Volunteers Peru

Teach English in Peru

Join our English Teaching Programme in Cuzco, or Huancayo in Peru and equip local people for a better future. Life is harsh in many communities in Peru and tourism is one option for the local people and in some cases in rural areas it is the only viable option. Our English as a Foreign Language Program (TEFL) provides the chance for more Peruvian people to work in tourism and it empowers their communities who are often struggling to survive.

This is not a paid position, but a short term volunteer post which typically lasts a few months, where you pay for your basic needs and our support services. We have included a trek to Machu Picchu and some sightseeing tours as most of our volunteers wish to get to know the area while here.

Qualifications Needed
There are positions open to anyone with experience in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), with preference being given to individuals qualified in EFL methodology and instruction. Volunteers are required to commit for a minimum of 5 weeks (3 months in some locations). Volunteers typically work between 20-25 hours per week in the classroom for 5 days a week.

Language Skills
All volunteers must possess English fluency, as well as basic conversational Spanish skills. Volunteers must be self-starters, capable of thriving and succeeding in an unstructured environment. Though some books and other teaching materials are available, teachers will be required to create and execute their own lesson plans.

Accommodation while teaching
Volunteers normally live with a host family. Local hostels are available in some areas at a cost of about Ł160 - Ł300 / $250 - $500 per month. The cost of staying with a family for the first 4 weeks of teaching is included below.

The total cost per person - 2005 /06: Ł1126 / $1780, plus your travel costs to get to Cuzco and back from your home. This covers the first 5 weeks. If this is too costly for you, think about fund-raising to cover your costs. More details

Additional days teaching - Ł6 / $10. This is for food and accommodation, no other charges are made, if the dates are agreed in the original booking.

What is Included
Registration Fees of GBŁ200 / US$400. Reception and ongoing back up services in Cuzco and the UK (an email away) to ensure you get the most out of your time in the school. Two nights in a Cuzco hotel with all meals on arrival as part of the induction process. Accommodation in a homestay (or a hostel at a higher cost) near to your school. All meals while teaching. City tours in Cuzco with 3 nights in a hotel with all meals and a group trek to Machu Picchu, with camping for 3 nights, with all food provided. Total number of nights in a hotel in Cuzco is 5.

Travel Arrangements
You have to pay for your return travel from home to Cuzco and from Cuzco to the school and back. The likely cost is about £600 / $1000 for international airfare to Lima, plus Ł55 / $85 each way by air to Cuzco from Lima, or by bus for a lot less money, but a few days are needed. We can provide additional services in Lima, if you need it.

Involvement
Commit to stay for a minimum of 5 weeks (4 weeks teaching and 1 week travelling). There is ample free time for leisure, but usually we need to know the numbers available for work in order to plan, so you must be part of the team.