After-school center in Cusco

Normally I don't think I am very good with kids, but I had so much fun with the kids in Cusco. I worked at the after-school center for one week. We were only with the kids for a couple of hours a day. At times it was difficult because many of the children came from difficult homes, and almost all of them were dirty or didn't have more than one change of clothes. The language barrier could be frustrating (my Spanish was limited, and especially more difficult because kids are hard to understand sometimes even in English) but (as cheesey as this sounds) a smile is universal. It didn't feel like we were doing life-changing work, but just making kids smile and laugh for a couple of hours a day is more than they could ever want. It was so rewarding to spend time with them, even when we couldn't communicate.

The location of the after-school house felt a bit unsafe, and you have to take a taxi there. But I always went with other volunteers and felt fine as long as I wasn't alone. The volunteer house is a great space to relax and hang out, and the nightlife in Cusco (especially in the Plaza de Armas down the street from the volunteer house) is wild.

UBELONG has unbeatable prices and the personal attention from Cedric and Raul is wonderful. When you are at the volunteer house you are at the mercy of the local program but Cedric and Raul will do anything and everything in their power to make your experience enjoyable. I had to leave early because of medical issues I had and Cedric was extremely supportive and helpful.