“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.
1.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?
At the kindergarten, I volunteered from 8:30am to 1:00pm. At the clinic, I volunteered from 8:30am-12:30am, and from 2:30pm-5:30pm.
I also took Spanish classes for the first week from 2:30-6:30pm.
2.- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
- Host Family: I was surprised with how close I became with the volunteers and with Maria Elena. Like a family, I felt comfortable and safe with them.
- Program: I was pleasantly surprised how balanced the program was in terms of work and travel. The program wasn’t too heavy with work and allowed me time to travel and experience Peru. But I also felt like I truly learned so much while working. Overall, very surprised at how well it was balanced.
- Country: I was shocked at how friendly and safe I felt here. As a woman traveling alone, I was worried about feeling free to explore on my own. However, everyone was so friendly and never once did I feel unsafe.
3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?
- Host Family: I didn’t have challenges with my host family.
- Program: At times while I worked, I was frustrated with the Spanish and how fast paced it was - it was challenging to keep trying to speak Spanish even when it seemed like I couldn’t get it “right.” That’s more of a personal challenge. It was rewarding to see my Spanish improve over the weeks.
- Country: No real challenges with the country. I fell in love with Peru, quite frankly. The people were friendly, there was always something to do, and I felt safe.
4.- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, money, internet)
- Clothing: Bring a warm jacket in months May-August, because it’s chilly especially at night. For a woman, a pair of hiking boots, sneakers, and city boots (short walking boots) are probably all you will need as far as shoes go. If you don’t bring a jacket, find a shop and haggle for a price!
- Travel: if you have time, go to some “off the beaten path” places like Ausangate and Huchuy Qosqo. They’re worth the hike and the feeling of being one of the only people there is incredible. I loved Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, but you’ll be around tons of people there.
- Also, while traveling, take advantage of meeting people. One of my favorite parts of this trip was meeting other travelers from all over the world.
- Money: Bring cash as a back up in case your card doesn’t work in ATMs.
Other: Have an open mind. It’s going to be different here, but as long as you’re prepared for that you’ll settle right in. When working, it’s not the job of the locals you’re working with to “give” you a job. Ask where you can be helpful. Sometimes that might look like preparing arts and crafts or mediating an argument between the kindergarten kids while the teacher prepares the lesson plan, or it might look like taking kids on a field trip to Plaza de Armas. Look for ways to be helpful and you’ll be incredibly satisfied with your work.
5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):
- Host Family: Maria Elena is willing to help you with anything you need! It was so nice to have someone here like that.
- Program: Be prepared to grow as a person and learn so much about yourself!
- Country: Give your Spanish a shot, even if it’s bad! The people here will appreciate the effort.
6.- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):
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.
7.- How would you describe your accommodation: meals, security, friendliness, quality others:
- Meals: Very very tasty! I loved having home cooked, authentic Peruvian meals every day. My favorite meal was Reina de Papas.
- Security: Extremely safe. I never felt unsafe, not even at night.
- friendliness: Extremely friendly - it felt like a family, welcoming and kind.
- Quality: High quality. Hot showers, good food, comfy rooms, and TV when we wanted it.
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 was incredible. She was with me through the entire process, and checked up on me continually. When I traveled, she walked me through the travel plans to make sure I’d be safe.
9.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?
Daily schedule
7:30am: Breakfast
8:30am: work
1:30pm: Lunch
2:30pm: work
6:30pm: Dinner at home or exploring the city.
10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:
- Accommodation: Getting to eat authentic meals and getting to know my host family.
- Program: One day we took the children from the clinic to Plaza de Armas. To see their faces light up with joy as they took in all the sights was contagious.
- Country: I have too many “favorite” memories, but one of my top memories was Ausangate. After a difficult but beautiful hike to the Seven Glacier Lakes, our small tour group relaxed in steaming hot springs. The vista of the mountains surrounding us is something I won’t forget.
11.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:
ABV USA was extremely helpful. I had to change my dates once, and there was no problem with that. Communication was quick and easy.
12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?
I had no problems with it.
13.- Who did you find Abroaderview website?
I found it through my university.
14.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes, I would love to speak on behalf of ABV and Peru.