Volunteer Peru Cusco Child Care Program

1.- What was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

 I worked in 2 different places during my time in Cusco so my daily schedule varied from week to week. During my first week and half, I volunteered for 5 hours in a kindergarten where I taught English to 5 year olds. During my second full week, I continued volunteering for 5 hours at the school during the morning and began volunteering in the orphanage for 3 hours in the afternoon as well, giving me a full 8 hour day with a break in the middle when I returned home for lunch. After that, the school had vacation so the orphanage became my primary volunteer location and I volunteered for 5 hours in the mornings during my final week and a half in Cusco.

2.- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?


Host Family: I absolutely loved my host family. Living with Maria Elena is the best! However, I was a little surprised by how many volunteers stayed there at once. At one point there were 5 volunteers living in the house along with Maria Elena and her father. I had expected to be the only volunteer living with the host family or that there would only be 2-3 volunteers maximum. Although this was a surprise, I really enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers who lived there and it was fun to have people to explore Cusco with.

Program: I was surprised that I was expected to teach completely on my own at the school. I anticipated serving as a teaching assistant and having more of a supporting role in the classroom. Instead, I was asked to completely lead the classroom activities on my own and create lesson plans and activities based on an English workbook the students had. This was a really exciting opportunity for me! It was really fun to come up with new ways to engage the students and teach the colors, parts of the body, family members, etc. I had not anticipated having such freedom and control over the class. It was a great way to get to know all of the students in each class and really feel like I was playing an active role in their education.

The students were all eager to learn English which made teaching really fun. It also helped me practice my Spanish because I had to speak entirely in Spanish other than when I was teaching very basic English words and phrases. Additionally, the teachers were so helpful and supportive while I was teaching. They helped me give instructions to the class, make sure the students remained focused, and often participated in the activities because they wanted to learn English too. There were 3 classes of 5 year old students and I rotated between them during my time at the school, teaching English for the entire morning (or at least the majority of the time) I was in each class. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget!

Country: I was surprised how easy it was to meet people in Cusco. Everyone here is so friendly! In planning to come to Cusco for a month on my own, I anticipated that I would be spending a lot of time alone while exploring the city. In reality, I only spent a few days exploring completely by myself because it was so easy to meet people on my tours or spend time with other abroader view volunteers. Even though I signed up for most of my weekend excursions alone, I made friends on every single trip I took and never spent the tour alone. I kept in touch with people I met on tours or through other activities and met up with them in Cusco for museums, dinner, or just to hang out. While I also really enjoyed the time I spent exploring alone, I loved being able to meet so many new people and make so many new friends. I never felt lonely!

Volunteering in Peru

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?


Host Family: There were no challenges with the host family. I could not have imagined a betting living experience for my time in Cusco.

Program: Overall, my volunteer experience was amazing and I had very few problems. The only challenge I experienced was with the language barrier because nobody in the school or orphanage spoke any English and I occasionally lacked the vocabulary to have complicated conversations in Spanish. This did not limit my volunteer experience overall because I had sufficient Spanish to communicate and form relationships with the students and the girls at the orphanage; however, I occasionally needed to find new ways to explain something or fill in the gaps with hand gestures. My Spanish improved the longer I was in Cusco and I rarely had this problem during my final weeks.

Country: My main challenge in Cusco was finding food that I felt comfortable eating. Because you are not supposed to drink water that has not been boiled, I often avoided fresh vegetables (except in the house because I knew Maria Elena washed them safely). Also I wanted to make sure the meat was safe and had not been left out or not cooked well because one of my friends got food poisoning from alpaca meat at a restaurant.

I didn’t avoid eating out but I was always careful to choose a restaurant that seemed trustworthy. It was all about finding a balance between not spending too much money but also making sure the restaurant was reliable. I loved the Peruvian cuisine and luckily never had problems with the food and I think it was because I made sure to always be careful.

4.- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, money, internet)


When it is summer in the US it is winter in Peru and although there may be a high in the 60s (Fahrenheit), it can get really cold at night (30 degrees Fahrenheit). It is really important to bring warm clothes, a real jacket, a hat, and gloves — especially if one plans on hiking. I wore long pants and a sweatshirt everyday and needed an additional jacket at night. I didn’t bring enough warm clothes and ended up needing to buy an extra fleece and a hat/gloves while I was in Cusco.

Other things to pack:

-hiking boots (if one plans on going to Machu Picchu, rainbow mountain, or Humantay lake — all of which I highly recommend)

-reusable water bottles (you need bottled water here and it is cheaper to by large jugs of water to fill your own bottle than to buy a lot of small bottles)

-tissues/toilet paper (most public restrooms don’t have toilet paper so you always need to carry your own)

Other tips:

-Use WhatsApp and download it before you come to Peru because you need to be able to receive a confirmation code via text. I did not have international data for my cell phone and only used WhatsApp to communicate when I had WiFi. It was really easy and I never had any problems because there is WiFi in the house and at most restaurants.

-You have to pay the travel agency in American cash (they do not accept credit card) so make sure to bring enough cash to avoid excessive ATM fees

Gap Year Peru

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):


Host Family: The meal schedule is different than the US: light breakfast, big lunch around 2 pm, and a small dinner (basically the same food as breakfast). If you want more than bread with jelly for dinner, make sure to buy snacks, go out to dinner, or talk with the host family about other options. It wasn’t hard to adjust to this eating schedule but it was definitely a change from what I was used to

Program: As cliche as it sounds, the volunteer experience is entirely what you make of it. Take initiative and find ways to help out and get involved. Each volunteer location is different and your role may shift so it is important to observe what is going on and find ways you can participate. No one will ask for your help so it is up to you to determine how to get involved.

Country: It is important to get a sense of how much taxis should cost. Taxi drivers often just put out their hand and expect you to give them the right amount without saying a price and they will charge you more if you ask how much it should cost because they will take advantage of the fact you are a tourist. Maria Elena (the abroader view coordinator) will help with this and it is pretty easy to figure out.

6.- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):


I absolutely loved my month in Cusco! My experience surpassed all of my expectations and I am really sad that my time there ended so fast. My time at the primary school was amazing. I rotated through the three classes of five year old students to teach English. Most of the time I was given complete control of the class for the day and led activities to teach basic English vocabulary and concepts. I tried to make the lessons engaging by having the students act out different words, creating competitions between groups of students, and teaching them songs in English.

It was amazing to see how interested they were in learning English, how much effort they put into practicing, and how much progress they made over the course of the days I spent in each class. I also loved getting to know the students in a non-academic setting: talking with them before class, eating lunch with them, and playing with them at recess. They were so excited to see me every day and would scream “Profe de ingles!!” and then come running over to give me a hug — it made coming to school every day so much fun. Additionally, the teachers were so supportive and helpful during my time at the school.

I was really sad that the school had a vacation for my last week and a half in Cusco because I did not want to end my time there. My other volunteer position was working at an orphanage for teenage girls. The orphanage did not need much help running activities so instead, the role of volunteers was more to spend time with the girls and be a friend. I spent most of my time in the ceramics room where the girls work for weeks to paint the most beautiful plates, mugs, and vases. They tried to teach me how to paint as well (which I was terrible at) but I had so much fun talking with all of the girls and listening to music while we painted. It was amazing to me how positive and friendly all of the girls were. They were always excited to ask me a million questions, show me what they were doing, give me/each other a hug, or just sit by me.

I tried to get to know as many girls as possible because it was important to me to be more than just another random face—I wanted to truly get to know them on a personal level and be a friend they could feel comfortable with. I was able to go on a field trip with the orphanage during my last week and it was so much fun to spend time with the girls in a new environment, witness their excitement at traveling outside Cusco, and be a part of their special day. The loyalty and love the girls have for each other inspired me and I will never forget my time with them. Outside of volunteering, I was lucky enough to do a lot of traveling while I was in Cusco.

I did a tour of the city, visited the sacred valley, the salt mines, the last Inca bridge, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake. I loved all of these adventures, made some great friends on the trips, and was amazed by the beautiful places I got to see. I also enjoyed exploring the city of Cusco. There is so much to see and do: the museums, restaurants, and markets are all incredible, I took a Peruvian cooking class, I visited an Incan planetarium, I went to see live music, and so much more. Throughout my stay in Cusco,

I lived with Maria Elena and I truly could not have asked for a better host Mom. She made me feel completely at home and I am so grateful for how caring she was. The food was incredible, the beds were comfortable, and Maria Elena was the best. They love she shows to all of her ABV volunteers is amazing. She is both a mother figure and an amazing friend. She gave great advice, was so supportive of all aspects of my life, and was so much fun to spend time with. I felt like I had plenty of freedom but also felt like I was always been cared for—it was a perfect balance.

Also, there were often other volunteers living in the house and I had so much fun getting to know them. We did trips together, went out to dinner, or just hung out after a long day. It truly felt like we were a family. Overall, I am so grateful for the unforgettable experience I had in Cusco. It was more amazing than I could have ever imagined.

Volunteering in Peru

7.- How would you describe your accommodation: meals, security, friendliness, quality others:


Meals: The meals were always delicious. I have some dietary restriction and Maria Elena was so accommodating. On the rare occasion when the main course was something I could not eat, she always prepared me a separate meal. Lunch was always large, delicious and very filling. Dinner was much smaller, as per Peruvian custom, and I occasionally wanted more food but was usually able to supplement with soup or Maria Elena would make me eggs if I was still hungry.

Security: I felt completely safe in the house. The house has 2 doors, both of which have a double lock, and I was also given a key to lock my bedroom door though I never felt the need to use it.

Friendliness: Maria Elena is so friendly and I could not have asked for a better host Mom! She made me feel completely at home and I am so grateful for how caring and supportive she was. I felt like I could talk to her about anything and we always had so much fun together. She made me feel like family and I will miss her a lot!

Quality: My host family surpassed all of my expectations. The living accommodations were all high quality, the beds were warm, and Maria Elena and her father were so welcoming. I cannot say enough good things about living here.

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

Quality of meals: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

Quantity of each meal: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How clean was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How safe was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

8.- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

Maria Elena, the a broader view coordinator, provided amazing support during my time in Cusco. I would not have felt as comfortable here without her support and guidance. She texted me while I was in Lima to give me advice on how to navigate the airport, picked me up when I arrived in Cusco, helped me plan all of my trips and excursions, and taught me everything there is to know about the city—where to withdraw and exchange money, where to buy bottled water, where to do laundry, how to take the bus, what to say in a taxi and how much to pay, and gave me a tour of all of the important places. She also was so helpful in getting me settled at both of my volunteer positions.

She took me there on the first day, taught me the best way to commute, introduced me to the directors, and made sure I felt comfortable in my role. She checked in with me daily to see how my position was going and was actively invested in all aspects of my time in Peru. She was a good listener and I felt comfortable coming to her with even the smallest of problems. I knew I could always count on her for advice and information. During my month here, I was amazed to see how committed she is to all of the abroader view volunteers. She spent all day checking in on current volunteers, coordinating housing and positions for upcoming volunteers, and working to make sure everyone felt comfortable during their time in Cusco. She truly goes above and beyond for her volunteers.

For example, one day I had to leave at 4:30 am for a hike and she woke up early to text me and make sure I did not miss my bus. Overall, she is so friendly, informative, and organized and I was so lucky to have her as a resource as my coordinator and as my host family during my time in Cusco.

Volunteering Opportunities

9.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?

 I worked in 2 different places during my time in Cusco so my daily schedule varied from week to week. During my first week and half, I volunteered for 5 hours in a kindergarten where I taught English to 5 year olds. During my second full week, I continued volunteering for 5 hours at the school during the morning and began volunteering in the orphanage for 3 hours in the afternoon as well, giving me a full 8 hour day with a break in the middle when I returned home for lunch.

After that, the school had vacation so the orphanage became my primary volunteer location and I volunteered for 5 hours in the mornings during my final week and a half in Cusco. During my time at the school, I rotated through the three classes of five year old students to teach English. Most of the time I was given complete control of the class for the day and led activities to teach basic vocabulary and concepts. I based my lessons on an English workbook the school had. I also got to spend time with the students in a non-academic setting: talking with them before class, eating lunch with them, and playing with them at recess.

At the orphanage, I spent most of my time in the ceramics room where the girls work on homework, hang out, and paint beautiful plates, mugs, and vases. They tried to teach me how to paint as well (which I was terrible at) but I had so much fun talking with all of the girls and listening to music while we painted. I tried to get to know as many girls as possible because it was important to me to be more than just another random face—I wanted to truly get to know them on a personal level and be a friend they could feel comfortable with.

They would ask me a million questions, tell me all about their day, or sometimes just want to sit with me in silence—either way I knew it was important to just be present in the moment and interact with them in whichever way they wanted on a given day.

10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:


Accommodation:  My favorite memory with my host family is when Maria Elena, the two other volunteers living at the house, and I went out to dinner at a nice Peruvian restaurant. We stayed for hours laughing, talking about everything, and enjoying the delicious food (we ordered 5 desserts for 4 people). It was such a fun, relaxing night and really exemplified how close we all had become and how comfortable we were around each other. It truly felt like we were a family.

Program:  It is so hard to pick a favorite memory from my volunteer experience but one of my favorites was on my last day at the school. All of the students were sad that I would be leaving and wanted to keep in touch so they all spontaneously organized themselves to make me a sheet of paper with all of their names on it so that we could be friends on Facebook.

It was hilarious to me because they are 5 years old and definitely do not have a Facebook but it was also so touching because it showed me that I had made an impact on them and that they would miss having me at the school. I was sad to be leaving and knew I would miss all of the students a ton so it was so nice to have something from them to bring back home with me. To me, the fact that they decided to do this on their own exemplified that the relationships I had formed with them and the connections I had made during my time at the school were real and genuine.

Country: my favorite memory in Peru was reaching the top of Rainbow Mountain. The hike to 5200 meter altitude was the hardest thing I had ever done but the view was so amazing that it made it worth it. I felt so accomplished for being able to complete the hike on my own because I had been nervous I would not be able to do it. It is one of the most incredible places I have ever been. Standing at the peak with the friends I had hiked with was such an amazing moment and an experience I will never forget.

11.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:

The ABV USA support was so helpful prior to my trip. I spoke with Sarah on the phone and emailed with her several times when I was trying to decide what program to do and to ask her a million questions once I had chosen to come to Cusco. She was always so informative and helpful and her replies were very quick. She answered all of my questions and helped me feel excited and comfortable about coming to Cusco. I also used the online chatting system to get advice when choosing my flights. Again, the support was detailed, informative, and quick to respond. I also used the Peru guide when planning what to pack on the trip which was very helpful.

12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?


I found the reservation system very straightforward and easy to use. I appreciated the rapid response to my application.

13.- Who did you find Abroaderview website
?

 I knew I wanted to volunteer abroad for a month during the summer and found the a broader view website when I was googling different options for programs. The organization was listed as one of the best options for volunteering abroad so I looked for the website to see what programs were offered. The website was easy to find and straightforward to use which made it easy to look for programs I was interested in.

14.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Definitely!

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Gap Year Peru Cusco Review

1.- What was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

The daily schedule to which my friend and I adhered during the medical program was as follows:

1. Arrive at work between 8:30-45 a.m. and check in with the Director of Physical Therapy;
2. Work with children and adults in physical, hydro-, and electro-therapy from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
3. Help the nurses manage and feed the Hospital’s child residents at lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
4. Return to host family for lunch and siesta from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m.
5. Return to the Hospital at 2:30 p.m. to entertain and help the children.
6. Assist the Hospital staff in feeding the children at dinner from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
7. Check out at the Hospital and return to host family at 5:15 p.m.

Total hours –per day: Roughly 7; -in total: 56.

2.- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?


Host Family: The most surprising thing I experienced during my stay with my friend and I’s hostess, Maria Elena, was how compassionate and genuinely excited to host us she was during our trip. From the first moment she picked us up at the airport after we arrived several hours late- and expecting a tremendous scolding – with a only gracious smile, she never lost her enthusiasm for our program over the course of the two weeks we stayed with her, and she went well out of her way to ensure that we would be able to tour the country and its landmarks as soon and efficiently as possible.

Although her children did not live at home with us, they were just as welcoming and excited to see us as their mother whenever they visited, despite being several years older than ourselves.

Program: The greatest surprise of our medical program in Cusco was by far how open and relaxed the daily work was at the hospital. Instead of the no-nonsense staff, rigorous procedures, and strict schedule my friend and I expected, we were instead greeted by a cheerful and patient staff who allowed us to decide where we wanted to work in the hospital, in addition to choosing the amount of time we spent doing each of these jobs.

Thanks to this leniency and trust in our abilities, we were able to dedicate significant amounts of time to assisting the Hospital’s handicapped child residents, whom we grew to know, love, and enjoy helping whole-heartedly.

Country: The most surprising aspect of the country of Peru itself was, in my opinion, how hospitable and helpful the vast majority of its residents were to my friend and me during our stay. When I first arrived, I was terrified by the prospect that my horrific Spanish would prevent me from effectively communicating with the Peruvians and thereby ruin my experiences outside of the Hospital; but the residents of Cusco and the Peruvian countryside greeted my awful efforts with good humor and incredible patience, finding ways to communicate with me so that they might help me as effectively as possible.

Most everybody greeted us with smiles and Hola’s, and every person we interacted with personally, from Hospital staff to tour guides to waiters to vendors, were incredibly cheerful and friendly.

Volunteer in Peru

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?


Host Family: The absolute most challenging thing I experienced with my host family was an endless struggle to figure out how to properly unlock the front door every day to make it to the Hospital on time. Save this most minute of details, and being completely honest, I experienced absolutely no challenges during my time with Maria and her family; they were nothing but understanding and thoughtful, helping me with my terrible Spanish abilities and taking every opportunity to ensure that my friend and I were comfortable and secure at the house.

Program: The most challenging aspect of my work as a volunteer at the Hospital was by far learning to communicate with both adults who did not understand my native language and children who were severely handicapped and thus unable to understand even rudimentary commands and questions.

Overcoming these obstacles required patience from myself, the hospital staff – who helped me to learn phrases and questions in Spanish as often as they could – and the adult patients with whom I worked as we slowly developed means of working around our language barrier; the children, in contrast, required visual, rather than verbal, communication due to their lack of understanding of or inability to use verbal expression.

Country: The greatest challenge I faced in Peru itself was the tremendous change in altitude; being from New Jersey, which stands at a mere 120 meters above sea level, my friend and I found ourselves struggling to adjust to the far thinner air of Cusco, which is about 4,000 meters above sea level.

Even the simplest of exercises such as running or hiking required tremendous exertion from us both and our trip to Rainbow Mountain towards the end of our program found us nearly hyperventilating to cope with the extremely low oxygen levels, to which our bodies were unaccustomed.

4.- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, money, internet)


First and foremost, I cannot stress enough that no amount of challenges such as the ones above should deter anyone from volunteering; our experience at the clinic and in Peru itself was beyond words. That being said, I highly recommend that future volunteers – especially those volunteering during Peru’s Winter season – bring various layers of clothing; the daily temperature changes range from frigid in the morning to very hot in the afternoon, and having options for each temperature will save volunteers from the misery of wearing a winter jacket in 70 degrees weather.

In addition, driving in Peru is rather chaotic, so I advise that future volunteers make frequent use of taxis to get around instead of renting a car; however, I do NOT advise taking personal mementos or valuable items, as they are not worth having around only to possibly be lost or stolen in tourist-heavy areas. The only personal item I brought on the trip, besides necessities, was a plastic pair of Rosaries. Regarding internet: it is a matter of your host family’s needs if you will have access to the internet; although I was fortunate enough that our hostess did have WiFi, I do not advise anticipating having such access, and recommend investing in an overseas plan from your service provider if you desire or need to make phone calls.

Finally: have a GOOD ATTITUDE! Your trip, no matter where you are situated, will be one of the greatest experiences of your life so long as you are flexible.

Volunteering Trip to Peru

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):
 

LEARN SPANISH. While this is surely obvious, I was one of the brash few who decided he could probably get by without learning any Spanish, and subsequently suffered in various embarrassing ways.

Host Family: Do not expect ANYTHING from your host family when you arrive, be it a cozy bed or a hot shower or frequent, filling meals. Living conditions and lifestyles in Peru are incomparable to those in the States, and while most host families seem to live in modern homes, it is only to your detriment to expect such facilities as those in your own household, as some families might not be able to afford such niceties.

I reiterate: be flexible! Remember that they are opening their hearts to you to be willing to support your trip and house you and that their efforts and accommodations should be treated only with the utmost respect and graciousness.

Program: While the program needs differ greatly depending on the work selected by the volunteer, I believe it is standard across the board that your program will not be what you expected; Peru is a very easy-going country, and so are its inhabitants.

Therefore, expect to have large amounts of freedom with your schedules, and be prepared to reach out and offer to help in any way that you can; if my friend and I had done neither of these things, we would not have had a fraction of the amazing experience that we were ultimately able to enjoy.

Finally, be charitable and kind even to people who are hard to deal with; one of the children in our care was rather devious, and sometimes went out of her way to disobey or attempt to humiliate us.

In such a situation, remember that you are volunteering to change someone’s life for the better and that not even the harshest of treatment should deter you from that objective of unselfish service to people who are most likely far less fortunate than yourself.

Country: After two weeks in Peru, I am still unable to give specific recommendations as to what one should expect in the country, as it is so vastly different from our own. However, I can advise volunteers on what to AVOID: firstly, any man who approaches you in a city – i.e. Cusco- with a portfolio of artwork is merely trying to peddle cheap and shoddy artwork under the guise of being an “artist;” we encountered no fewer than five of these men at one time during our trip, and while it may seem cruel, sometimes it is best to simply ignore their advances, as they will otherwise refuse to leave until you agree to consider a purchase.

Likewise, do not trust or accept any free coupons from “Massage Spa” representatives on the street; in our time in Peru, I found exactly three legitimate spas, whereas I encountered at least thirty unique “salespeople”- DO NOT TRUST THESE OFFERS.

Finally, any restaurant that offers a “tourist menu” with more than fifteen items listed is nothing more than a glorified bacteria breeding ground that will punish your body in unholy ways. At one such restaurant, my friend and I ordered two completely different kinds of meat and received the exact same meal, and my stomach subsequently suffered in ways I refuse to describe.

Only eat at trusted, professional establishments. Finally, only purchase street-side goods and food if they come in a sealed package, as they otherwise might be contaminated.

Go Overseas and Volunteer

6.- Personal Paragraph about the experience Gap Year Peru (ABV Program Testimonial):


The scenario by which I was introduced to A Broader View and the trip that would ultimately change my life played out as follows:

My friend: “Hey, Corin, I was thinking, and feel free to say no: would you be willing to go down to Peru with me for two weeks to do medical work? It was just an idea I had.”

Me: “Um, sure! Why not.”

… and thus did I find myself, hardly a month later, sleeping in a Peruvian bed in the house of a family I had known for exactly thirty minutes.

My experience as a Pre medical volunteer in Peru was beyond the power of words to describe; it changed my life, and my outlook on life, permanently. From the days that I spent at the hospital helping mentally and physically challenged children to grow stronger, healthier, and feel more loved, to exploring the city of Cusco and the Peruvian countryside, to living and sharing a home with a family that was willing to open its doors to me and my best friend, the experience brought new memories, awesome moments, and learning opportunities that I could never have even hoped for before.

To try to describe my trip in mere words is an exercise in futility. I can only say that I have been truly privileged to have been a part of this program, and will never forget Maria Elana, our hostess; Emily, our fellow volunteer who became a sister to us; Jhoselin, the two year old hospital patient who I fed, cared for, and grew to love each day at the clinic.

The Stafford family, medical volunteers from Texas with whom we grew incredibly close; Enrique, the physical therapist who took me under his wing and guided me through work at the clinic; Maximus, our host family’s trusty, faithful terrier; and so many other people who helped my friend and I on our journey through life in the hospital, Cusco, and Peru.

Go Abroad to Peru

7.- How would you describe your accommodation: meals, security, friendliness, quality others:


Meals: Nothing short of phenomenal; at home, Maria was a phenomenal cook who guaranteed that we were able to try new foods at every single meal and made sure that we were able to eat and enjoy every ingredient she used before cooking for us.

Security: It was always securely locked at night, fenced in on the outside, and located on a safe and quiet street. Suffice to say that I slept like a baby every single night of my stay.

Friendliness: Maria is nothing short of a second mother to my friend and me; she and her family treated us with compassion and enthusiasm, acting as though we were one of their own instead of complete strangers from another nation.

Quality: The house was well kept, the beds, kitchen, and bathrooms were spotless, the furniture was in fantastic condition, and the showers had hot water; overall, the living accommodation was pristine.

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

Quality of meals: _10_ if under 5, what was the issue: n/a

Quantity of each meal: _10_ if under 5, what was the issue: n/a

How clean was the house: _10_ if under 5, what was the issue: n/a

How safe was the house: _10_if under 5, what was the issue: n/a

8.- How were the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

Our local ABV Coordinator was none other than our hostess, Maria Elana; and while I believe I have almost exhausted my vocabulary of compliments, she treated us with respect and love from the moment she picked us up at the airport to when she dropped us back off in that same place 14 days later. Elena ensured that our tours were thoroughly planned, affordable, and ran on schedule, guaranteed that we knew exactly what we were doing at our program and when we needed to be there, and effectively handled what few problems we had with time management and touring during our stay.

9.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:


Volunteer Accommodation: the absolute favorite memory of my host family were the nights we spent staying up late planning for the next day; while this may seem insignificant in and of itself, the chemistry between my friend and I, Maria, and Emily made every conversation hilarious and profound, and I looked forward to those little moments of downtime, planning, and genuine bonding more than anything else at the house.

Program: By far the greatest, and most emotional, an experience I had at the clinic was saying my final farewell to Jhoselin, a two year old resident of the hospital who suffered from developmental retardation. Over the two weeks, I worked at the clinic, Jhoselin and I grew incredibly close, and saying goodbye after 14 days of watching her grow, learn, and develop proved to be the most emotional, powerful, and impressive experience of not just my work at the clinic, but my entire stay in Peru.

Country: My favorite memory from the time spent outside of the clinic and my host family was by far visiting Machu Picchu with my two friends. Besides being breath-taking in its beauty, the ruins provided a great opportunity for us to bond and have fun with one another, and the experiences we had on the mountaintop established themselves as the foundations of my greatest memory of the Peruvian countryside.

11.- How was the ABV USA support prior to traveling Gap Year Peru? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:

ABV USA was incredibly helpful, sending me plenty of information packets and reminders to book flights, helping me secure a volunteer insurance card, and emailing me a comprehensive packet to ensure I knew exactly what I needed to have prepared for my trip.

12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?


Put succinctly: it was an excellent system that allowed me to register in under two hours while still remaining comprehensive and loaded with necessary information.

13.- How did you find the A Broader View website?

Through my recommendation of my best friend, Harrison Chen, who introduced me to the ABV program.

14.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

While I will be extremely busy this coming year, I would love to make time to help another volunteer have the same incredible experience at any point I can

More Reviews read here

Other blogs

Testimonial Volunteer Peru Cusco

1.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

I volunteered at the clinic from 8:00-12:30 in the morning (4.5 hours) and had Spanish lessons in the afternoon from 2:00-6:00. When I arrived at the clinic in the morning, I would assist the nurses in washing, brushing the teeth of, and the changing the clothes of the children residing in the clinic (with neurological or physical issues).

I would then participate in a mix of shadowing and assisting with the children´s therapy. I would also help feed the children, as the majority of them are unable to eat on their own. The Spanish lessons were either at my host family’s house or the house of my professor, depending on the week. Often we would go on excursions during my Spanish lessons to experience more of the culture of Cusco while still receiving instruction.

2.- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?


Host Family: I expected my host family to be welcoming of me, but I was surprised at just how welcoming Maria Elena, her daughter, and her friends were. I truly felt like I had a “Peruvian mother.” I was invited to join in everything that was happening at the house and felt like I had a home here in Peru.

Program: I was surprised at how much it depends on you, the volunteer, to initiate doing things at the clinic. At the clinic, I was never outright told what to do or how to help – I needed to find my place there and ask questions, clarify what I was supposed to do, and have a lot of initiative.

This was refreshing and after getting settled in at the clinic I felt that I knew what I could and could not do and that I had found my place and capacity to help.

Country: I was very surprised by the mixing of old and new cultures here. You could walk down the street and see a woman dressed in traditional clothing one second, and the next you could see teenagers decked out in Adidas and Nike. You don´t see this kind of contrast in the United States.

Some people still live very traditional lives, and others have very modern lifestyles. It was really interesting to witness the blend of cultures on a daily basis.

Volunteer South America

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Host Family: I really did not have many challenging things that I experienced regarding my host family. If I had to choose one, it would be getting used to the times meals were eaten. I am used to the standard American schedule of a small breakfast at 8:00, medium lunch at 12:00, and a large dinner at 6:00.

Here, I ate breakfast before volunteering but then would not eat lunch until around 1:00 or 2:00 and it would be much larger than I am accustomed to, followed by a small dinner at around 8:00. I eventually grew to like this pattern better than the pattern in which I eat at home, but it was difficult to get used to at first.

Program: The language barrier at the clinic made asking questions and understanding instructions more difficult. The Spanish was spoken very quickly, which made it more difficult for me to comprehend. Peru is the first country I have visited, and although I studied Spanish in school, hearing it spoken by native speakers is much different!

I sometimes felt that I was not being as helpful as I could be or getting as much out of shadowing because I did not understand everything. I don’t like having to ask people to continually repeat themselves, and sometimes it felt like I had to do that. Accepting that I was not going to magically perfect my Spanish and be able to communicate fluidly with the medical staff within four weeks was hard to accept, but it was the reality and the experience was still great and I felt like I was doing the most that I could.

Country: The difference in pace here. I feel like my life at home is very rushed and there is always a strict schedule, but here it is quite different. It took a lot to get used to not having every single minute laid out for me and to relax. I did get the hang of it though, and it was nice to have that change of pace. It is a completely different culture here and even though I felt like I was coming in with an open mind, it was hard at first to get used to.

Gap Year Peru

4.- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, money, internet)

If volunteers are coming during the months of June-August, it would be wise to bring lots of layers of clothing – it can be quite warm during the afternoon, but at night it gets very cold. It is also always good to have a paper copy of your passport with you at all times – at some stores, you must have a copy of your passport to use a credit card to pay.

It is possible to pay with a credit card at many of the tourist spots, but I also found it good to always have some soles on me just in case. If you plan on doing a lot of hikes, it is a good idea to have at least two pairs of tennis shoes (or tennis shoes and hiking shoes). Also bring at least a week’s worth of socks.

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):

Host Family: Do not be afraid to express any concerns you have! Your host family is here to help you, and they want to know about anything and everything that is bothering you or is causing you stress.

Program: Don´t be afraid to jump right in! You might not receive much formal instruction on what you should be doing – ask the nurses, the program director, etc. Everyone is happy to help you and happy to have you helping them.

Country: The people here are extremely nice and polite. The weather is mostly predictable (especially if you come during the dry season), but the weather does change temperatures a lot during the course of a single day (cold morning and night, warm afternoon). I also found that taking taxis was the easiest mode of transportation, but the buses are definitely sufficient.

6.- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

Cusco, Peru, is the first place I have visited outside of my home country, the United States, and I could not have asked for a better experience. I go to college only about an hour and a half away from my home, so I am accustomed to seeing my family often. Was slightly nervous to be going abroad for a month as my first time out of the country, but everything about this program made my first experience fantastic.

I felt welcome, loved, and like I had a second family in Peru. Not once did I feel homesick the entire month I was here. I was able to get out of my comfort zone while knowing that I had a support system both here and in the U.S.A. to fall back on if I needed help. The volunteer aspect allowed me to get more experience in the field I hope to enter one day and gave me the opportunity to assist children and nurses. The Spanish lessons in a Spanish-speaking country were incredibly different from my classes at home and I improved my Spanish more in one month than I feel I have in many years.

Cusco was a wonderful place to be located because there was so much to do close to my homestay and so many archeological sites only a few hours away. There was always something to do in the downtime that I had, and I had support and suggestions from my host family for everything that I wanted to try and fit in in the month I have been here. Overall, I would highly, highly recommend this program to both those who have traveled the world and those who have never left their home town\city.

Volunteer Trips Overseas

7.- How would you describe your accommodation: meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

Meals: The meals that Maria Elena prepared for me were absolutely fantastic. There was not a single dish that I did not enjoy! She always confirmed that I liked the dish and she would have prepared me something different had I not.

There was a lot of variety, with most of the meals consisting of some kind of meat, vegetable, potato, or rice. The soup was also a staple, but the soups were always different and all delicious. The dishes were always prepared with fresh ingredients. The fruit was also always available (oranges, bananas, mangoes, etc.). I never once felt hungry nor obligated to eat.

Security: The house I stayed in was extremely secure. There was an outside gate that always remained locked and the door leading to the inside of the house also always remained lock. I never once felt unsafe or like I needed to have extra protection for my belongings. There were also keys available to lock my room if I so chose, but I never felt the need.

Friendliness: I felt so welcome here in Peru! Maria Elena and her family welcomed me with open arms and I genuinely felt like I was part of the family. I was invited (and strongly encouraged) to participate in all of the events put on at the house (i.e. birthday party for Maria Elena´s daughter, etc.). Every single visitor was so friendly and welcoming. I loved everyone that I met while staying at Maria Elena´s.

Quality: I could not have asked for a better homestay! I loved my time here and cannot speak highly enough of the quality. Everything was clean, organized, welcoming. My bedroom was large and I had plenty of room for my belongings. It gets quite cold at night but I had so many blankets I never felt it. As mentioned above, the people were beyond lovely and the house was as well.

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

Quality of meals: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

Every meal was great! I have no complaints.

Quantity of each meal: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

The portions were always sufficient and Maria Elena always confirmed that there was enough on my plate before serving me.

How clean was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

The house was cleaned almost every day that I was here. Towels and decorations were changed often and the kitchen was cleaned after every meal.

How safe was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

The house was extremely safe. There were two locks (an outside gate and a very strong lock for the front door). The house was also located in a safe area and I never felt that I or my belongings were in danger.

8.- How were the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

Maria Elena, my host mom, is also the local coordinator. ME was amazing! She picked me up from the airport (my flight was delayed a few hours and she had been waiting for a while but was still so positive and excited to see me). Maria went with me the first time to the clinic and introduced me to the director there and made sure that I was aware of what was happening at all times. I never had any problems regarding my work or Spanish lessons, but I have no doubt that she would have solved the problems with ease.

In terms of setting up excursions (i.e. Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, etc.), she was also fantastic. She went with me to see the program director she usually recommends and I always felt safe on the excursions. Whenever I and the other volunteer staying at the house went on any excursions, she checked in on us many times to make sure everything was going well and that we were okay. She always asked for feedback on everything – the Spanish lessons (she even switched our instructor to one who would be better suited to our learning style after listening to one of the lessons), our volunteer site, and our trips. She always responded right away to any questions or problems we had, and I never felt like I had trouble contacting her.

9.- What was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?

I began my day at the clinic at 8:00 am. When I arrived, I immediately went to the children’s unit and assisted the nurses with brushing the children’s teeth, changing their clothes, and bathing them. We then either spent time with the children in the form of taking them outside in their wheelchairs or assisted in their therapy. I helped feed the children lunch and after I would again assist in brushing their teeth and changing their clothes. Left the clinic at 12:30 pm (4.5 hours volunteered) and walked home, where I ate lunch.

After lunch, at 2:00 pm, I would go to my Spanish professor’s house and we would do two hours of grammar and then two hours of conversation practice outside of the house at different sites in Cusco (museums, different plazas, etc.). This was great because I felt like I got to experience much more of the city than I otherwise would have. At 6:00, I would either return to my host family’s house for dinner or stay out for dinner.

A lot of my evenings consisted of exploring the city – going to different restaurants, stores, markets, etc. I had excursions planned for every weekend that I was here. They included: a city tour, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. The schedule each weekend differed depending on the excursion.

Volunteer Peru Cusco

10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Accommodation: I have so many favorite memories! One of my favorites is when we had a birthday barbecue for Maria Elena´s daughter, Paty. Friends and family came over the house and cooked so many delicious dishes! Kaitlyn (the other volunteer staying at my homestay) and I made carrot cake for Paty, which was a very fun experience because we had to get creative with the recipe to accommodate for the altitude.

We got to meet so many friends of the family and watch the World Cup (which is a much bigger deal here than in the United States) together, which was so fun!

Program: My favorite memory from volunteering at San Juan de Dios would be when I got to assist with therapy for the children. The therapy was working on cognition and fine motor skills. Most of the children I worked with were nonverbal, so therapy consisted of puzzles and games involving fine motor movements in the children´s hands.

One day I was working with a child named Anibel, and he had finished all of his puzzles correctly. His reward was to blow bubbles. Witnessing the joy he was experiencing while blowing those bubbles is definitely my favorite memory at the clinic.

Country: Again, I have so many favorites! One would have to be my visit to Lake Titicaca. I got to stay the night in a hostel and then go out on a boat the next day and visit the floating islands and meet the people who live on them. It was such an eye-opening experience. That same weekend I stayed the night on one of the islands with a host family. It was their daughter´s 16^thbirthday so I got to celebrate that with her and her family.

The culture was so different on the islands from the mainland of Peru – different language, marriage traditions, etc., and it was really cool to get to see that firsthand. Also, the hikes that we did while on the islands were so beautiful it was really quite hard to believe that what I was seeing was real! At the top of one of the hikes, we could see Bolivia!

11.- How was the ABV USA support prior to traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:

The travel guide was extremely helpful to have before traveling – it had suggestions for clothing, money, airports, food, etc. The online chat service was also very helpful to have. I had a few questions before coming and I used the online chat and I always received a prompt response. The emails and calls helped remind what I needed to do before leaving the United States and had very clear instructions.

My flight was delayed and I called the emergency number that was in the guide to let them know, and they let my coordinator (and host mom) know. I also received text messages asking about updates on my flight´s arrival, which was extremely comforting – I knew that people were checking on me and making sure that all went well.

12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?


I felt that it was a very efficient and effective way to organize my program. Instructions were clear and easily followed, and the availability of the online chat made any confusing aspects seem much less daunting because there was always someone ready to help you with any questions you might have.

13.- How did you find Abroaderview website?

I was looking for medical internships to go abroad on the internet. I was searching for something that involved volunteering, and I typed those requirements into the search engine and the website for Abroaderview popped up.

14.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes, of course!

Volunteer Reviews Check here

Volunteer Peru Testimonial

1.- What was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

I typically would go to the orphanage at 8am. I would assist the girls in the ceramics class. Midmorning they would take a break and I would help with homework, teach English or teach an exercise class. We would then return to ceramics and I would stay until 1230. I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with the girls and getting to know them. I would share with them about my life and they would share with me about there’s.

The orphanage is an active place and I had to be flexible with my plans. One day I got to accompany the girls in the fields and pick ‘abas’ (kind of like lima beans), one day I helped the girls prepare foods and decorate for a celebration that would happen later that day, another day we all watched Peru in the world cup. There were always activities going on I could participate in or assist in.

2.- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?


Host Family: The host family was so warm and welcoming from day 1. It didn’t take any time for them to warm up. It was also really nice to be included in the family’s activities such as Maria Elena’s daughter’s birthday party, and a reunion of Maria Elena’s college friends.

Another really sweet thing was that Maria Elena made a special meal for me and the other volunteer from the USA on the 4^thof July. The food was INCREDIBLE and for sure reminded me of home It was so thoughtful of her to make a special meal for us and for her to celebrate with us so that we wouldn’t feel homesick not being with family on such a big day.

Also Maria Elena was full of advice of places to eat, places to go and things to do! It was very helpful to have someone who knew the city so well and had a good sense of what I would like.

I felt so welcomed and comfortable the whole time! As well as very supported.

Program: I felt very included in the activities and I felt like the leaders and the girls in the orphanage had my back. For example, one day we went out in the city and someone tried to overcharge me and one of the girls quickly stood up for me and asked for the rest of the money. It was really sweet to feel a part of the group and not a visitor.

Country: The people are very respectful and more formal than I was used to. I did volunteer work in Nicaragua and studied abroad in Spain both countries I was very frequently cat-called. That almost never happened in Peru, it was really refreshing. I felt very accepted, welcomed and safe in Peru. I really really like the people here, lovely people.

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?


Host Family: I really didn’t experience any challenges with the host family. And if I did, I felt so supported and there was trust built that I would have felt comfortable telling them.

Program: Because I am fluent in Spanish people talk to me. And the girls at the orphanage a few times shared some gossip with me and didn’t want me talking to one of the other girls at the orphanage. I felt like they had put me in the middle and it was a bit of an uncomfortable feeling, but I was able to find my balance in listening to the girls and not encouraging gossip.

Country: I would have liked to make some local friends my age, but I didn’t really have a lot of time to do so, it was also hard to get to know local people my age. I don’t know if there could have been a social with university students, or if there is some sort of language intercambio/exchange with students learning English that I could have attended to make local friends.

Go Overseas to Peru

4.- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, money, internet)


Bring a hat for sure, the sun is intense. Also bring lots of socks. I re-wore clothes a few times but re-wearing socks were kind of gross. Good hand lotion would be good too because it is very cold and very dry and my skin got pretty dry here.

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):


Host Family: You will feel so at home!! Maria Elena has got your back, she is a lovely host mom 

Message her ahead of time so you are in contact and she has a way to reach you when you are at the airport and traveling. Also the food is amazing so come with an appetite ;)

Program: If you have an idea of something you would like to do, feel free to speak up and let them know. They are open to ideas. Also, bring some games from the US. They already know UNO so maybe another one to teach them, the girls really enjoyed that. Something that isn’t language-based – Jenga, puzzles, etc.

Country: Bring your own toilet paper everywhere. Also, it’s colder than you would think. If you have a sensitive stomach/system you should bring your favorite remedies from home because products are different here. For example, bring Dramamine if you get motion sick because if you travel there are some long drives on some curvy roads.

6.- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):


This has been one of my favorite travels of my whole life. I have done a lot of traveling and have had mostly good experiences but my time with ABV has been one of my favorites of all of my travels. The host family experience was incredible.

My host Mom welcomed me with open arms from day one and was always checking in on me to be sure that I had everything I needed to be comfortable and feel supported. The experience with the director, wonderful- I have felt so supported throughout the whole process.

I really enjoyed my volunteer site- an orphanage. I was able to really build relationships with the girls in the orphanage over my month long time with them. The girls were so welcoming and inclusive of me, I really felt like part of the family.

I enjoyed hearing their stories and they were interested and asked me questions about my life too. I also really enjoyed my Spanish classes which I had for 4 hours a day in a group of 2.

My classes were designed specifically to meet my needs and where I am at as well as where I would like to be. Additionally, the classes had a component of conversation that would often happen out in the streets in a local market or museum.

Also, Maria Elena helped me to plan weekend trips with a local travel agency and I was soooo thankful for that help because there are SO many travel agencies and I would have no idea which ones were good and which ones were not.

Literally, everything was wonderful- the program, the city, the host family the trips, the food and the lodging. Everything went so smoothly and I feel like I learned a lot about a new culture and was hopefully able to encourage some girls in need about their value and encourage them in general with life decisions. So thankful for this time. I would recommend this program to any and everyone!!

Volunteer Trip Peru

7.- How would you describe your accommodation: meals, security, friendliness, quality others:


Meals: Meals were lovely. Fresh fruit was always available which I really appreciated. Maria Elena provided a really nice variety of food, we had chicken, pork, eggs, beef. She was always mixing it up. She also switched up the soups a lot too.

The variety gave a good taste of lots of local foods and kept it interesting. She was also sensitive to American tastes…. not serving us any organs or intestines which can be common but I wouldn’t really want to try necessarily.

Tea and hot beverages were always on hand which was welcoming in such cold weather. Also fresh clean safe to eat veggies were provided often which was a lovely addition.

Security: I felt very safe the whole time, a safe neighborhood and a safe city. I didn’t feel like such a tourist and like I stood out even though I am very fair skinned. I felt comfortable and at peace walking around. The locals are very friendly and many lookouts for tourists.

Friendliness: So kind and friendly. I really felt like part of the family. So thankful for the time I had. From day one I felt at home, welcomed, comfortable to ask anything. Wonderful host family experience!!

Quality: Very nice place to stay, cozy and comfortable. Great location. Comfortable bed, nice bathroom, storage, TV, Netflix.

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

Quality of meals: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

Quantity of each meal: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How clean was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How safe was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

8.- How were the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

Maria Elena was amazing! So helpful, thoughtful, kind, supportive and always available. Maria Elena was waiting at the airport for me with a sign, a smile and a warm hug. She walked me around the city so that I could have a feel for where things were. She showed me bus routes and stops.

And she went with me my first day so that I would know how to get to my site and back as well as to introduce me to the leaders of the organization and help me to get oriented.

Maria Elena always helped me to coordinate with the leaders at the orphanage special activities such as the talk I gave and the goodbye party I had. She worked with me and my Spanish teacher to make a schedule that worked best and was always quick to communicate with me if something changed. ME was always friendly and responsive.

Thankfully I didn’t really encounter any problems that needed to be solved. That being said, Maria Elena was frequently checking in on me to be sure that everything was going well and to ask me if I needed anything or if I was encountering any problems/ wanted anything to be different.

Volunteering in Peru Cusco

9.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?

I typically would go to Orphanage at 8am. I would assist the girls in the ceramics class. Midmorning they would take a break and I would help with homework, teach English or teach an exercise class. We would then return to ceramics and I would stay until 1230. I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with the girls and get to know them.

After I would finish volunteering in the orphanage I would head back to my host family’s home, I would eat lunch and then have a little bit of downtime before my 4 hour Spanish class block. After my Spanish class was over I would either stay in the city center and eat dinner or return to my host family’s place for dinner.

10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:


Accommodation: I really enjoyed being included in my host family’s BBQ for my host Mom’s daughter’s birthday. I made a cake with the other girl in my program- which was a lot of fun trying to figure out how to bake in a higher altitude. While we were working on that Maria Elena was working on the food as was her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend.

I helped cut the cake, serve, clean etc. I felt just like I was at home helping with a family event. It also was a lot of fun meeting more of the family and genuinely feeling welcomed as part of it.

Volunteer Program: My going away party at the orphanage was so lovely. The girls prepared a big poster with me and some made small gifts for me. I brought a cake, cookies, chips and sodas. The leader of the program did a little speech and then some of the girls talked. I then received the card and through a few tears shared with the girls how thankful I am for each one of them.

I really got to know the girls and build relationships with them. It was so hard to say goodbye—which really indicates a lot of love and relationships built.

Country: It is so hard to choose just one favorite memory of the country. It is such an amazing place!! I got to do and see so much!

But I really enjoyed my day trip to Rainbow Mountain. The food was so good and there was lovely comradery amongst the fellow adventurers. It is in such a rural area which was really fun to experience culturally to see how other people in the world live.

Riding a horse up the mountain was a lot of fun and was relaxing. And once we got to the top it was absolutely amazing! Soo beautiful! Even better than the pictures if that is even possible. The guide was great and everything was orderly and timely and ran very smoothly.

11.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:

Everything was SOO prompt. It was amazing!! Lori was always online to help with any questions that I had along the way. Additionally, Sarah provided lots of great information specific to my travels prior to me arriving.

I also found the volunteer guide very helpful. I felt like I had a good idea of what to expect and what to pack to be prepared.

Gap Year Peru Cusco

12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?


It was very efficient and easy to use.

13.- Who did you find Abroaderview website?

I found the website from a google search. I was specifically looking for a program in South America where I could volunteer, live with a host family, and take Spanish classes.

14.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes of course! In fact I would really enjoy talking to someone if they had any questions.

Other Reviews

Volunteering in Peru Cusco Review Mary Helfrich Childcare program

1- What was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

I went to the child care center during the week from 8am until the kids left at 1:30pm! This was a perfect schedule because I was able to pass time with the kids, but I also had afternoons free to explore the amazing city of Cusco. At the kindergarten I helped the kids with their work, played with them at recess and even taught them a little bit of English. The classroom that I was in was kids of the age of 5 years old. They were so sweet, loving and free spirited! Their smiles made the volunteer experience amazing.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Host Family: I was surprised how quickly I felt at home at my home stay in Cusco. Once I arrived home, my host mom made sure that I knew where everything was and made me feel like a part of the family. Staying at a homestay in a foreign country really adds a lot of an abroad experience. Home stays allow you to fully immerse in the culture and it always nice to have a family supporting you!

Program: At first I was nervous to go to the volunteer program because I wasn’t sure what I would be doing and if there would be anything for me to do. It was amazing that the teachers and the kids welcomed me with open arms. Each kids greeted me with a big hug and a warm “buenos dias” every morning!

Country: Of course I was nervous to go to a country all by myself, but I was pleasantly surprised that Cusco is full of nice people and I never felt in danger. I also had the chance to go on a city tour of Cusco, which I 100 percent recommend. There is so much history in and around Cusco that it is important to appreciate what is right in the city that you´re volunteering in!

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Host Family: I was lucky enough to have experience with living in a home stay before my trip to Cusco, so entering a homestay in Peru was not too challenging for me. For some advice though. I would say, make sure that you ask your homestay what the rules of the house are at the beginning and discuss any potential issues when they arise. This is will avoid a lot of issues during your stay and will help you feel more comfortable!

Program: The most challenging part of the program is being willing to put yourself out there at your volunteer location. It may feel uncomfortable because your location has a schedule that they follow every day, but stepping out of your comfort zone will help you get the most out of your time.

Country: The most challenging part of the country of Peru was learning the societal norms. Before traveling it is always important to look up information such as tipping and other parts of the culture. Although the people of Cusco were always nice, it was important that I didn’t let my guard down and walked with awareness of my surroundings. Traveling can be amazing but you also just have to remember to be smart!

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, money, internet)

Make sure you bring toilet paper with you just in case. Although your homestay will have toilet paper, sometimes the volunteer locations have limited supplies. Bug spray is also a must if you plan on traveling to Machu Picchu! In Cusco, there isn´t a large need for the bug spray, but once you travel to Machu Picchu, mosquitos become a big problem. As for internet/phone use, if you have AT&T there is a nice deal of 10$/day to use your phone as normal in Peru. I only traveled for a week, so paying that small price a day was worth it so that I could have my phone in case of emergencies rather than looking for wifi.

5- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):

Host Family: Spend time with your host family! They will really help with your Spanish.

Country: At the airport, get some soles (money of Peru). This will help you when you´re in the airport and when you first arrive to get some water bottles and snacks.

6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

Coming to Cusco with A Broader View was probably one of the best experiences of my life. Just like everyone would be if they came to a foreign country alone, I was nervous that something would go wrong or I would find the experience too difficult. With the support of Maria Elena, her family, ABV in America, my volunteer location and the people of Cusco, I was the happiest person ever. I got to volunteer as well as learn the unique history of Cusco, Peru and the Incan people. The US and Peru have so many differences, but by coming to Cusco I have a new appreciation for happiness. Seeing the kids of the kindergarten come to school with big smiles of their faces reminded me that happiness isn’t based on the things that you have, but rather what you make of it!

Volunteer in Peru Cusco

7- How would you describe your accommodation: meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

Meals: Delicious! My host mom really listened to what I liked and did not like and always made sure that I had a full stomach.

Security: I always felt secure during my trip to Cusco. The homestay had a fence that locked as well as the front door that both were always locked.

Friendliness: The people of Cusco are so friendly! From my homestay, to the teachers at the kindergarten, to the locals in restaurants, the people of Peru made Cusco feel like a second home.

7.1- Score the following from 1 to 10:

Quality of meals: 10, so delicious and filling

Quantity of each meal: 10

How clean was the house: 10

How safe was the house: 10, never felt in danger or uncomfortable

8- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

The ABV Coordinator in Cusco was amazing! Maria Elena picked me up at the airport right when I arrived, even though I missed my original connecting flight! Once she got to know me as well, she worked with me to set up the best volunteer experience I could possibly have. She always went above and beyond to make sure that I was getting the most out of my experience. She gave me tips of good restaurants, places to see and what to do with my free time.

9- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Accommodation: My favorite memory of my homestay was being able to sit around the table and practice my Spanish. It sometimes can be difficult to practice Spanish back in the US, so being able to talk with Maria Elena and her family made my Spanish improve tremendously!

Program: My favorite memory from the program was seeing the kids smile every day when I walked in the room. They all started calling me their “english teacher” and my mornings become full of teaching them every word they wanted to know in English. They are so sweet and it is grounding how grateful they all are that you are spending time with them.

Country: My favorite memory from Peru is the “home-y-ness” of Cusco and Machu Picchu!! Machu Picchu was an absolutely breathtaking and humbling site to see. I didn’t have anything planned before coming to Cusco, but Maria Elena helped set everything up for me so that I could see the amazing ruins.

10- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:

ABV prior to traveling to Cusco was great. They sent me emails regarded tasks that I still needed to complete as well as an in depth guide of tips for traveling to Cusco. All of my emails were answered promptly and when I missed my connection flight to Cusco, someone was available by phone 24/7 to let the ABV coordinator know as soon as possible.

11- What do you think about the reservation system online?

I had no issues with the online application/reservation system! My application was responded to quickly and the process was simple and fast to complete.

12- How did you find Abroaderview website?

I actually just googled volunteering abroad opportunities and it came up as an option. After doing some research into potential programs, ABV had great reviews and I am happy I chose to travel with ABV.

13- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Of course!

Volunteer Peru Cusco orphanage

Peru

1.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

Monday through Friday I woke up at 7:30 am to get ready to go volunteer at the clinic. Maria would be awake and put out a breakfast, and we would have a quick convo before I head out at 8:30 to get to the clinic. I took the bus, with a possible two different buses, and got to the clinic at 9:00 am, right when the doctor came. Depending on the businesses of the day, I would take the bus home from 1:00 – 1:30 pm and get to the house about thirty minutes later.

Then Maria would have the table set for us to eat lunch- We relaxed, talked, ate our lunches, and I would either explore the city in the afternoon as per Maria´s suggestions or would hang out at the house with the family. On the weekends was my time to explore the extensive history of Cusco, and I would go on trips that Maria, along with an extremely friendly travel agent, would plan with me.

2.- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?


• Host Family: How caring generous, and genuinely happy the host family was to have me in their home. Seeing that it was such a pleasure for them made it even a greater pleasure for me.
• Program: How easy, and effortlessly coming to a different continent was to plan. Organize, and communicate.
• Country: How kind all of the Peruvian people are, and how welcoming they are.

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?


• Host Family: Not having any other volunteers with me. This was slightly challenging in the beginning. Being in a new country, a new city, it would have been nice and helpful to have someone else experience it with me – but this, in the long run, did not deter my time. As I got more comfortable in the house, city and with the host family, I ventured out more.
• Program: Not exactly knowing where my place was and what was expected of me. A few days into the clinic though, it became slightly easier and I became more comfortable in the environment.
• Country: Finding places to eat. I had a terrible fear of getting sick and always wondered which places were best to eat at.

4.- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, money, internet)


It is always nice and part of your mission as a volunteer to donate to the cause or place you are volunteering at. This shows a huge sign of respect. Being respectful is key, in any workplace, especially a new work in a new country. Brushing up on Spanish will build rapport with those around you, and will definitely improve when you get here.

Understanding the culture of the country is also important. Prior to coming to Cusco, I tried to read up on some of the cultural differences. Peru is a country traditionally based on a maternal root. Having the slightest bit of knowledge such as not sitting in the front rows of the bus, because this is for elderly, mothers and pregnant women, as well as knowing that an appropriate greeting involves a kiss on the cheek, will build rapport, and make you feel like you are part of the community as well.

A far as money is concerned, if you want to do the big trips such as Machu Picchu and Lago Titikaka, the travel agencies take American dollars and it is roughly $700 more or less for both depending on the packages you receive. Things in an Americans perspective are much cheaper in Peru – which is good, but you also want to have enough money.

I did not eat out, being that I ate at the house every day. Went to Machu Picchu, Lago Titikska, Puno, The Sacred Valley, and bought the tourist ticket in Cusco ( a ticket that costs 130 soles and allows you access to many many tour opportunities in Cusco, asks about it) and on top of that bought souvenirs for myself and my family. I was in Cusco for 2 weeks and brought roughly $1,000. This is just an example, but everyone budgets differently.

My host family house did have wifi, it was an additional US$20 upon my arrival and was completely worth it. With the internet, you can video call your family and friends, call them regularly through facetime audio, Viber, or WhatsApp, and also have access to email, Netflix, or anything else you may desire when you´re down here.

Whether you are coming in the dry or wet season, I would highly recommend packing a windbreaker, a raincoat, hiking boots, and many layers. If you are in a medical type of program, please pack scrubs. Did I mention to pack hiking boots? They will come in handy and they are the boots I have worn most since I have been here.

Volunteer Peru

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):


Host Family: Someone is welcoming you into their home. – their home, their accommodations, and your open mind. Of course is something is detrimental to your health or safety, please inform somebody. Otherwise, you must have an open mind and join in the lifestyle. You are responsible for making yourself comfortable.

The first thing I did when I arrived was going to the market and by two jugs of water. I kept them in my room and filled a water bottle I had. This was my assurance that I constantly had clean water. The houses in Cusco also do not have heat or air conditioning. Knowing this, I packed a throw blanket from home because I wanted to make my room feel homier and I knew I may need it.

Program: ABV does a great job with placement and communicating with you, but when it comes to changes that may occur in your schedule you need to inform them and let them know.

Country: Cusco is a city, so be mindful of your things at all times like you would in any other city. Treat people with respect and you will be respected. My biggest suggestion on doing this is learning some basic Spanish. It will help on the street and in taxis as well.

6.- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):


This experience as a whole has surpassed my expectations as a volunteer. I am taking way more out of this program that I feel I even put in. The growth that you see yourself is something only time can prove. ABV was the more credible program I found online after many weeks of research, and they have not disappointed me one bit.

The entire process has felt seamless, and even when there were small bumps in the road, such as my outgoing flight being delayed, ABV was there when I called and made arrangement accordingly. One of the most important concerns I had was my safety, and I can confidently say, there has not been one time when I felt like I was not being treated correctly, or not safe. This opportunity has been fantastic!

7.- How would you describe your accommodation: meals, security, friendliness, quality others:


Meals: Three meals a day, none of which got me sick. Delicious, flexible, and comfortable.

Security: Very safe. I had the keys to the two outside doors and a key to my room personally. I never once felt at danger.

Quality: Fantastic! Coming to another country and being welcomed into a home and being shown a community in a safe and friendly environment is a great quality to me.

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

Quality of meals: __10_ if under 5, what was the issue:

The quantity of each meal: _11__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How clean was the house: __8_ if under 5, what was the issue:

How safe was the house: __10_ if under 5, what was the issue:

8.- How were the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

The ABV coordinator, Maria Elena, was efficient, clear, and a pleasure to work with. Maria spoke to me through the application WhatsApp the day before my flight as well as when I was at the airport. The coordinator informed me again of what I needed to do once I landed in Cusco and was there for me outside when I finished at the airport. She instantly started talking to me about Cusco, and where I will be working. She assured me that I would like the location because she knows the people who work there, and it is mostly younger women – she was right, I liked it a lot.

Every night we would go over what my plan was for the next day, and she was there for me when I thought I wanted to change my schedule. She always brought different options to the table. Maria went to work with me the first day and then came another day to take pictures. She also introduced me to a travel agent that ended up booking all of my trips and treated me like family. I can not express how friendly she was, and how confident I was with her coordinating the events I did with the program.

Volunteering in Peru

9.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?

I volunteered from 9 to roughly 1:30 every day. I would then go back to the house, eat with Maria Elena and sometimes her family. We would hang out, talk, and relax. Some days I stayed in the house, other days Maria Elena and I would go into town, the supermarket or Maria Elena would make a suggestion on where I should go into town. One thing I did upon her suggestion was seeing a show of all the folk dances and songs of Cusco. It was only 30 soles and about an hour.

It was in a tiny theatre and was something I enjoyed. Then on my first weekend on Saturday, I did the sacred valley which I loved, then overnight went to Machu Picchu and went to Machu Picchu on Sunday which was amazing, and came back to Cusco Sunday night. During my second week, I did the city tour and then my second weekend I left Friday night to go to Puno and Lago Titikaka. I returned early Sunday morning and then at 8:30 am met the bus to go to Maras and Moray which was also such a beautiful drive and experience.

10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:


Accommodation: I loved lunch time. I never paid too much attention to lunch in the US, and my family never eats lunch together because everyone is at work. I loved coming home in Cusco and eating lunch at a table with others. Maria Elena also has a great assortment of tea, so lunch was usually followed by a nice little tea break.

Program: My excitement about the program and my relief on how I was able to plan this on my own, with the help of such a credible program,

Country: I loved the sacred valley. It was my first tour, so maybe that’s why it stuck in my head. I just remember thinking like, wow this country is beautiful, and there is so so much history here. I also loved my group for the sacred valley and had a great tour guide.

11.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide

ABV USA answered all of my emails (there were a few) and all of my phone calls. The orientation packet emailed to me was also extremely helpful, as well as Sarah. I spoke to her multiple times over the phone about concerns I had with safety and packing and she always answered promptly and did not steer me wrong. The volunteer guides and orientation booklets on passed volunteers suggestions is also a list I personally used to help myself pack and was very helpful.

12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?

It was easy to fill out. It was also easy to access, and easy to apply as well as easy to view all the prices that were involved in the program. I like how you can choose your own dates, as well as had a quick hear back time from the program about being accepted. It was very flexible being that I applied as last minute as I possibly could, unintentionally, for the dates I wanted, and I did not feel behind in the planning process at all.

13.- Who did you find Abroaderview website
?

I did a lot of research online. I also spoke to many volunteer programs. After finding ABV, I read blog websites on reviews, as well as looked at my school’s websites. Once I saw that my undergraduate and graduate education have sent students through ABV, I knew it was the right choice.

14.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Sure, I´d like to help. Email is probably best for reaching out.

Read some more Peru Reviews

Volunteer Peru

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?

It was really good, Maria Elena was a great host mom, she was there at the airport as soon as I arrived and she helped me with anything I needed. She took me to my work the first day and to Spanish class and showed me around the town and the places to go. She was extremely helpful.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: I was the only volunteer at the dental hospital, I was expecting there to be a few of us there.

Host Family: How good the food was and how welcoming and helpful everybody was towards me.

Country: The weather! During the day it gets pretty warm and at night it gets pretty cold.

ABV: volunteers choose from many program and many locations, so you may be the only one in one dental program as we have to send other volunteers to other dental programs, we can’t place them all in one program as it will not be conducive for a good experience.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: I was the only volunteer at the hospital so it was very hard for me to talk to the doctors, since my Spanish was not the best.

Host Family: I did not have any challenges with the host family. Maria Elena was great!

Country: The language barrier! My Spanish “was not as good as I thought” so it was very hard for me to communicate/understand others. Practice before volunteering and pay for Spanish lessons.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

1. If you are going during the summer, bring short sleeve t-shirts for the day because it gets warm!
2. When bringing American money, make sure there are no tears in it because they will not accept it when trying to convert it to soles. This is explained in the volunteer guide.

5.1- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

1. The orientation guide covered everything, I don’t think there is anything else that needs to be added.

Volunteering in Peru

6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

I think this was a great experience/opportunity for me. I worked at the dental hospital and it was great to see how different they treat their patients and the different accommodations they have to make. Living at Maria Elena´s was very nice, everything thing here was amazing. She had hot water, wifi and the meals were great! I think if you have the chance you should defiantly volunteer abroad, it’s an experience you’ll never forget!

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

Maria Elena’s house was a great place! She had hot water in the showers, wifi, and you could watch tv (Netflix) in the living room. The meals were great, I was not expecting them to be as good as they were. The house/neighborhood felt very secure and everybody I met was extremely nice.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Program: Getting to go to the children’s daycare and put fluoride in their mouth, it was great to be able to interact with the kids and help them with their hygiene.

Host Family: Maria Elena had a dance teacher come to her house one night and we all got to learn how to dance!

Country: Machu Picchu, it was by far the prettiest thing Ive ever seen. Once we got to the top it was breath taking.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

The help with the ABV support was great, whenever I had questions I asked them online (chat) and they were always able to help me right away with my questions.

9.1- Who did you find Abroaderview website

My friend went through ABV the summer (2016) before me and also worked at the dental clinic and said he enjoyed it so he was my reference.

10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes, I would be willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers .

Volunteer Peru

1.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

I would wake up at around 7:30 am, have breakfast with Marie Elena.  I would volunteered from 8:30am until 12:30 pm, come home and have lunch with family.  Some afternoons were spent volunteering, and some afternoons were spent sightseeing.

2.- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Host Family:  Marie Elena is very kind, and supportive.  She made us feel right at home, always had fresh warm, and delicious food ready for us.
Program:  I worked in dental clinics, and noticed that there is lack of dental restorative materials.  The dentists and dental students have very good skills, but lack equipment and supplies, bring donations.
Country:  I was surprised how cold Cusco was, especially at night.  Also, I was surprised at the skill level of the dentists at the hospital.  They are quite capable, but lack instruments and equipment.

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Host Family: Marie Elena was very nice, and made sure I had a good experience here.  There were no challenges for our family with regards to the accommodation.
Program:  There was a strike at Cusco when we were here, and therefore not too many patients at the hospital.  But I still was able to see a fair amount of patients at the hospital.  The challenge at the hospital is the lack of supplies and equipment.
Country:  I did not expect the high altitude to bother me as much as it did.  I had a hard time breathing for the first couple of days.  It did get better as time went by, but I find I get tired very quickly, and I think it has to do with the high altitude.

4.- Any tips for future volunteers…

Make sure you bring warm clothing, it gets really cold at night.  Take it easy for the first couple of days until your body adjusts to the high altitude if you are over 50.  To dental students and dentist volunteers, bring dental supplies if you can, they can really use it and will appreciate it.

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):

Host Family:  We stayed with Marie Elena, and she took real good care of our family.  She made sure we were comfortable, and well taken care of.  She also gave us very good tips about Cusco, and outings.
Program: Come with an open mind, things may not always go as smoothly as you expect.  You may experience a different way of doing things at volunteer location, but will have the opportunity to learn a lot.
Country:  Cusco is a big city, and is quite safe.  Sometimes things get done at a slower pace that you are used to.  People are very nice and always ready to help you.

Volunteering in Peru

6.- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

It has been an interesting experience volunteering in Cusco.  It changed my perspective as to how things are done in another country.  I found the dentists at the hospital to be quite skillful with the limited resources. Cusco is very safe, and people are really nice here.  Marie Elena was really helpful during our stay here.

7.- How would you describe your accommodation: meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

Meals:  The food was always prepared fresh daily, and was always delicious.
Security:  I felt very safe in the house that I lived in.  It was in a nice neighborhood
friendliness:  Marie Elena is the best.  Very friendly and welcoming

Volunteering in Peru

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

• Quality of meals: 10
• Quantity of each meal:  10
• How clean was the house:  10
• How safe was the house:  10

8.- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

Marie Elena met us at the airport when we arrived. She is very friendly, kind and supportive.  She gave us tips how to navigate the city.  She also took time and effort to make sure that  we are happy at the volunteer location.

9.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?

Usually volunteered from 8:30 to 12:30 pm.  Sometimes volunteered in the afternoon also.  The first week, I worked at the hospital.  The second week I was working in the orphanage.

10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Accommodation:  We had a surprise good bye lunch.  Marie Elena make delicious food, and desert from scratch, with fresh flowers on the table.  We felt very special.  We will miss her.
Program:  My favorite memory is of people I met at the hospital and orphanage.  I was surprised how resourceful the doctors were, and how patient the patients were.  Everyone is very polite and respectful.
Country:  I enjoyed the beautiful mountains, and scenery.  We travelled to Machu Picchu and although it was a challenge, it was worth it.  The people have a simple life and I learned a lot.

11.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:

Support was very good online.  Emails were answered promptly.

12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?

Online support was very good.  Answered all my questions

Volunteer Peru

1.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

I study Spanish in a local school from 8:30-12:30 during the week. After classes, I have a break for two hours. After the break, I volunteer in an orphanage until 5:30. The rest of the evening is mine to spend as I wish.

2.- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Host Family: The family was very welcoming and warm. They make me feel like part of the family. I was not expecting such kind people.

Program: I was surprised about how self-sufficient the girls in the orphanage are.

Country: It was shocking how quickly the weather conditions can change here. It can be warm and sunny one moment and then cold and rainy the next.

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Host Family: In the house, the family speaks Spanish. Although I have studied the language a little in the past, it was very difficult for me to communicate and understand them at first, but I am improving at a rapid pace.

Program: Communication continues to be difficult. This is greatly due to the fact that much of the conversation is in a group and not directed at me. It is sometimes difficult to understand the language.

Country: I was not expecting to negotiate so much in Cusco. From taxis to local markets, there is often not a set price. For example, a taxi driver may say the taxi ride costs 6 soles, but you can and should argue for a fairer price when the drivers try to overcharge.

4.- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, money, internet)

Make sure to bring clothing for layering. The weather is very volatile.

Additionally, the altitude caused me small problems, but I believe the altitude sickness pills I took helped me greatly.

Volunteer in Peru

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

Host Family: It is important to understand that the food may be very different than what is typical in other countries. For example, the people here eat a lot more carbohydrates than in my country. It is important to understand that many of the differences that are experienced while abroad are not necessarily bad. They are just different.

Program: It is important to communicate with the local coordinator if any problems arise. They likely can help significantly. Communication is key.

Country: Cusco is at a very high altitude. It is important to take it easy for the first few days to avoid altitude sickness.

6.- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

I have really enjoyed my time in Peru. Cusco is a beautiful city with many activities. The girls and workers in the orphanage are quite self-sufficient here. The most important thing the orphanage needs from volunteers are donations. These can range from clothing to school supplies to other necessary materials.

7.- How would you describe your accommodation: meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

Meals: They are normally very good. One should expect lighter breakfasts and dinners and larger lunches.

Security: The city feels very safe. Like any city, it is best not to be out alone during the night. This is simply practical.

friendliness: Everyone has been friendly here. There have been no problems for me.

Quality: The city is beautiful and has many fun activities for volunteers during time away from work.

8.- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

The local coordinator is excellent. She is very friendly and responds quickly to messages. She is willing to help volunteers with any problems or with scheduling travel.

9.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Accommodation: I really enjoyed spending the 30th of August with the family. It was a holiday in Peru, and the entire family gathered and ate at a rustic restaurant. It was a beautiful day.

Program: I really enjoyed communicating with the girls from the orphanage. I remember my first successful conversation with them in Spanish. It felt very rewarding.

Country: I really enjoyed traveling on the weekends and would highly recommend this. Travel was surprisingly inexpensive. I am looking forward to visiting the Rainbow Mountains this weekend.

Gap Year Peru

10.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:

I found Sarah to be very helpful and friendly through emails. I primarily communicated with her.

11.- What do you think about the reservation system online?

It was very straight forward and easy to understand. I see no problems with it.

12.- Who did you find Abroaderview website
?

I traveled to Peru with my friend, Megan Lacombe, and she showed me the website for the first time.

13.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes, I am more than willing to communicate with them.

Volunteer in Peru

1.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

During week days, I would wake up at 7:30 in the morning, have breakfast and volunteer from 8.30 am until 12:30 pm.  Then, I would come home for lunch. Some afternoons, I would volunteer and some afternoons I would go sight-seeing. At the end of a long day, I would come back to our host family´s house.  I would eat a freshly prepared dinner, and go to sleep.  I spent the weekends exploring Cusco.

2.- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Host Family:  Our host family, Marie Elena was very kind and was willing to compromise her schedule and cater our needs.
Program:  The patients at hospital and orphanage were very patient, and hardly complained about pain.
Country:  It is a beautiful city, but was somewhat cold.  Weather changes very quickly, and I would suggest bringing layers of clothing.  I didn’t experience any safety problems and the people of Peru were very kind.

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Host Family:  No challenges with host family
Program:  No challenges
Country:  It was cold at times, especially at night.  I also had to adjust to lower oxygen levels due to the higher altitude of the city, Cusco.

4.- Any tips for future volunteers…

I would suggest packing layers of clothing for all future volunteers coming in August.  For dental volunteers, I would suggest bringing extra materials.

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

Host Family:  Future volunteers should know that the host family’s house is safe and the hosts are welcoming.
Program:  Volunteers should work with an open-mind.  Many things are done differently here than in North America or Europe.
Country:  I would advise future volunteers to learn about the rich Peruvian culture while they are in Peru.  There are also many herbs and tees that are used for different health reasons.  I would advise future volunteers to try them.

6.- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

This volunteer position opened my eyes and gave me a greater perspective on the world and dentistry.  I had the opportunity to experience different standards, cultures, and places.  I would definitely recommend this program for anyone who wants to help people, gain experience or even travel.

7.- How would you describe your accommodation: meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

Meals:  The host family provided me with three fresh meals a day.  She also showed us great restaurants.
Security:  There were no security problems.  I felt safe and my belongings were also safe.
Friendliness:  My host family was welcoming and friendly.  She made sure that there were no problems with our accommodation.
Quality:  Everything was excellent quality.

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

• Quality of meals: 10
• Quantity of each meal: _10
• How clean was the house: 10
• How safe was the house: 10

8.- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

Our host family – Marie Elena picked us from airport, holding a sign.  She was very friendly.    She offered me four different volunteer opportunities .  She ensured that I  had a good balance of volunteering and exploring the city.

9.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?

During week days, I would wake up at 7:30 in the morning, have breakfast and volunteer from 8.30 am until 12:30 pm.  Then, I would come home for lunch. Some afternoons, I would volunteer and some afternoons I would go sight-seeing. At the end of a long day, I would come back to our host family´s house.  I would eat a freshly prepared dinner, and go to sleep.  I spent the weekends exploring Cusco.

10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Accommodation:  During one of my last days of this trip, Mary-Elena prepared a beautiful and delicious dinner for us.
Program:  I met a lot of kind people and gained a lot of experience.
Country:  I took a beautiful refreshing two-day hike to Machu Picchu.

11.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:

The staff and coordinators were quick and efficient to answer emails.  This made it easier to make arrangements.

12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?

The coordinators responded quickly with detailed emails.