The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to work on a range of projects in Peru. Volunteers can become involved in childcare, teaching, construction, healthcare, cultural, and conservation/wildlife projects.

Volunteers may choose to work in the following areas:

* Childcare: At childcare placements volunteers assist the children with their homework, organise educational activities and provide the children with love and attention. Volunteers can also work with street children at two shelters located in Cusco, helping with a feeding program and also teaching basic English.

* Teaching English: At teaching English placements volunteers assist the full time teacher with speaking, listening, writing, reading, grammar,

and vocabulary lessons. Volunteers may also be asked to help with specific learners in terms of their pronunciation and for one-on-one tutoring.

* Construction: At construction projects volunteers assist with construction and/or renovation usually at a childcare project. Construction projects change all the time, but our partner organization is currently helping to build a new orphanage in Oropesa, near Cusco. Tasks on the construction program may include: renovation, labouring, painting, decorating and carpentry. Volunteers will assist with cement mixing, sand sifting, cutting wood and transporting building materials. The building projects are to help the community improve their schools and community centres. Be prepared to be very patient and flexible, and to get your hands and clothes very dirty.

* Healthcare: There are two options for this program: the first is to work at a clinic for mentally and physically disabled children. This project does not require any qualification or experience. It is in a clinical setting but volunteers essentially help to look after the children, organizing activities and helping at meal times. There are options at this project to assist in physiotherapy and to shadow a doctor as well. The second option is to work at a clinic for low-income families. This project is for med students or qualified nurses or doctors. Notarized documentation of your medical school, nursing school, or other medical credentials will be required. Volunteers for these projects require at least intermediate Spanish.

* Conservation: There are two options for this program. The first is to volunteer at a zoo in Cusco, assisting with cleaning and feeding. This is a small zoo which also houses injured animals. These are taken in and rehabilitated to go back into the wild. The second option is to work at the Manu National Park in the jungle region of Peru in the Sacred Valley. At the jungle project, volunteers may assist in orchid planting, bamboo removal, teaching at the local school, and creating an inventory of species. Please note that for the Jungle project volunteers will complete one week of Spanish lessons in Cusco before heading to Sacred Valley for the remainder of their stay.

For your first week you will take Spanish lessons provided by our partner. These are taken by professional teachers, either certified in teaching Spanish as a foreign language or with their Masters in Education, and you will have two hours of lessons per day, with the rest of your day at your volunteer placement. Volunteers will also be provided with a Native Spanish Program book.

For the remainder of your stay you will take part in a Tandem Exchange Program. This program pairs volunteers learning Spanish with a Peruvian student who is learning English at their headquarters in Cusco. This way you practise Spanish with your partner for one hour a day, as well as provide invaluable practice for the Peruvian student learning English. It's also a great way to get to know local students in Cusco. If you wish to extend your formal Spanish lessons beyond your first week, this can be arranged for an extra fee.