Frequently Asked Question

What is a typical day?
This will depend on which volunteer placement you choose. 
The volunteers start their day early, at 8.00 a.m., having breakfast with their host family/ volunteer house.
Work at the schools and the projects often start at 9:00 a.m. as lessons tend to last for three hours.
Lunch is normally taken at around 1:00 p.m. with your host family.
There is usually another lesson at the schools in the afternoon from 3:00pm until 6:00pm after which time you are free to spend your evenings as you wish. 
For the first week you will have your Spanish lessons in which you can choose to take those in the morning and work in the afternoon or vice versa. 
Dinner with your host family usually takes place around 7:00/8:00pm. 
We really appreciate any extra help that you may be able to offer, such as teaching English to the local people.
There are many things to do around the area, and we are always willing to take you on trips to the local sights.
There is no such thing as a “typical day”, as you will be involved in an active social life out here, meeting other volunteers and going out with your family.
Weekends are often taken up going on local outings, should you wish.
Respect: For Peruvian people, their religious beliefs and traditional values and for other voluteers some times it is hard to deal with , we ask for respect sand tolerace please.

What is the weather like and what do I need to bring?

A warm fleece or sweatshirt is strongly recommended, as is a light waterproof coat.
If you wish to go walking in the mountains, sturdy boots are needed, and a tent if you plan to camp.
There are many markets nearby, and the famous one is on Sunday and stretches for 5 kms! You may wish to bring money to buy one of the many cheap, quality souvenirs.
You may also wish to bring photographs from home, to show your family and enable them to understand your culture better.
Gifts of books and stationery are always welcome.
You may wish to bring a present for when you leave your host family; traditional times from your country are always appreciated! Also any school supplies such as glue, construction paper, crayons, paints and brushes, etc. would be greatly welcomed as most of our school programs are appreciative of any donations offered.

Where will I live?
You will be placed with a local family who will provide three meals a day for you.
They will share their way of life with you, and will be very happy to make sure your time in Peru is enjoyable.
They will help you to learn Spanish quicker, and to understand Peruvian culture at a deeper level.
We ask that you appreciate that their way of life may be different from what you are used to, and respect and adapt to any differences.

How much money will I spend?
All meals and accommodations are included.
The price of your homestay does not include personal toiletries, such as toilet paper, toothpaste and shampoo.
Transport costs around the city are not included.
Any extra trips that you wish to take will need to be paid for by yourself. Peru is a very cheap country, and your Peruvian soles will go a long way. For example, a local bus journey ride around city costs 1.0 soles, a three-course meal at a local restaurant is about 7 soles and an hour on the Internet costs 1 sol. 

How much Spanish will I need?
No previous Spanish is required, as the language course will equip you with the Spanish needed for your placement.
In your first week you will be given a free week of Spanish, 2 hours a day, with a qualified professor. 
Many volunteers choose to continue their Spanish lessons after the first week, at which can be offered at a discounted rate for our volunteers. 
People who wish to work in the jungle need to have a good level of Spanish and a medical background.

What information is required to apply?
First we will need your flight information as well as your arrival date to Peru. 
We can arrange a pick-up from Lima if you wish, but please let us know in advance. Upon providing this information we will respond back with all the necessary pick-up arrangements. 
Also, if there are others that will be volunteering with you please let us know their information as well as their flight information. 
Lastly, tell us a little about yourself…where you´re from, your age and anything else of interest that you think we might enjoy hearing about.

How soon do I need to apply?
You can apply as far in advance as a year, but 2 months in advance is preferable. 
The application process is fast and simple.
We are always looking for volunteers, so please do not hesitate to contact us.
It helps us enormously if we have a definite start date to work with as soon as possible, so that we can make the necessary plans for the program and with your host family. 

Is there a specific time in which the Volunteer Programs begin?
There is no specific date, for there is always volunteer work to be a part of. It will probably be easier to begin on a Monday, but this is not a requirement, we can always work with your schedule.

Are vegetarian meals an option?
Your host family can definitely accommodate to vegetarian meals. Peru contains a plethora of vegetables, with potatoes as their staple food. 
There are a couple of vegetarian restaurants here in Peru and most restaurants can prepare non-meat dishes upon request.

If traveling with a partner is it possible to arrange our homestay together?
We can definitely arrange for partners to stay together in the same homestay, this is not a problem, we just need to know in advance.

Do I need to get a Visa?
You will not need to arrange anything in advance before arriving into Peru in regards to acquiring a Visa. 
Upon arrival into Peru you will be given a free 90 day traveling Visa.
If you plan to stay longer than the allotted 90 days all you will need to do is cross the border into any of the other countries and upon reentry to Peru you will be given another 90 day traveling Visa.