Mysterious mists shroud the landscape of Peru, which is as epic as its history: from its steep canyons and glacial Andean peaks, right down to the all but impenetrable Amazonian basin, across to the colonial cities and rolling dunes that line its desert coast.

A succession of great civilisations and lost cities has left incredible archaeological wonders hidden within the natural wonders of Peru: Cuzco, Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines, to name but a few. Even more fascinating is how this blend of Inca, Spanish, Indian and mestizo heritage has worked its way into contemporary Peruvian life in terms of language, culture and traditions.

Discover this all for yourself with a 2-3 month volunteer project: Volunteer in Peru is a life-changing experience that allows you to give something back.

Projects

Community spirit is contagious on the Flores de Villa project! Located on the outskirts of Lima in the shanty town area of San Juan De Miraflores, Flores de Villa is a vibrant community development project that includes a health centre, a pharmacy, a market created for buying and selling local produce, a soup kitchen and a kindergarten.

Much more than charity work, the project is rather a series of joint initiatives that help the community to help themselves. Volunteers work in both the centre and the surrounding catchment area, doing everything from teaching in the kinder-garden to IT maintenance in the clinic, to labouring and manual work.

Our Peruvian partner, INTEJ, will arrange your volunteer placement according to your skills and experience.

Housing

Home stay accommodation is organised by INTEJ in a middle-class suburb of Lima, close to the Flores de Villa project. The cost of this accommodation is built into your programme fee, and includes two meals per day, six days per week.

Introduction to Peru with INTEJ

Our partners in Peru, INTEJ, will introduce you to life in this Latin American country with a comprehensive 2-3 day orientation in Lima, including a tour of the city itself. Throughout your stay in Peru, INTEJ will provide ongoing service and support.

INTEJ promotes national and international activity within the student and youth travel sector, as well as developing work and volunteer programmes, which interact with local community enterprises. They are members of the International Association for Educational and Work Exchange Programmes (IAEWEP)

Costs & how to apply

Download application form

The Volunteer in Peru Programme is open to those who fulfil the following

Age: 18 - 35
Nationality: UK/Ireland passport holder
Education: HND/Degreee educated is desired but not essential
Skills/experience: Must have A Level Spanish. (Please contact USIT for some great offers on top up Spanish courses you can do before your placement begins.) Must also be flexible, enthusiastic and prepared to integrate into another culture!

Costs

The fee for the two month project is from £895 and includes

Transfer to/from the Airport
2 days hostel accommodation in Lima
Comprehensive Orientation in Lima
Transfer to host family and project
Home stay accommodation
Half board (2 meals a day) for 6 days a week
Sightseeing tour around Lima city
Free Net access in INTEJ's office
Ongoing support services of INTEJ during your stay in Peru

Additional costs

Flights: From £600 depending on the time of year (taxes extra)
Insurance: From £95 for a two month policy designed specially for those working and travelling in exotic places

Please note all costs are subject to change due to exchange rate and will be confirmed to you at time of booking

Visa

Participants initially travel on a tourist visa. On arrival in Peru, INTEJ will assist you with any other visa processes. Due to currency fluctuations, all fees are subject to change.

Extending your stay

The placement is for two months. However, this can be extended locally to three months subject to an additional payment to cover food and board.

What happens next?

If you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail with a member of our specialist Work and Travel team and to begin making your travel arrangements, please contact: 0845 6001316 or info@studenttravel.com

After we have received your application you will be invited to attend an interview in Dublin. It will take six weeks to process your application and secure your placement through our partners in Peru. So, please always remember this when planning your departure.

Please bear in mind that there are several recommended vaccines and prescriptions for travel to Peru. Check these in good time before your departure.

TRAVEL..TRAVEL..TRAVEL..

These are work and TRAVEL opportunities so don't forget to take advantage of your exotic location to do more extensive exploring. We have plenty of ideas for adventure tours and expeditions, local travel passes, stopover suggestions and round the world routings, some of which are cheaper to buy before you go!

Peru could be the gateway for some serious Latin American adventuring all the way to the Tierra del Fuego!