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Last Christmas I had the pleasure of volunteering in Cusco. It was my most exciting and rewarding travel experience so far and I would definitely do it all again if I got the opportunity.

It was my first time travelling solo in a foreign language speaking country so naturally I was very nervous in the time leading up to my departure. However once I arrived, I felt completely at ease. IVHQ were very supportive and I had an airport pick up as soon as I arrived and met another volunteer straight away on the taxi ride to my homestay. From there on the experience was nothing but enjoyable and I had the best three weeks of my life.

The holiday experience project was great as it is was the only project where we got to do a mixture of each of the available programs. Over the course of two weeks, I got to help run a Christmas party for the local kids, help build a dog shelter, work with special needs care, plant trees and build guinea pig houses with the locals. After completing my volunteering, I had a week to myself where I used the mini-adventure tour option which IVHQ kindly organised for me. This was a great option for me as I had travelled all the way from New Zealand and wasn’t sure when I would be able to return, so I wanted to see as many things as possible. Using this service meant I got to cover all the major attractions including Machu Picchu, Scared Valley, Lake Titicaca and the salt mines. It was also a very easy, safe and hassle free process.

I also took advantage of the Spanish classes offered which was organised for me prior to my arrival. Taking these classes really enhanced my experience and I would definitely recommend to anybody who is not confident with their Spanish skills. It was also useful as you could practice what you learnt in class with the locals you volunteer alongside.

Overall, this was a challenging and wonderful experience where I learnt so much about myself and what I am capable of achieving. I have made life long friends and have memories that will last a lifetime. I cannot wait to volunteer abroad and travel solo again in the future.

You can try to dream up everything about your first trip abroad, but it will never come close. First, you will not have predicted the tough times, such as acclimating to the super high altitude, getting sick from food, or having arguments with traveling partners on what to do and when. But more importantly, you will not be able to fathom the unforgettable people you will meet, places you will see, food you will eat, stories you'll learn, history you will uncover, and PERSONAL GROWTH you will experience. Cusco captured my heart with its mountainous beauty, lively festivals, historic traditions, and host family hospitality. From hiking Machu Picchu, learning to salsa dance, taking cooking lessons, atving through the mountains, and helping those in need in clinics, Cusco stole my heart.

Being that it was my first time volunteering abroad I was a little nervous about what to expect, but the moment I was picked up by one of the staff members as soon as I arrived to the airport I started to feel less nervous, and when I arrived to my home stay I couldn't be more satisfied. Not only was the accommodation incredibly comfortable and spacious, but the host family was super hospitable and caring. I loved being immersed into an entirely different, yet beautifully new humbling culture, and to experience living as a local was the best feeling ever. The most rewarding part besides the wonderful site seeing was the actual medical project I volunteered at. It was such a rewarding an fulfilling feeling to help the locals who were in much need. I can't wait to go back next year! I am a new person thanks to you IVHQ!!!!!

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 headcounts! (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! Definitly 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.

For anyone hesitating about volunteering in Lima, I would highly suggest you just go for it! This was my very first volunteer experience and also my first time in South America (knowing very little Spanish) so I was defintely anxious at the start - but that all disappeared once I arrived there! Everyone at the volunteer house was super nice and friendly and the staff were really supportive and welcoming, which made me feel at home right away. The teaching program itself was well organized and gave the volunteers the oppotunity to work with a range of different classes and have responsibility for planning lessons, which made it a very rewarding experience. Your time and efforts are defintely appreciated there and you leave a huge impact :) I would do it again!

I taught English through this program during my spring break. I wish so badly that I had had more than a week to be a part of this. It was well organized, everyone was well-informed, and it was an amazing experience overall. Watching my students learn and grow through the classes was so rewarding, and I hope that the skills they learn take them far. I have been learning Spanish since I was 13, and it has benefited me in dozens of ways. I hope that the students in Peru understand the benefit of learning a second language. The ability to speak to an entirely new demographic of people is so amazing, especially with a beautiful language like Spanish. Additionally, I loved that we were allowed to have free time and explore Lima on our own. Sometimes I don't quite enjoy organized group activities, so it was nice being able to experience Lima on our own time and as we (responsibly) pleased. For example, I learned how to surf on my days off. Being from the inland city of Atlanta, GA, I never thought that I would be able to acquire such a skill. Not to mention I am exceptionally clumsy.

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!

This was my first time travelling abroad, and I'm so grateful I was directed to the IVHQ program. Leading up to the program date IVHQ always quickly and thoroughly answered all my questions, made sure I was adequately prepared to travel and always made me feel safe and secure with my decision to travel with them. They also always very clearly emphasized the importance of abroad volunteer work as well as making very clear to keep realistic expectations of your project. Being in medical project there really is only so much one person can do to help, but I knew to go in with an open mind so I came out having learned so much, felt good about the work I'd done and thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cusco. Anybody looking to travel and do a little good at the same time I whole heartedly encourage them to go through IVHQ!