

Videos: 

Currently there are no videos for this section. We're actively creating our own and adding ones contributed by people who have taken part in our programmes, so check back soon!

Photos: 
Painting work in Peru
Local school in Peru
Health project in Peru
Serving food to children
Teaching in Peru

Stories from the field

Stories from our volunteers: 

Currently there are no reports to display for this section, please check back soon as we're updating them as we receive accounts from our participants constantly.

Stories from international volunteers: 

Currently there are no reports from other partner organisations to display, please check back soon as we add them as soon as they're sent to us.

Country info

Is there a place that has 84 different ecological zones?

Is there a place that has 28 different climates?

Is there a place that has thousands of years of history?

Is there a place that has really original and fascinating cultures in the same place?

Is there a place that has a world class gastronomy?

The answer is yes and the place is Peru!

Peru has 84 of the 104 ecological zones of the world including Amazon rainforest, Andean Peaks and mountains, dry deserts with oasis included, nice beaches, beautiful landside, an incredible lake and more diverse, amazing and unique places.

Peru has a very rich history starting with first civilizations as Caral, Chavin or Paracas, including the Mochica, Chimú, and Nazca culture, and the great Inca Empire, one of the five original civilizations of the world. Peru also has a diversity of cultures who live together in peace and harmony - Andean cultures, jungle tribes, immigrants colonies and more.

Perú has an incredible gastronomy, called the “New revelation of this century”. It includes an immense variety of products, ingredients and techniques recently “discovered” by world gastronomy experts. Peru is the world’s largest producer of silver. Its main exports include copper, fish, zinc, gold, sugar, cotton, cocoa and coffee.

People

Peru is the fifth most populous country in Latin America (after Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina). Most Peruvians are either Spanish-speaking mestizos--a term that usually refers to a mixture of indigenous and European/Caucasian--or Amerindians, largely Quechua-speaking indigenous people. Peruvians of European descent make up about 15% of the population. There also are small numbers of persons of African, Japanese, and Chinese ancestry. Socioeconomic and cultural indicators are increasingly important as identifiers. For example, Peruvians of Amerindian descent who have adopted aspects of Hispanic culture also are considered mestizo. With economic development, access to education, intermarriage, and large-scale migration from rural to urban areas, a more homogeneous national culture is developing, mainly along the relatively more prosperous coast. Peru's distinct geographical regions are mirrored in a socioeconomic divide between the coast's mestizo-Hispanic culture and the more diverse, traditional Andean cultures of the mountains and highlands.

To learn more about Peru, please visit:

FAQ

Questions

Answers

  • Is it safe?

    We only place volunteers in locations where it is safe to do so. Traveling to a developing country can be challenging, but most people travel without encountering trouble.

    Volunteers are briefed on safety issues during the predeparture workshop, during the orientation in-country, by the host family.

    We have an emergency system in place with 24h emergency phones (in Ireland and overseas). It is advised to check government travel advice for your destination. Check the websites of the Irish Dept. of Foreign Affairs and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Also read the safety information that we send you and of course exercise caution in any country.

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  • Who volunteers?

    EIL volunteers come from a range of different backgrounds. Our volunteers are:

    • Students and young people willing to volunteer abroad during their holidays, between jobs or on a year out.
    • Office workers, teachers, farmers, nurses, engineers, factory workers, waiters and just about anybody wishing to help, take some time out or just looking for a different experience during their holidays.
    • Retired people who want to put their time and skills to good use.
    • Apprentices and students who need to complete an internship or work experience.
    • Youth clubs, family groups, clubs, school groups or groups of friends.

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  • Can I go with a friend or family member and can we be placed in the same project?

    It is possible to apply with one or several friends, family members or a partner and to be placed in the same accommodation and project.

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  • Is the deposit refundable?

    The vast majority of the applicants are accepted in the programme but if your application is not successful, we will refund your deposit. Otherwise, the deposit is not refundable.

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  • Can I combine more than one country?

    It depends on the combination of countries. As we are dealing with two different programmes you will have two different programme fees. We may be able to look at a reduction of our administration fees but this is a small part of the fee. In the case of Latin American countries you may be able to do the language course in one of the countries thus reducing the fees in the other country. This will depend on our office in country and we need to make arrangements with them to do this.

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  • How long can I go for?

    Programme lengths vary from minimum 2 weeks to 11 months, depending on which country you choose. 2/3 weeks programmes are available in Guatemala, Thailand and Vietnam. Though if you choose to go for such a short period it is important to have realistic expectation as regard as what you can achieve.

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  • When can I go?

    You can join most of our programmes any time of year. Many of them have flexible start dates. We have set start dates in South Africa, Nepal, Nigeria, India, Morocco but they have at least one every month. If you are looking for a teaching placement we need to check the term times in that country.

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  • Will there be other volunteers going at the same time as me?

    If this is a priority for you to be placed with other volunteers we will indicate you the programmes where you are very likely to be with other volunteers. If there are volunteers going to the same destination at the same time we will put you in touch via e-mail so you can become acquainted. There may well be other international volunteers from other countries working with you. However, be prepared that you may be the only international volunteer there. This is a greater opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know local people if you are not relying on other volunteers. Be prepared that you may feel isolated or lonely sometimes. Accommodation in volunteer house and volunteer camps (with other international volunteers) are available in Thailand, Vietnam and India.

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  • How much does it cost?

    The programme fee varies depending on which country you choose and the length of programme. All the programme fees and what is included are on our website and in our country specific information sheets. To give an idea, programme fees start at €785. If the full length of language course isn’t needed, we maybe able reduce the programme fee. Our fees do not include flights, visas, vaccinations, medical and travel insurance, and personal expenses.

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  • What’s the difference between EIL’s volunteer abroad programme and others?

    • EIL is an established Irish not for profit intercultural learning organistion
    • We work with sister organisations who are members of the EIL worldwide network.
    • We will thoroughly analyse your profile, needs and expectation and match it with the most suitable volunteer programme
    • Our programme are flexible: placements are available in 15 couintries, from 2 weeks to 11 months with start dates year-round and a wide range of project is available
    • Volunteers are placed in local projects supporting local initiatives
    • We offer an authentic cultural experience including a full cultural orientation and most programmes include stay with host family.
    • Safety is the first priority: our volunteers have 24-hour support in country from our National office, the local co-coordinator as well as mentors on the project.
    • Our programmes fees are very competitive and cover accommodation, meals, transfers, support - with some exceptions.

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  • Why aren’t volunteers paid/given expenses?

    We place volunteers in local partner organisations in developing countries. These organisations need volunteers because they can't afford enough paid staff and are not in the position to offer expenses/pay volunteers. EIL and the partner organisations we work with are not for profit making organisations and depend on the support of volunteers. Please see Why pay? for more information.

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  • Why do volunteers have to pay for their programme?

    EIL and our in-country partner organisations are non-profit making organisations. The programme fee covers the cost of placing a volunteer in the project, to provide accommodation, meals, transfer and transport, pre-departure & in-country support and insurance. The projects volunteers are sent to in developing countries cannot afford to cover these costs themselves. Please see Why pay? for more information. Many volunteers cover some of the costs by raising funds. Fundraising support is available and we will send you a fundraising pack.

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  • I would like to participate in the programme but I didn’t realise how much it would be or simply can’t afford it.

    We recognise that some of our participants are students and affording the programme fee is an issue. Many volunteers cover some of the costs by raising funds. Fundraising information and advice is available. We also have a number of travel awards and scholarships available every year. Keep an eye on our website for these awards.

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  • How do I apply?

    Applying for the Volunteer Abroad programme is a straight forward process: after receiving your application and CV we will contact you to find out more about your interests and motivation for wanting to be a volunteer. We then send your information to our colleagues in the country of your choice and they make your placement. As soon as they confirm a suitable placement for you, we will send you all the information necessary to finalise your preparations. Although we are usually able to accept late applications, you should try to return this form not less than 8 weeks prior to your intended date of departure. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you.

    What you need to do:

    • Complete the application form ( Word / PDF ) and send it to us together with 2 recent passport photos, €350 deposit, and recent CV.
    • Do a telephone interview (or in person if you live in Cork and/or want to call in).
    • A confirmation letter of enrolment will then be sent within 10 working days.

    If you prefer we can send you the application form by post.

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  • When should I apply?

    Although we are usually able to accept late applications, you should try to return this form not less than 8 weeks prior to your intended date of departure. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you, and you will also need time to sort out your flights, visas and vaccinations.

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  • Can I come in to discuss options?

    You can discuss options over the phone or if you live locally you are welcome to come in. Before you take the trouble to visit us at our offices, we recommend thinking about where you would like to go, what placement you are interested in, when you want to go, how long you want to go for and why you want to volunteer. Call to make appointment.

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  • What visa do I need?

    The type of visa will depend on where you are going and for how long. Visa information is available on our website and on the info sheets we can post you. However you are responsible for your visa and you should contact the Irish Embassy or Consulate for the destination country in good time prior to departure for the requirements and application procedures.

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  • What vaccinations should I get?

    For legal reasons we cannot give advice on this. Please contact your doctor or the Tropical Medical Bureau.

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  • What are the age limits?

    You have to be over 18 for most programmes. If you are on the younger than 18 please contact us to discuss the options. There is no upper limit.

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  • Do I need any special skills/qualifications?

    No. We are looking for people who are independent minded travelers. Living in a developing country demands flexibility, initiative, maturity and drive. Of course if you have particular skills and experience that you would like to use then we will take this into consideration when finding a suitable placement. Please see Is this for me?

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  • Can I work on a specific project?

    You can indicate the type of project that you would like to work on and if you have a particular example in mind from our website then you can indicate it. This is not guaranteed. Our partner organisations will suggest a placement for you. They are well placed to match your skills and interests to the right placements.

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  • I already have a good language skills – can I drop/reduce the language course?

    Sometimes this is possible – we would have to know what level you are at and check this with the national office in-country first.

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  • What is the accommodation like?

    It will depend on the country and project, either with a host family, in a volunteer house / camp or with an independent room at the project site. It may be basic compared to the standards you are used to here. We will provide details of the family or accommodation you will be staying in before you leave.

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  • What does the optional insurance cover?

    Basic travel, medical and liability and baggage insurance. Information on what it covers is available in the insurance booklet we will send to you. We can also check with our insurance company if you have specific queries.

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  • Can I apply from northern Ireland/UK/outside Ireland?

    • Northern Ireland: we can take applications.
    • UK: We will pass your details onto EIL UK and ask them to get in touch.
    • Other: Please visit Federation EIL to find the nearest EIL office to you.

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