Peru

Hi all! I am a Global Leadership Adventures Alumni and I had an amazing time in Peru, this past summer! I really recommend GLA! The housing experience was great! GLA Peru rented out a hotel in Cusco, for both the 2 week and the 3 week groups. I felt very safe there! I had never been to Peru, so I felt that by being there I grew, a lot! I understood much of their culture and what their lifestyles are like. The program staff were very supportive! I felt that I was able to talk to them about whatever I needed, or if I was frustrated with other students! Overall I recommend GLA to all High School age students.

After graduating high school I took a gap year with Quest; I wasn't completing sure why, but I knew I needed to do something different. For years I kept telling myself I loved learning, but truthfully I felt like a robot on an academic treadmill. I yearned for the type of learning that embraced creativity, pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and forced me to engage fully. I gained a new level of self awareness on my gap year that allowed me to become a global citizen. Many of my experiences were challenging but they made me feel grounded, present, and alive. We need an education reform that allows the next generation to breathe and realize their great potential. The type of education I got on my gap year, traveling and living with people from around the world, working next to inspired people, illuminated the kind of environment I want to create, and created a space that evoked my authentic self. Don't be fooled, It was not just a luxury vacation- I battled giant jungle mosquitos and rainstorms, ran from possibly rabid stray dogs, ate only rice and eggs for weeks (as a vegetarian in a meat eating continent), and struggled with South American time (ie: sitting on a bus for thirty hours, without any more books, waiting for a mudslide to be cleared). The fact is I cant even begin to talk about my time with Quest because there are just too many moments that will stick with me forever. I became best friends with my Quest family and although we live on different continents, we have managed to do the long distance thing- still talking and seeing each other when possible- because these are the people you never want to live without. When the academic persona is stripped away where would I be? What makes me come alive? I asked and answered those questions on my gap year. When I started university, I knew who I was and what I wanted to accomplish. I took classes that I found interesting and focused on building meaningful relationships.

I had the experience of a lifetime volunteering in Peru. Quest was fantastic, and the project was great. It was an amazing experience working with kids from Villa María and we got to do heaps of cool things, such as going to the pool, performing in shows and putting on fêtes. It was hard work, but it was really rewarding. ten out of ten would recommend!

This trip was amazing in all it's ways. I truly experienced the beautiful culture of Peru.

I volunteered in Peru for 2 weeks with a group of good friends at an orphanage for young girls. We stayed in Cusco with our host mother. The experience was amazing and we got to see plenty of the city on our free time and never felt like we were unwelcome at any moment. Working at the orphanage was accompanied with modest labor and lots of warmth from all the girls and staff. For the money I would highly recommend this trip!

I spent three weeks in Peru volunteering at a home for teen moms and their babies, and it was one of the most amazing, enriching experiences of my life. Although being in a new country was intimidating, I felt very safe and secure thanks to all of the support from our volunteer coordinators as well as fellow volunteers. If at any time I was unsure or needed directions there was always a safety net to catch me. Along with the cultural knowledge I gained, working with the young mothers was truly one of the best experiences I've ever had. The organization was also very helpful in assisting the volunteers in exploring the important landmarks in Peru by organizing transportation and tours. Overall, I had a great experience, and I hope to return to Peru very soon.

Overall I had an amazing time in Cusco, Peru! The people are so nice and welcoming, the weather is gorgeous, the city and mountains are like nothing I’ve ever seen, and the food was great (definitely try ceviche at least once, it’s amazing)! You certainly have to be able to roll with the punches, and if you’re more Type A, you definitely need to turn that switch off! The work was great at the clinic, but you have to be very assertive and have some Spanish skills. The patients are incredibly thankful and tough as nails, and it is so rewarding to just do simple things like give vaccines or hold a hand. Working at the girls orphanage was fantastic as well! The girls are so excited to meet someone new. The majority of the time I helped with homework (math, grammar, English), and when their homework was done we played volley ball! I think what they needed most was just hugs and affection. It´s been an incredible, eye opening experience, I hope someday I’ll be able to visit Peru again!!

I had been considering volunteering abroad for a long time. IFRE was recommended by a friend and I'm glad I made the choice to choose them for a first-time volunteer experience in Cusco, Peru. My friend and I chose the shelter project that helps young girls and their babies.
My friend and I arrived in Cusco and were promptly picked up and taken to the shelter we were to stay and volunteer at. The volunteer duties were outlined, but not too clearly defined at times and the volunteer schedule needed a bit more structure. However, the lack of structure gave the volunteers flexibility to be able to pick and choose activities that we thought would benefit the girls and babies at the shelter. If you are someone that is able to work without being micromanaged, this is definitely the project for you! Creativity and flexibility is needed (things I prefer). The girls and their babies are lovely. You cannot help but instantly fall in love with them. I would also love to give a huge shoutout to the housemothers, other volunteers, and everyone involved in that project. It is definitely a hard task to take on, but one that is worth all the effort.
Although communication was a bit confusing at times because too many parties emailed both my friend and I with information (before we arrived in Peru)- the pros outweighed the cons. As stated previously, I would definitely recommend IFRE.

My experience in Peru, though short, was one of the most memorable times I have had in my life. The memories and connections I made while in Cusco will last me a lifetime. The flexibility and yet security and support we received from IFRE was perfect. We were given proper information and never felt unsafe or unaware of what to do next. The volunteering projects at the girls orphanage, boys orphanage and teen mom center were extremely welcoming to have some unsuspecting teens come volunteer for a few weeks. The experiences and times spent at these places totally broadened my worldview and outlook for the future and the value I now place on volunteering.
I was in a group of 7 people and everyone agreed that this was a crucial trip at this transitional age in our lives. Cusco was a vibrant city full of shops and places to explore. We visited the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on two expeditions while on our trip. Transportation was clear and planned for us on both occasions. My next trip will definitely be with IFRE!

My stay in Cuzco, Peru was wonderful! I traveled with a group and our host family was incredibly accommodating. All seven of us had plenty of room and the food cooked for us was delicious. We took Spanish lessons in the morning, then went to either the boys or girls orphanage or the teen moms center after lunch. Our weekend excursions to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu were incredibly well-planned and amazing. We had the perfect amount of freedom to walk around Cuzco during our free time. All in all, we were incredibly well taken care of and had a fantastic time.