Note that volunteers are expected to make a contribution to the projects. This can take the form of materials (pens, pencils, paper, school materials) or sometimes a direct monetary contribution, after they have discussed the needs of the project with the volunteer coordinator. The contribution never exceeds 20-30 Euros (40-50 US Dollars).

Here are 5 things to consider when selecting a project:

Some project directors and staff speak English, but most of the people that the projects support do not. For that reason, all projects include several hours of Spanish language instruction, to guarantee that you have the skills necessary to perform your tasks well. If you are a beginner at Spanish, you may take some classes before your project assignment starts, or additional classes as it progresses. For more details about Spanish language lessons, click here.

Volunteer work is never more than 40 hours a week and you can coordinate your schedule with our coordinator, the charity and fellow volunteers. Most schedules require around 20 hours a week of volunteer work, most often in the mornings Monday to Friday. Some projects have a minimum commitment that a volunteer must make in order to be accepted. Most accept volunteers for a minimum of 2 weeks. Note that schedules may change. Volunteers are expected to be flexible and understand the needs of the charities they serve.

Some may require you to take public transportation, which is not included in the total fee. The buses are safe, very cheap, and the most efficient way to get around Cusco. Your host family and our coordinator in Cusco can help you learn the bus routes and schedules.

You are picked up at the airport by a member of your host family and taken to meet our coordinator. There, you discuss your schedule and first meeting with the project charity. If there are any issues with your volunteer work placement, the coordinator can resolve them and support you in your efforts to help the local communities. The organizations and charities you will work with have experience in receiving foreign volunteers, and can accommodate most reasonable requests. Note that a supervisor may not be with volunteers at all times, so it is important to be independent, resourceful and take initiative.

The orphanages and other organizations you will work with have very limited funds and often depend on donations and the government to survive. That is why they ask us for help, and that is why they have the final say on whether a volunteer is appropriate for the work involved. Please respect their wishes and understand the position they are in.

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