Participant Feedback - Peru

Featured Photojournal

  • 1/13

    1/13

    One of my favorite spots in Cusco; Plaza de Armas. I was posted up in a café waiting for a rainstorm to pass when I caught a glimpse of a double rainbow
  • 2/13

    2/13

    Hiking to the top of Amantani Island to see a 360 view of Lake Titicaca; the highest lake in the world
  • 3/13

    3/13

    My placement was at a school in Cusco, Peru. I assisted the teacher and helped the kids with their homework and other various activities. These are some of the kiddos I worked with.
  • 4/13

    4/13

    The spectacular view of Machu Picchu at the top of Huaynapicchu.
  • 5/13

    5/13

    Lake Titicaca at sunset
  • 6/13

    6/13

    They loved to play with my hair! Sometimes they spent their whole recess braiding my hair and fighting over who got to hold the hairbrush. It became a daily ritual!
  • 7/13

    7/13

    My friend and fellow volunteer Nick taking in the view at the top of Huaynapicchu.
  • 8/13

    8/13

    Machu Picchu; one of the most incredible places
  • 9/13

    9/13

    My host family.
  • 10/13

    10/13

    Ok, so they're pretty adorable!
  • 11/13

    11/13

    Kayla and Maisa
  • 12/13

    12/13

    iva el Peru!
  • 13/13

    13/13

    Taking the view in at the top of Amantani, reflecting on my time in Peru.

    Cost & Details

     

     

    Length of Program Program Fee Marine Reserve Fee
    2 Weeks US $902 US$955
    3 Weeks US $1030 US$ 1105
    4 Weeks US $1160 US$ 1260
    5 Weeks US $1290 US$ 1415
    6 Weeks US $1415 US$ 1565
    7 Weeks US $1545 US$ 1720
    8 Weeks US $1670 US$ 1870
    9 Weeks US $1800 US$ 2025
    10 Weeks US $1930 US$ 2180
    11 Weeks US $2055 US$ 2330
    12 weeks US $2185 US$ 2485

    Application Fee: $200
    The application fee is a separate administrative charge for all programs. It does not apply to the program fee. (Please see our application fee refund policy here)

    Any 2 extra weeks are $252

    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.

    Program Includes:

    * Pre-departure information
    * Airport Pick-up in Lima, Cusco, or Ayacucho
    * Orientation
    * City tour
    * Placement
    * Accommodation
    * Breakfast and Dinner each day (3 meals/at the Reserve Marine)
    *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 Details

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

    Ayacucho: Arrival dates are totally flexible. 

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

    If your program is in Lima or the Marine Reserve you will want to fly into the  Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). For Cusco, you will fly into the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport  (CUZ) and in Ayacucho, the Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport (AYP). 

    For Ayacucho, it's usually cheaper to first book your flight into Lima and then book a separate flight from Lima to Ayacucho. Flights into Ayacucho are usually in the early morning and mid-afternoon. We can help you book a hostel in Lima if you need to spend a night there or you are welcome to spend a few days exploring Lima before continuing onto Ayacucho. 

    Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. We prefer to let participants decide what kind of coverage they need. You can find more Insurance Tips Here. 

    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.

     

    Volunteer or Intern in Peru

    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.

    Volunteer & Internship Programs

    • Kids Projects

      Childcare and orphanages

      The childcare program is perfect for patient and caring volunteers looking to help young children in Peru who face the challenges stemming from poverty. Volunteers in the childcare program will be assigned to work in daycare centers or orphanages where they can help in many different ways, from daily tasks to playing, tutoring and offering mentorship.

      Requirements: Background check.

      Minimum time commitment: 2 weeks in daycares , 4 weeks in the orphanage. Year- round availability.

      *Orphanage volunteers will be provided with accommodations at the orphanage.

      Questions? Click here

      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.

    • Education

      Teaching

      ELI volunteers can support various schools in Cuzco, from kindergartens and primary schools to low-income high schools. Peruvian children usually start schools at the age of six, and are about 17 years old when they finish high school. They study in classrooms with 30 - 40 students. Volunteers are needed to support teachers with the day-to-day classroom activities, tutoring, teaching English, art classes and joining sports activities.

      This program works with the Peruvian academic cycle which is from early March to the second week of December. There is also a 1 week break at Easter and a 2 week break at the beginning of August.

      Requirements: Background check is required. Of course, volunteers must also be proactive and flexible with their class plans.

      Minimum time commitment: 4 weeks

      Questions? Click here

      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.

    • Special Education

      Special Education and Physical/Occupational Therapy

      Join the staff at a school for special-needs children. The facility serves youngsters with different disabilities, providing care, education, therapy, counseling and vocational training. The education services are matched to the kids’ abilities and age; meals and nutrition evaluation, medical care and physical therapy treatment are also offered. Volunteers support the staff in areas of their interests, skills, and educational background.

      Volunteers work around 6 hours per day, Monday through Friday.

      Requirements: Background check

      Minimum time commitment: 4 weeks

      Questions? Click here

      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.

    • Sports Education

      The sports program is perfect for active participants looking to volunteer with kids and teenagers in various team sports. Volunteers working in this program will be assisting or teaching physical education classes and helping coach in basketball and soccer.

      Requirements: Background check

      Minimum time commitment: 6 weeks

      Questions? Click here

      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.

    • Girl’s home

      The girl’s home receives girls who have been the subject of exploitation or abuse. The home strives to create a safe space where the girls receive education, are taught to raise their self-esteem and help them look for opportunities as they reach adulthood. Some of the girls in the home live there permanently and some of them are there for education.

      Requirements: Background check. (Due to the nature of the work, only female volunteers are eligible.)

      Minimum time commitment: 4 weeks. This project is available year-round.

      Questions?Click here

      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.

    • Medical and Public Health

      Gain experience at a Cuzco clinic or hospital. ELI offers placements at several low-income facilities where volunteers support staff doctors and nurses based on their experience and training. The hospitals and clinics provide a wide variety of services, including first aid, midwifery, gynecological/OBGYN care to pregnant women and laboratory work.

      Public health students here will also gain valuable insights into Peru’s medical system and the local public health campaigns that focus on vaccination, hygiene, environmental protection and care for the home-bound.

      These placements are open to pre-medical/nursing and public health students, as well as the more advanced medical students and residents. The tasks carried out by each participant depends entirely on their experience and is at the discretion of their supervisor. Interns can help in various areas like lab work, gynecology, traumatology, pharmacy, preventive medicine, and more. Interns will be assigned to an area where they are best qualified to assist; the possibility to rotate among various departments is also an option.

      Minimum commitment: 4 weeks.

      Questions? Click here

      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.

    • Wildlife Sanctuary

      Volunteers will help endangered species, wild animals or mistreated animals return to the wild or place them into appropriate care. Most of the animals in the sanctuary have been seized by the government due to illegal possession or inhumane treatment and require special care to be rehabilitated.

      Among the animals in the sanctuary are condors, various monkey species, bears, wild felines, parakeets, llamas, and other species.

      Work is around 6 hours per day, 5 days per week.

      Minimum time commitment: 2 weeks

      Requirements: An extra fee of $50USD per week is required for the wildlife project.

      Questions? Click here

      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.

    • Inca Andes Cultural Immersion

      Take part in an amazing experince!

      The andes cultural immersion program is not necessarily a volunteer program, but a cultural exchange program with indigenous Incan communities . Participants joining the cultural immersion program will be living with a host family in a rural community where they will be interacting with the family in their day to day life and learning about their culture and language.

      The cultural immersion program is for participants that want to experience the real rural Andes and don’t mind very basic conditions.

      Minimum commitment: 1 week

      Requirements: The immersion program requires an extra fee of $50USD per week.

      Questions? Click here

      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.

    Cost & Details

    • Cost - Peru

      See our off-season discounts! Click here for a complete list.

      Length of Program Program Fee Medical Programs
      2 Weeks US$ 902 US$965
      3 Weeks US$ 1030 US$ 1120
      4 Weeks US$ 1195 US$ 1315
      5 Weeks US$ 1380 US$ 1530
      6 Weeks US$ 1550 US$ 1730
      7 Weeks US$ 1695 US$ 1905
      8 Weeks US$ 1895 US$ 2135
      9 Weeks US$ 2015 US$ 2285
      10 Weeks US$ 2195 US$ 2495
      11 Weeks US$ 2355 US$ 2685
      12 weeks US$ 2545 US$ 2895

      Addition weeks are $126/week ($152 for Medical)

      Application Fee: $200
      The application fee is a separate administrative charge for all programs. It does not apply to the program fee. (Please see our application fee refund policy here)

      Credit card payments: Payment by credit card will be assessed a 3.5% surcharge. This is the fee that we will be charged for the transaction. Contact us about alternative forms of payment.

      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.

    • What's Included/What's Not

      Program Includes:

      * Pre-departure information
      * Airport Pick-up in Cusco
      * Orientation
      * Placement
      * 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

      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.

    • Accommodations

      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.

      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.

    • Spanish Classes

      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.

    • Start Dates

      Arrival Dates

      Arrival Airport: Cusco (Alejandro Velasco). Code : CUZ

      Airport pickup is available from 8 am-10:30 pm on any Sunday except over the Christmas holidays.

      School Year: Early March-Early December. Two-week break in Early August or late August (depends on the school).

    • Notes & Useful Links

      Arrival Airports

      You will fly into the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport  (CUZ)

      Travel Insurance

      Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. We prefer to let participants decide what kind of coverage they need. You can find more Insurance Tips Here. 

      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.

    • Past Participant Feedback

      Check out feedback from past participants

    Details

     

    Program Includes:

    * Pre-departure information
    * Pick up from the airport Lima, Cusco, or Ayacucho
    * 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.

     

    Overview

     

    Peruvian Andesgirl with puppyPeru'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.lima

    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.

    Plaza de Armas, CuscoCusco 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.