Volunteer Peru offers you the chance to work with other volunteers on a community development health care or education project. Placements last for four to twelve weeks and are based in the capital, Lima. This is an ideal location for exploring the amazing sights of South America including the lost city of Machu Picchu, the Andes and the Inca Trail.

Eligibility

You must be:

• aged 18-35 at the time of travel
• a student or recent graduate
• conversant in Spanish (your level of Spanish language skill will be assessed via written test).

You also need to be enthusiastic, energetic and adaptable. Previous work abroad experience is preferable.

Accommodation and Placement

All BUNAC volunteers are placed at Flores de Villa, a community development project located in San Juan de Miraflores on the outskirts of Lima. Many volunteers work at the nearby medical centre and the surrounding area. Its main objective is to improve the general health and well-being of the residents through local initiatives and information.

There is a real sense of community spirit among the locals and the contingent of volunteers not just from BUNAC but also from Peru itself and several other countries. While there is a demand for volunteers with specific qualifications in nursing and teaching and those with IT experience, there are also openings for general assistants in the local schools and kindergartens and manual/unskilled work. It is your willingness to give your time and enthusiasm to your placement and your ability to work as a team and help make a difference that really counts.

Accommodation is normally in a homestay, with a room in a local family home. You will either have your own room or share with one other volunteer. Two meals per day, six days per week are provided by the host family.

Costs

Costs start at $1365. If you are interested in placements for other periods of time, please call BUNAC for further details. This covers administration in the US and overseas, placement expenses, transfer from the airport to the hostel, arrival orientation including accommodation, transport to and from the project, two meals per day six days per week and accommodation for the duration of your placement. You are also entitled to any necessary help and support from BUNAC’s partner organization.

You must submit a money order or certified check for the initial payment of $420 ($440 for 2009 arrivals) with your application. You should send in the balance of the fee at Step 2.

How to Apply

Submit your initial application for Volunteer Peru using the Work Abroad Application Form. Please ensure you send all the additional information as listed on the checklist. Download the Application Form, or request a brochure.

Once your application is approved, we will send you the Step 2 information and further information via e-mail on how to proceed.