Peru

The two weeks I spent in Cusco, Peru was an amazing adventure, both for me and for my future in medicine. I enjoyed the city so much and loved the culture I was able to experience. I think I could have had a better volunteering experience if the clinic in Chinchero maybe was more aware of volunteers and had set protocols for us. I found myself really looking to fill in time and just roaming around trying to find something to do. The nurses were very kind and I learned a lot about the medical system in Peru. Overall, some of the changes that could have been made also stemmed from me just needing to be more outgoing and asking others if they needed help. The adventures I did on my own time were amazing and I loved my stay. I really enjoyed the food and my host family were always very helpful and supportive. I felt extremely lucky while staying in Cusco and would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is thinking about doing an IVHQ program.

It might be cheesy to say that I experienced something life-changing in Cusco Peru, but it’s true. I loved every second of my trip. Working in the kindergarten and hospital allowed me glimpses into the education and medical systems and gave me an opportunity to practice Spanish. I learned that sometimes to be most helpful, I had to be brave and ask where I’d be most useful. Sometimes doing the little things meant the most to those around me - like calming a crying child to allow the nurses to be able to finish pressing work, or having the patience with a child to sit and help them finish their food for the first time.
I found incredible kindness everywhere I went. At Machu Picchu, it absolutely poured rain when we arrived at the site and I didn’t have a rain jacket. A complete stranger gave me her rain jacket without even a second thought. Instances like this occurred daily, showing me how universal kindness is.
“No hay dias malos en Peru.” That was my motto here, and it was true ("there are no bad days in Peru"). Each day, even if I felt frustrated with my Spanish communication skills or something didn’t go as planned, I learned something new and positive. Each day became my new favorite day.
An incredible experience, and one that I will never forget.

IVHQ was helpful from the minute i was accepted! And their program is very affordable From the moment I found out I was accepted I was nervous, excited, scared. Because this was the second time for me going out of the country and the first time going alone. Feeling scared and nervous was an understatement BUT from the moment I arrived in Lima I felt the exact opposite. I was greeted by Wilmer my driver with a sign that said my name. He was very nice! I had the amazing chance to to stay at the volunteer house. I shared a room with two other females and just the overall cleanliness of the house and really everything was great. Throughout my time in the volunteer house the food was good, the volunteers were all so nice and very diverse! Lots of volunteers from all over the world! and the family that lives there were the nicest people I have ever met! The program itself was great! I did childcare and worked at a preschool in Pachacutec. We do have to take public transportation but a coordinator was with us the entire time. (Shoutout to EMMA! best house coordinator ever!) I felt safe the entire time we took 2 modes of transportation a bus and then a little van thing. Emma, and either Daniela or Sayela always made sure we were on the busses and they always did headcount! (we didn't loose anyone) The program itself was amazing! I got to work in a classroom of 4 year olds with 2 teachers. They didn't speak any english so it really tested my Spanish. WHICH I LOVED! I would help with various things in the classroom. (prepping project materials, passing out sheets, helping students with various things) we also helped supervise during outdoor play. The days were very fun and busy! And we would get back in time for lunch and have loads of time to chill/explore/take naps etc. We were in San Miguel and from there you can take Taxi/Uber to nearby areas (miraflores, Barranco etc.) after! I only stayed for 2 weeks I took a weekend trip to Machu Picchu with one of the other volunteers. The Tarpuy Sonqo directors helped me book my trip and it was AMAZING! I had so much fun! The second week was just as fun! But also bittersweet cause it was my last week. I did have some stomach troubles for a brief time and it didn't help when the water would randomly shut off (because there was construction work on a pipe nearby) . But I survived! Definitely talk to a travel doctor before you go! I was lucky enough to get some antibiotics that saved me during this time! I also got altitude medicine for Machu Picchu! (strongly advise for those doing any hiking in Cusco area) My last day was fun and sad. Sad that I was leaving the kids but grateful for everything they and their teachers have taught me in such a short time. I prepared goody bags and brought some outdoor toys from the USA for them to play with. (it's not required to bring things) but i got some donations from family members as well. The kids and staff were very appreciative! and just like that my trip was over that Sunday. I am forever grateful for both IVHQ and Tarpuy Sonqo for this opportunity. It really solidified my aspirations for working with children and it even opened a new career path. I had a child in my class who had trouble speaking not sure if he was on the autism spectrum. But because of that I have decided to pursue my masters in speech language pathology. and in my free time I want to go to different schools in different countries to help children who might not have the resources to have an SLP. This experience was truly life changing! and I will definitely be back to visit and or volunteer again.

I would say that the program was very insightful and very fulfilling in Cusco Peru. The kindergarten was a great experience helping and teaching the kids math and English. However, another part that I enjoyed was related to the other groups that we donated time/money to as well:
1) Home for abused girls – we donated a ton of food (about $250 USD worth) so that the girls and their young kids could have enough of food for the next couple of months while school is out.
2) Cancer Hospital – we donated cleaning supplies for the hospital so that they could be in a safe and sanitary environment. This included hand sanitizer, soap, gloves, and face mask for cleaning, dish detergent, floor cleaning supplies, and washing powder for the clothes. We didn’t actually get to go to the hospital but dropped them off at the headquarters so that they would deliver them to the remote location. We also included adult diapers.
3) Remote School – this was probably my favorite trip where we delivered toys and goody bags including hot chocolate to the kids at a remote school outside of Cusco. We traveled about 3 hours by bus and made hot chocolate at the school and then passed out toys for the holidays. We couldn’t do the entire school but did provide these items for about 200 of the kids in the younger classes. It was quite the site to see with the kids and their happy faces. This was a long day, but well worth it!
a. We had some hot chocolate left over and then delivered that along with a few good bags to the old folk’s home within the same town as the remote school.
4) Orphanage – we spoke with the director of the program and she explained their passion/love for music. Therefore, we came up with the idea to get them stereo systems that worked for the three different homes. When these were presented, there was an energy that filled the room and their immediate reaction (of singing along with the songs) captured the room. It was a great feeling to be a part of and witness.

Regarding Peru, it is a very friendly country but I would recommend always being aware of your surrounding and keep your personal items safe. I recommend bringing some sort of small backpack or sling to keep your money and cameras etc. safe.
My experience with Abroaderview Cusco was a great one. I didn’t have many expectations coming here because I thought I was going to be alone the entire time and I was so pleasantly surprised to find many other volunteers living in the same homestay. Having others to explore and volunteer with together made the experience very special to me. It was so great seeing other individuals with the same values of giving to communities. Beyond that characteristic, everyone had a passion for adventure and that made everyday fun. Regarding the volunteering, I had such a special time working with the kids in and out of the dental clinic. These disabled children are lucky enough to have access to the care and therapy they need to function in their day to day life. Being a volunteer there, the children would light up anytime they saw a volunteer and that made it all worth it for me. Seeing how happy the kids became when we entered the room was something I will always remember. We were a source of happiness to their otherwise fairly bleak time in the hospital. They would stare out the window looking at people interacting with the world and it broke my heart to see them more or less stuck in the hospital due to their disabilities. Brightening those kid’s day was at the core of my experience. Whether we were working on their teeth or simply throwing plastic balls with them, they loved having us there and that’s where the trips fulfillment came from.

The first day, when you arrive, Beatriz takes you around Cusco and shows you all of the important places. You have her number if you need it. Luckily I did not need much help – but it’s good to know someone is there for you.
Overall I loved my experience with ABV in Cusco. I wish I attended the program for 2 weeks instead of one, so I could improve my Spanish and spend more time with my host family. It was a great experience.
The kindness of the host family, the homely rooms, amazing home cooked Peruvian meals and drinks. I always felt safe and welcome.

Volunteering on the teaching English program in Lima, Peru was definitely one of the best experiences I've had! For anyone hesitating about signing up, I would highly recommend this program. I myself was anxious before leaving as this was my very first volunteer experience and my first time in South America; however the program manager at IVHQ was very supportive, kept me well informed about everything before my departure, and answered all my questions promptly which made me feel well prepared before my arrival.

Upon arrival in Lima, the local staff there were welcoming and also supportive, and the other volunteers in the house were super nice and friendly - which made me feel at home very quickly. It was fun exploring the city with other volunteers and trying the local cusine.

The teaching Program itself was defintely one of the more challenging projects but it was extremely rewarding, as you plan your own lessons and have the opportunity to work with kids of various age groups. Your time and effort is defintely appreciated by the students, staff, and coordinators; and you really feel like you're making an impact :)

The 2 weeks really flew by...I will defintely be volunteering again soon with IVHQ! It was a truly eye opening, rewarding, and fun experience.

I spent a total of 5 weeks volunteering in Cusco, Peru through IVHQ. The application process was easy and straightforward. I felt supported through my application, preparation, and time in country. IVHQ was great about answering all of my questions and ensuring I was prepared for my trip. Once in Cusco, Maximo Nivel was the organization I worked with. I spent my first two weeks volunteering at Panthera Sanctuary in Puerto Maldonado, Peru for the Jungle Conservation Project. These two weeks were incredible and I would recommend it to anyone ready to leave wifi, electricity, and hot showers behind. It was so refreshing to live a simple life, working hard, and meeting new people. I also learned so much about plants, animals, and sustainability.
After the jungle, I spent three weeks teaching English in Cusco with Maximo Nivel. I spent two of the weeks teaching adults who work in the tourism industry. My last week was spent teaching English to children in an afterschool program. My recommendation is only do the teaching English to children if you have more time to give than I did. It was difficult to only be with the children for one week. All in all, I loved my experience and I feel that I learned and grew a lot. I would definitely recommend volunteering with IVHQ if you have the opportunity!

My experience in Cusco through IVHQ exceeded expectations. I was very hesitant as I was traveling alone for two weeks, but from the moment I got there I felt very safe. I was picked up safely from the airport which was a perfect way to start the trip feeling safe in a foreign city (and country!) alone. I was there for two weeks, over New Years where I did the Holiday Experience week which was a different project every day. I really loved this as it not only allowed me to see so many different areas of Cusco but also get to know various projects and the other people in the IVHQ program. The second week I was there I did the Construction and Renovation project which was a much smaller group and an awesome dynamic to have more of a routine every day with the same people. The volunteering lasted only half of the day so I was able to see so much of Cusco during the week as well. IVHQ recommended several activities and day trip programs that were very easy to sign up for and were already pre-approved through IVHQ which made them feel safe and each one was worth it. Highly highly recommend this program - Cusco is an incredible city and being able to give back while you are traveling is the most rewarding experience.