Volunteer Peru
BUNAC offers volunteer work in Peru in various community volunteering projects, giving you the chance to experience the culture, the people and improve your Spanish.
What can I do?
We’re looking for volunteers who will contribute to projects in communities where help is most needed.
At a one-to-one UK orientation interview we’ll discuss your skills, experience and of course, preferences to ensure that you’re assigned to the right project for you.
In Peru volunteers are needed in a variety of project areas. Through an ongoing series of joint initiatives involving the local people, BUNAC volunteers help communities to help themselves. Click on the box below to find a project you’re interested in.
Teaching
Assisting the teacher or taking your own classes can be very rewarding for volunteers who love working with children. Our educational projects vary from pre-school and crèches to primary and secondary education.
The schools we work with can be very basic and overcrowded so as a volunteer you’ll be able to give the children much-needed attention. In the role of a volunteer teacher you will be able to assist the local teacher with English lessons which may mean working with small groups of children and taking your own classes. You can also get involved in teaching other subjects such as Maths and IT and help out preparing lesson plans and marking work. There will also be opportunities to organise extra curricular activities, from arts and crafts, dance and music, to sports days and football matches.
We like our teaching volunteers to have had some experience of working with children. And if you’re interested in developing your teaching skills before you go, why not sign up to an online TEFL course through BUNAC?
Work with children
If you’re keen to work with children then Volunteer Peru offers plenty of opportunities. The roles for this type of project are varied and could involve teaching, child care or working within a community development project or orphanage.
You will be working with children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds so the extra care and attention offered by volunteers is highly appreciated by the staff, children and community alike. Your role could involve caring for and playing with the children, organising fun events such as concerts, sports competitions, plays and dance classes or helping with a range of educational activities such as homework clubs and English classes.
Community development
Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of different initiatives which will help to strengthen the community.
You can employ your transferable skills to work alongside community members. Projects can involve supporting those living in shelters by giving support and counselling, running adult workshops to improve English skills and helping develop management skills for school leavers looking for work.
Volunteers can also develop their own initiatives to get involved in community development. An example of a recent success is the project "Cleaner Hands" where volunteers teamed up with local community members to campaign, fundraise and build sanitation facilities for the local school.
Care work
If you’ve got experience in nursing or medicine then you might be interested in working on a health care or social work project.
Volunteers are needed to assist staff in health clinics and you could be working with people with physical, emotional or mental disabilities. Your role will involve a range of work from recording medical backgrounds, examining patients and general care work to educating the local people on diet and general health awareness.
The projects we work with are dedicated to providing primary care and health information to populations with low income. Facilities can be basic so the additional help and support that you can offer will be of great benefit to the project and provide comfort to those attending the centres.
Manual work
There are always opportunities for volunteers to get their hands dirty.
You can help with the construction of a school building or a community centre, clear stones and level ground to make safe play areas or build fences to form secure areas. Existing buildings may also benefit from some TLC and a lick of paint - artistic volunteers may design and paint a community mural.
Many of these tasks can be undertaken during your spare time allowing you to contribute to one of the other projects within the community.
How long can I go for?
Our Volunteer Peru placements last either 8 or 12 weeks and include a three-day arrival orientation.
You’ll have the chance to travel at weekends but to make the most of this fantastic country why not leave some time at the end of your programme to explore further afield?
Where will I be working?
Our projects are based on the outskirts of both Lima and Cusco.
This gives volunteers the chance to experience living and working in a Peruvian community with access to the facilities of the city.
Who will I be working with?
We place volunteers in existing projects, working alongside local people.
BUNAC Volunteer programmes are essentially designed to provide independent experiences which promote integration with the local people. You may also be working alongside another international volunteer.
Where will I be living?
As part of our ‘Local Approach’, we believe that living with a host family is the best way for volunteers to become fully immersed into the local culture. It’s also the perfect way to improve your Spanish.
You’ll be placed with a family in a community in either Lima or Cusco. Your host will welcome you into their family and help you to settle into the local area. You might be living with another volunteer.
Houses are well equipped and will have electricity and running water. Enjoying home-cooked food, sharing stories and life experiences will give you a unique and memorable experience and will provide you with a great opportunity to improve your Spanish.
How much does it cost?
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| 8 weeks (Lima) | £1,249 |
| 12 weeks (Lima) | £1,499 |
| 8 weeks (Cusco) | £1,399 |
| 12 weeks (Cusco) | £1,999 |
What’s included?
- BUNAC membership
- Lonely Planet guidebook
- BUNAC Volunteer Peru Handbook
- BUNAC t-shirt
- Comprehensive one-to-one orientation interview
- Personal support and travel advice from knowledgeable staff
- Group or individual flight booking service
- Pre & post trip health screening
- Placement based on your skills and needs
- 24/7 support from BUNAC and our local partner organisation for the duration of your stay
- Local project donation
- Ongoing remote health care advice from Interhealth
- Airport pick up
- Education sessions about culture and customs; safety and accommodation and your placement
- Walking tour of Lima or Cusco
- See FAQ for more information
- Host family accommodation during your programme
- 2 meals a day provided by your host family
- See FAQ for more information
What else should I budget for?
We feel it’s important to be as upfront as possible about any additional costs so that you can manage your budget and have a hassle free trip.
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| Insurance | £122 (92 days) |
| Flights | £700 - £900 (approx.) |
| Police check | £10 |
| Spending/travel money | £240 per month |
| Inoculations | Varies |
Fundraising
Raising extra funds for your trip needn’t be difficult as there are loads of things you can do to raise money.
For some ideas to get you started click here.
Your arrival orientation, placement and local support services are provided by INTEJ - BUNAC's partner in Peru.
How do I apply?
Am I eligible?
We’re looking for volunteers who are self-motivated, adventurous, flexible and good communicators. To apply to Volunteer Peru you must also be:
- Aged 18 and above
- A UK resident (any nationality – visa permitting)
- Have basic conversational Spanish
If you only have a limited knowledge of Spanish but are keen to learn, you can apply to the programme and include one of our intensive Spanish Language School packages.
When should I apply?
The latest date we can consider your application is 10 weeks before your UK departure date.
However, places are available on a first come first served basis so we recommend that you apply as soon as you can.
What comes next?
Once you’ve applied for Volunteer Peru we’ll help you prepare for your trip by guiding you through the following stages.
Full terms and conditions for the programme are included in the application pack.
You will be invited to attend a one-to-one Orientation Interview where we’ll discuss all aspects of the programme to ensure that you are fully prepared for your trip. Following a satisfactory interview, BUNAC will formally accept you onto the programme.
Many of our projects involve working with children so as part of our ‘Responsible Approach’, each participant must provide us with a police check before departure
All participants must complete the on-line health screening to confirm their fitness to travel and to receive detailed and personalised health recommendations for their trip. On completion of the programme you will also be invited to complete a post-trip “clean bill of health” screening.
See FAQ for more information
BUNAC can arrange your flights for you or you can arrange independent travel.
We will send you full details regarding the levels of cover we provide.
We will send you the contact details of the other volunteers on your programme so you can get in touch before you travel.
BUNAC will liaise with our local partner to arrange your placement and you will be given details of your project and accommodation a few weeks before you leave.
When can I go?
The 2009 arrival dates are listed below.
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| February 5th 2009 | November 11th 2008 |
| March 12th 2009 | January 1st 2009 |
| May 21st 2009 | March 12th 2009 |
| June 25th 2009 | April 16th 2009 |
| July 30th 2009 | May 7th 2009 |
| September 10th 2009 | July 2nd 2009 |
| October 15th 2009 | August 6th 2009 |
| November 19th 2009 | September 10th 2009 |
Flights
BUNAC can arrange a flight to suit your needs and we aim to put volunteers together on the same flight so you travel as a group.
Our tickets are flexible returns allowing you to change your return date whilst away (subject to airline availability and an administration fee).
Alternatively, if you’d like to arrange independent travel then you’re more than welcome to as long as you arrive in Peru for the start of the orientation. Our in-house travel agents GS World Travel> can give you a quote on 020 7250 0222.
Can I travel after my volunteer project?
Definitely! We encourage volunteers to take time out either before or at the end of their placement to explore more of the country.
During your placement you will generally have weekends free to travel. Peru is a relatively easy country to travel around and our local partners will be able to give you advice on where to go and what to see. From the Andes to the Amazon, the Inca Trail to Lake Titicaca, Peru is the ideal country to combine a volunteering placement with backpacking.
APPLICATION
You need to have basic conversational level Spanish. As part of the application we ask you to write a letter in Spanish to your host family and this will generally give you a good indication of your language knowledge. We certainly don’t expect volunteers to be fluent before they leave (you most likely will be when you return!) but it’s important that you have a certain level of knowledge to build upon as you may often find yourself in situations where no one will be able to speak English.
If you don’t have the required language skills but are willing to learn, you can apply to study Spanish as part of your volunteer programme.
At BUNAC Volunteer we believe that each volunteer should be treated as an individual. All participants will attend a one-to-one orientation interview in our London office. It’s not a formal interview, but a chance for us to get to know more about you and your reasons for volunteering. We’ll discuss the types of projects you’re interested in and issues such as health and security to help prepare you for your time in Peru. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask us any questions you might have. If you’d like to apply but can’t travel to London for an interview, please call us on 020 7251 3386 to discuss your situation.
If BUNAC rejects your application at any stage you’ll receive a full refund of your programme deposit. We have a 7 day cooling off period, so if you feel that you’re not suited to the programme and you contact us within 7 days of attending the orientation interview you can cancel and receive a full refund (less £35 administration fee). More information regarding cancellation refunds is included within the Terms and Conditions which are printed with the application form.
As part of our ‘Responsible Approach’, each participant must provide a police check or “Subject Access”. This is a summary of data which is held about you on the National Police Computer (NPC). It will cost approximately £10 and takes between 30 and 40 days to be issued. You can usually download the application forms from your local police force website (look for links for “Freedom of Information” on their website). Your local police station should also be able to provide you with relevant forms over the counter. Once your Subject Access has been issued, please send the original to BUNAC. If you already hold a CRB from an existing or recent employer issued within 3 months we can accept this as an alternative to the Subject Access.
BUNAC is pleased to have teamed up with Interhealth, a charity which specialises in providing health advice for overseas workers. Your programme cost includes membership to Interhealth and as part of your application process you will complete an on-line medical screening to ensure that you are suitable for the challenge of volunteering in a developing country. Following the screening you will receive comprehensive medical advice regarding inoculations specific to your destination along with some general travel health advice. Your programme cost also includes post-trip clean bill of health screening and on going remote health care advice through Interhealth.
The inoculations you may require will vary depending on your destination and also your personal medical history so it is very difficult to provide a guide to the typical cost. However, please be aware that whilst some injections are relatively cheap others (specifically anti malarials) can be very expensive. Interhealth will provide you with further information following your screening.
FLIGHTS, VISAS AND INSURANCE
If you’d like to arrange independent travel then you’re more than welcome to as long as you arrive in Peru for the start of the orientation. Our in-house travel agents, GS World Travel can give you a quote on 020 7250 0222. In this case, please provide BUNAC with proof of your return trip so that we can arrange your pick up.
British passport holders will be issued with a 90 day tourist visa on arrival in Peru. Visa requirements for other nationalities may vary. Please contact BUNAC for more information. You will be given 90 days which can be extended whilst in Peru. Our Peruvian partners will be able to assist you with this. Your visa can be extended for up to 180 days when in Peru.
Yes. BUNAC offers a fully comprehensive insurance policy that has been arranged with Endsleigh, one of the UK’s leading insurance companies. Full details will be sent following acceptance on to the programme.
VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT
Numbers vary but we would normally expect up to 5 BUNAC participants on each arrival date. Our Peruvian partner will also receive volunteers from other countries so the arrival orientation will be an exciting opportunity to meet volunteers from all over the world.
The orientation is a great opportunity for you to be introduced to the country and its culture. It is included in the programme cost and our local hosts will discuss volunteering, health and safety issues and will give you a walking tour of the city. The orientation will provide you with useful information and enable you to meet other volunteers on the programme.
We believe that it’s important to consider the needs of the community and the preferences of the volunteer equally. Our partner works closely with all of the projects, monitoring their activities and placing volunteers where they feel they’ll be able to make the most worthwhile contribution.
On the application form we ask you to indicate your preferred areas of project work. We’ll then discuss your choices in detail during the orientation interview, where we can provide more information about what to expect and jointly agree on the most suitable type of placement for you. Your application information is sent to Peru so that an appropriate placement can be found and you’ll be sent confirmation and details of your work and accommodation arrangements approximately 4 weeks before your trip.
Hours vary from placement to placement. Generally you can expect to be at your project Monday-Friday for about 4-6 hours a day but start times vary. There will be opportunities for you to be proactive and look at other areas in the community where you may be able to lend a hand. This could involve setting up after school clubs, sports events and offering one-to-one lessons.
It is possible that you may share accommodation or be working at the same project as another volunteer but we can’t guarantee this as it is based on individual placement preferences and availability. Ultimately BUNAC's volunteer programmes offer a lot of support, but they are intended to be independent experiences where the individual can gain through working amongst the local people.
Volunteer Peru programmes run for either 8 or 12 weeks. We believe that a volunteer would not be able to accomplish much or feel satisfied with their participation on a project if they were there for a period shorter than the required minimum. In fact, feedback from previous volunteers suggests that many people don’t want to leave after 8 weeks and wish they’d committed to longer!
In most cases it will be possible to extend your volunteer programme whilst you are away. Specific arrangements are made through our local partner and are subject to the availability of accommodation and projects.
Definitely! We encourage volunteers to take time out either before or at the end of their placement to explore more of the country. During your placement you will generally have weekends free to travel. Peru is a relatively easy country to travel around and our local partners will be able to give you advice on where to go and what to see. From the Andes to the Amazon, the Inca Trail to Lake Titicaca, Peru is the ideal country to combine a volunteering placement with backpacking.
It’s difficult to give an exact figure, as it depends on what you choose to do while you’re in Peru. We recommend that you anticipate spending £240 per month whilst you are volunteering to cover your daily needs. However, if you intend to travel at weekends or have plans for post programme travels we recommend that you take extra.
If you have any further questions on Volunteer Peru, please call the BUNAC Volunteer team on 020 7251 3386 or e-mail volunteer@bunac.org.uk
Want to improve your Spanish?
If you don’t feel that your Spanish is at an appropriate level or if you’d like to improve/ refresh your existing skills, you might like to consider taking a Spanish course as part of your volunteer programme.
We offer two in-country courses:
Intensive
- 1 week, 20 hours.
- Monday to Friday, 4 hours daily for 5 days.
This 5-day course takes place prior to the start of your 8 or 12 week volunteer programme. The price includes the extra accommodation with a host family, breakfast and an evening meal. This course doesn’t allow time to volunteer during your study week.
Cost: £250
Standard
- 1 week, 10 hours.
- Monday to Friday, 2 hours daily (afternoons) for 5 days.
This course combines with your project to allow you time to volunteer in the mornings and study in the afternoons during the first week of your programme. The course time is inclusive of your 8 or 12 week programme.
Cost: £100
The courses have been designed to provide the chance to learn Spanish whilst living within a local Peruvian community. Living with a family (who may have very limited English) and joining in with the daily home activities will help you to tune in to Spanish. The lessons are based on general subjects such as Peruvian culture and daily situations. Participants are placed in a small class with students of a similar ability.
If you’re interested in studying Spanish in Peru without the volunteer element, please contact BUNAC for more information.