Language course and volunteering in Peru

Cusco
Once the capital of the great Inca civilization, Cusco is also home to magnificent examples of colonial architecture. The stone foundations of Inca temples are still visible in the colonial buildings in and around the city. Many international tourists are attracted to Cusco for its proximity to the famous Machu Picchu ruins and the Inca Trail. Due to high altitude, it is cool at night and sunny but cool during the day year round. There are many market places selling beautiful woollen sweaters and textiles for which the country is renowned. Surrounded by the wealth of its Inca history and offering the comforts of an internationally known town, Cusco truly is an exciting place to learn Spanish.

Reasons for studying Spanish in Peru

• Cusco is one of the safest cities in Peru.
• Peru has a very low cost of living compared to Europe.
• Cusco has many museums, old churches, parks, shops, restaurants and bars.
• With cheap domestic airfares, Peru is a great base to discover other parts of Latin America.
• The school has three locations, in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. You can switch from one country to another at any time depending on places available.
• After your Spanish course in one of these three countries, you can choose to volunteer in any of these three countries.
• For information about the other countries please contact info@exis.org.

The school
The school occupies a beautiful and historical colonial home from 19th century on one of the many small plazas, called Limaqpampa Grande 565, right behind of the most important site from pre-Colombian Cusco, the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun).  The building houses two full floors with about 17 classrooms, a sunny indoor patio, a video room, auditorium for fifty students, an entertainment room, cafeteria, and wireless internet access to students. The school is conveniently located next to the main post-office, Internet cafes, banks, casas de cambio, etc.  It is about four blocks from the main square, the Plaza de Armas.

Your host family will show you the way to school on your first day, you must be at school for 8.25 am. First Monday you will receive a briefing about school facilities, home stays, language program, cultural information, do’s and don’ts and a city tour of Cusco.

Course philosophy
Every student has the best insight into his or her own particular educational needs. First school day a placement test is taken and an evaluation made by student and school. Results of the test are taken into consideration along with the available time in Peru in order to create the most profitable customized program.

Teaching staff
All teaching staff are highly qualified and carefully selected upon their qualifications, their ability to listen, their enthusiasm and patience, but most of all for their love of teaching Spanish to foreign students and experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Some of them have Master Degrees in teaching Spanish and literature, history or Latin American culture. Each teacher knows how to motivate, develop and support the students´ curiosity and interest in Spanish Language, Peruvian culture and social life. They also know that the learning process continues outside the classroom.

Books and materials
All books and materials are provided by the Academia. Textbooks and guidebooks published by the Academia are supplemented by others from universities around the world with emphasis on grammar and vocabulary. The library offers an extensive collection along with many audio visual material, newspapers, magazine articles and practical situations.

Tuition
Classes last 60 minutes, 4 hours a day, with a maximum of four students per class and an average of two.

The teaching methods used are based upon the four language skills: listening, grammar, oral and written comprehension. No English should be used in class.

You may enroll for as many weeks as you wish.  In case you intend to stay longer than 90 days a special visa will be needed. The school will issue the necessary documents to obtain this visa.

Language program
This program consists of 20 Spanish lessons per week. Lessons take place in the mornings. As part of the language program, the school organizes 2-3 activities every week. In addition, students will find a daily schedule of cultural events in Cusco and surrounding areas, locations of theatres, museums, festivals.

Home stay with a Peruvian host family makes the learning of the language easier and also gives you an insight into a typical family’s daily routine. In this way the programme offers a mixture of language and culture that not only guarantees a solid background of the language but also an understanding and knowledge of the country’s culture, politics and other social conditions.

Activities
Outings and activities are organised 2 or 3 times a week. This can be shorter trips in Cusco as well as longer trips outside Cusco. Trips outside town cost 10-25 US dollars per person and normally include bus transport and food. The activities organised at school can be tourist information, parties, cooking hours, games, video presentations etc.
Please note that you may need to pay "out-of-pocket" expenses (bus fare, entrance fees, etc.).

Host families/Home stays
Families belong to Peru’s middle class, although students should take note that living standards in Peru are generally lower than in Europe or North America.
Family homes are located in neighbourhoods usually no more than 10 minutes by bus from school and families take a maximum of three students at any one time. While staying with your host family, you should recognize that a certain degree of flexibility is required to adjust to the Peruvian customs and way of life.

You will receive three meals a day, please note that in Peru lunch is the main meal, whilst dinner is more of a light snack, for example coffee and crackers. You will also have the use of a toilet and bathroom and a laundry service will be provided by your host family once a week. Extra home stay time is possible, although we would ask you to try to arrive on a Sunday and leave on a Saturday.

If you prefer to be the only student accommodated with your host family, please state this on your enrolment form.

Prices for language course

Included in the price

• Intensive language lessons with well-trained, competent and very motivated teachers.
• Accommodation with carefully chosen Peruvian host families including breakfast, lunch, dinner and a laundry service once a week
• Welcome orientation and Cusco city tour.
• Books and teaching material.
• Initial test on arrival.
• A certificate and level assessment at the end of the course.
• Air port pick-up on arrival.
• Access to the school’s activity program.
• Free use of all the schools facilities.
• Fantastic service and atmosphere!

Enrolment form Peru
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

Spanish and voluntary work program
As with EXIS’ programmes in Costa Rica, Bolivia, Ecuador and Guatemala there is the possibility of combining a language course in Peru with different kinds of voluntary work. Voluntary work is arranged in kindergartens, nursing homes, local schools, children’s homes etc.

In the following text different possibilities are described. As a volunteer, you have to be in good physical condition and be willing to lend a hand wherever you are stationed. The work demands flexibility, initiative, maturity and drive. In return, you will obtain a unique opportunity to get to know Peru from the inside.

The language and voluntary work program consists of a minimum 2 weeks intensive language lessons with afternoon activities corresponding to program A. If you are a new beginner or have only basic knowledge of Spanish, 4 weeks lessons are compulsory before starting your volunteer work.

Your final choice of voluntary work project or institution will be made in conjunction with the voluntary work coordinator, during your language course. The coordinator is responsible in ensuring that your work will be a rewarding and instructive experience for you and for the organisation or project that you choose to work for. Whilst attending the language course and doing voluntary work you will live with your Peruvian host family depending on the area.

A language and voluntary work stay in Peru does not only give you the chance to use the language every day, it will also give you the opportunity to take part in activities that will give you important experiences. You will contribute to the development of a country, which has great problems and even greater potentials.

VOLUNTEER WORK

The volunteer program is for people interested in learning about sustainable solutions to poverty. All volunteers will work in partnership with local people in a variety of community-based projects. This unique program offers exciting hands-on work opportunities, meaningful cultural immersion, and enriching language program. The following text describes the possibilities of volunteer work places.

1. Ninos Discapacitados
This clinic is run by a religious order that offers free treatment (or treatment for a symbolic fee such as a bag of rice or a bag of corn) to mentally and physically disabled children. Due to the present economic situation in Peru, the government has cut funding to institutions like this one. The institute is mostly self-efficient in respect that they grow their own corn, potatoes and vegetables (in greenhouses), and have numerous animals that they keep for their own consumption. There are 52 children living at this home, 40 come for schooling or therapy daily and 72 children attend the school.

As a volunteer your tasks can include feeding, bathing and playing with the children. Teaching assistants are also needed to help children with their school and art work. There is also the possibility of helping staff in the physical therapy department, the green house or in the administrative office. There are normally 5-6 volunteers at one time.

Volunteers are accepted for a minimum period of 4 weeks and require a high beginner level of Spanish. For this placement you are asked to be highly self motivated as this clinic is severely understaffed and the nurses do not have the time to tell you what to do. You must take the initiative and ask. This school is closed during the summer break, from mid December to the beginning of April and again at the end of July for two weeks.

2. Peta (Programa de estimulacion temprana y adiestramiento)
This is a private institution for orphans and children who work in the streets of Cusco. The facilities lie in the outskirts of the slum. This project also tries to improve living conditions of the people in the area.
Volunteers will work with the children in the morning, looking after the children, helping them with their homework and generally entertain them.

This is an ideal place for volunteers with lots of imagination, who can entertain the children, with very few resources. Past volunteers have written and directed plays or set up art projects, theatre plays and craft sessions. The most important thing is to be enthusiastic and able to share your energy with the children who have nothing waiting for them when they go home to their houses in the slum.

3. Ninas Huerfanas
This is a religious, non-profit organization directed by Congregation “Buen Pastor” in Cusco.

The center shelters about 45 children and adolescents, alle girls, and offers afternoon sessions, assisting the children in their homework from school, and stimulating reading and writing. The first 2 hours of each session is dedicated to the educative part of the program.
The second part of lessons is dedicated to developing self-esteem, cultural identity and preparing them to future independence.
The girls prepare their own meals, with the help of the staff at the end of each session.

Volunteers tasks helping the girls with their school homework and teach maths, English or Spanish, dependning on the volunteer’s abilities.
Furthermore, different activities take place. Handicrafts, sports, recreational or artistic activities.  Volunteers with organizational capacities for these activities are very welcome. During the months of November and December for example, the girls prepare Christmas cards and volunteer with artistic skills will be able to direct this activity.

4. Educadores de la Calle
This institution helps parents working at Cusco’s local fruit and vegetable markets as street vendors. During their working hours, their children can stay or study at the project. This institution also receives orphanned children, working in the streets of Cusco.

The facilities lie on the outskirts of the slum. This project also tries to improve living conditions of the people in the area. Vvolunteers work with the children in the morning or afternoon, looking after the children, helping them with their homework and generally entertain them. Same conditions as at Peta’s.

5. PRONOEI Kindergartens
PRONOEI’s (Programa No Escolarisado de Educacion Inicial) are governmental run nurseries, schools andkindergartens for the extreme impoverished areas of Cusco. The volunteer placement at PRONOEI would include teaching English, helping the teachers in the classroom, and doing special activities with the children. There are about 5 different locations where you might work on the outskirts of the city. There are about 35 children at each school and there are very few resources, the children lack pens, pencils, paper, etc. Therefore, a volunteer must possess creative skills to compensate for the lack of materials. Some of these schools are on the outskirts of Cusco and some travel time may be involved.

Volunteers are accepted for a minimum of four weeks and must have a high intermediate level of Spanish.

6. Asilo de Ancianos
This is a home for elderly people run by a Catholic order of nuns.

There are four wards:

• Women’s ward, run by Madre Soranita.
• Women’s infirmary, run by Madre Mariana.
• Men’s ward, run by Madre Soledad
• Men’s infirmary, run by Madre Soremilia.

Volunteers can expect various tasks related to the care of the elderly, such as help with eating, dressing, bathing, cutting finger nails, reading newspapers etc. You will also be asked to help with recreational activities such as playing ball, walking with them, playing bingo, dancing, singing etc. The elderly people love having foreigners around and start smiling as soon as you walk in the door.

For volunteers with a medical background, general medical placements are available, although please remember to bring along translated proof of your medical studies. Tasks will include shadowing the nurses and doctors until you feel comfortable to take on individual patient duties. Patients medical needs include administering of medicine, checking of blood pressure, taking blood tests, performing general physicals, counselling on better health maintenance, writing patients medical histories, updates etc. It is also possible to work in the physical therapy clinic. The clinic would be very grateful to any volunteer, who could bring along items such as towels, sheets, scarves, knitting equipment, cold medication, soap, games or candy for the elderly people at this home. 

A minimum of four weeks voluntary assistance is required here and a high intermediate level of Spanish.

7. Ninos Huerfanso
A non- profit organization, working with street children and adolescents. All funding for the project comes from religious organizations and voluntary donations. This home operates under the direction of the social security and charity of Cusco. The children follow a structured educational program, aiming to develop their self-esteem and learning how to relate to other people.
The facilities have a capacity for 50 children from 7 to 17 years old, who have been abadonned or are orphans. In the morning, they follow workshops, lectures and specific training. In the afternoons, they attend school. Volunteer tasks are participating in the workshops, collaborating with the staffs and helping with schoolwork, teaching maths, English or other foreign languages. Volunteers can also organize artwork like painting, theater and music sessions, depending on their skills and experience.

Volunteers with a lot of energy and patience, organizational and creative capacities are very welcome.

8. Youth centre Marcavalle
This is a reintegration program for children and teenagers, offenders of the law; ages vary from 12 - 17 years. The centre offers four different educational and occupational programs, which include educational program and recreational activities. Apart from basic education, the reintegration program also includes self-esteem, cultural identity, sex education and prevention of alcoholism. The children are also taught basic hand craft skills such as shoe making, carpentry and sewing.

As a volunteer, you will be asked to help the children with their work, although the main activity during this placement will be teaching English to the children.

Some experience in teaching children or adolescents, a great deal of energy and an ability to organize creative activities for the children is required for this kind of work

9. Ninos Abandonados
This is a non-profit organization working with high-risk street children and adolescents, who for a variety of reasons (they´ve been abandoned, lost their parents, have alcoholic parents, etc.) are sleeping/ living in the streets of Cusco. All funding for the project comes from voluntary donations. The staffs consist of 11 professionals, who volunteer at the center in their spare time. The children follow a structured educational program, aiming to increase their self-esteem and abilitry to relate to others.

The center has with between 40 and 60 children at a time and offers morning and afternoon sessions.
The morning sessions have normal teaching, the aftrenoon sessions are with practical skills like carpentry, shoemaking, sewing, handicrafts etc.
The project is also developing a school for parents of children at risk, working on a variety of relevant topics.
Children prepare their own meals, with the help of staff, at the end of each session.
Volunteer’s taks depend on individual skills but involve helping in the classroom, helping with a variety of occupational activities, etc. Extra help will also be needed to find funding and the marketing of the project. (the current fundings runs out in June). Teaching the children to prepare meals and the cleaning up process afterwards.

Working schedule is from Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm or and from 3pm to 7pm. Saturdays from Saturday 3pm to 7pm only. Emphasis is on the afternoon shifts, as more children attend the center during afternoons when they have finished school.

10. Teenage mothers
This institution, created in 2000, supports teenage mothers who have been abandoned by their partners and forced to leave their families. They try to get by doing odd jobs to pay the bills and feed their children. All the girls come from homes with few economic resources. Pregnancy destroyed their last chance to get an education and a better job in the future. This organization now helps them by teaching them to sew or do handicrafts, so they can earn a decent living and at the same time take care of their children. Work hours from 15.00 to 18.30. The institution needs volunteers who are good organizers or have creative talents.

11. Shelter for children in Cusco
The home consists of 6 houses, inhabited by approx. 50 children aged 5 to 16, who come from families with problems or children of parents who have died in the guerrilla war.
The home provides shelter, food, cloths, education, job mediation and medical care. The home gets a small economical support from the Cusco regional Government, but this is not enough.
Most of the work is done by women, working on a volunteer base.
Working hours are from 8 to 1 and 2 to 6.

Volunteer task are:

• Organizing recreational activities
• Assisting at craft workshops
• Help with school work
• Help with cleaning and cooking

12. Parochial Health Center
This health centre and clinic helps the poorest people in the Cusco region.
There are about 130 children at the centre as well as several adults, but their numbers increase regularly.
The institution receives no help from the state, but survives thanks to private donations.
The health centre does social work, visits the homes of the people and runs health campaigns. Volunteer’s activities depend on skills and Spanish level. You will help and support the staff in their daily activities in any of the following areas:

• General gynaecological illnesses
• Psychological obstetrics
• Rehabilitation
• Physiotherapy
• Ultrasound scans
• Ophthalmology
• Clinical laboratory
• Pharmacy
• Andean medicine
  
  Other tasks can be to help the children with their homework in the library from 15.30 to 18.30 or help in the garden.
  Minimum work during 4 weeks. Working hours are from Monday – Friday from 8.00 to 12.00 or from 14.30 to 18.30. 

Red Cross
Are you looking to put your medical skills to use? Volunteers can work through the Red Cross at Antonio Lorena hospital in Cusco. This hospital provides services to all in need, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. You should have experience attending patients and be a medical or nurse student.

Elementary School
Looking for a chance to make a difference in the lives of children? At Chachccomayoc Elementary School, volunteers can help as teaching assistants, participating in classes and supporting the school’s programs for the underprivileged children, attending this school. The time you dedicate to Chachccomayoc is sure to leave a lasting impression, not only in the lives of these children in need, but on yourself as well. This is an important opportunity for everyone involved to learn and grow!

Volunteerin at Football school

An exciting opportunity for active individuals with a smile and a love for children. Volunteers can now work with children, teaching soccer skills and the enjoyment of an active lifestyle! If soccer is your passion, these children are more than ready to share it with you! As a volunteer, you will be able to help run the soccer programs, teach physical education and run a training program for the children.  High energy, hands on, and highly rewarding.

Volunteering in a Zoo

Just like in Ecuador, EXIS now also offers the possibility to work or to become an intern in a zoo in Cusco, where you can work directly with native Peruvian species. This is a perfect way to gain experience in wildlife, zoological and envi-ronmental management.
The zoo in Cusco is dedicated to the maintenance and con-servation of native Peruvian species. It currently hosts more than 220 mammals, like wolves, bears, lions and several species of monkeys as well as, turtles, birds and reptiles.
You will become a member of the zoo’s staff and work to-gether with other volunteers, students and zookeepers and make sure the animals are well taken care of.
You will work in all areas of the zoo including sanitation and hygiene, alimentation and guiding visitors. This is a unique opportunity to work with animals and gain experience in zoo management.
The zoo is only at a 15-minutes walk from the language school and you will be accommodated with the same host family as during the preliminary Spanish lessons.

Minimum work period is 4 weeks.

Prices for language and voluntary work

Spanish lessons and social work with private accommodation.

Included in the fee

• Intensive language lessons with well-trained, compe-tent and highly motivated teachers.
• Accommodation with carefully chosen Peruvian host families including breakfast, lunch, dinner and laundry service once a week.
• Books and teaching material.
• Initial test on arrival.
• A certificate and level assessment at the end of the course.
• Air port pick-up on arrival.
• Volunteer work mediation by the work coordinator.
• Assistance during your volunteer work.
• Access to the school’s activity program during language course.
• Free use of all the schools facilities during language course.

Not included in the fee

• Flight to and from Peru.
• Insurance.
• A supplement of 100 USD will be invoiced, in case you want to volunteer at two different projects.
• A supplement of 250 USD will be invoiced for Internships.

If you decide to extend your stay after arrival, you can pay for extra food and accommodation to the schools coordinator.
If you have followed Spanish lessons at one of the other schools in Ecuador or Bolivia and only want to volunteer in Peru, you will only have to pay for food and accommodation, pick-up and 140 USD administration fee and sponsorship to the project.

Official holidays
The school is closed on the following official holidays in
2012: 1.1, 21.2, 22.2, 5.4, 1.5, 3.6, 24.6, 29.6, 29.7, 30.8, 8.10, 1.11, 8.12 and from 17.12.2012 to 2.1.2013.

Enrolment form Peru
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

Vaccinations

Weather

Journey

Responsibility

Additional note
As much as we would like Peru to live up to European standards, we have to warn you that institutions do not prepare your arrival by organizing a weekly work schedule or other special instructions. It’s a big challenge to live and work in a poor Latin American country. It demands courage, some experience and the ability to adapt. It can be overwhelming, especially at first, to have to adjust to completely new conditions, communicate in a foreign language etc. Things are not as you are used to, the climate, the food, the atmosphere – everything is different. During your work you will be faced, daily with a harsh social reality and experience things very differently than a tourist would. To take part in the voluntary work programme, maturity, flexibility, independence and the desire to do social work are demanded. At the same time it gives you the opportunity to do some meaningful work, and not to mention - an experience for life.
EXIS represents the international language school only and can not be held responsible for your stay in Peru nor for dismissal from work due to misconduct or other reasons. In case of any problem, please contact immediately the coordinator at school.