Why did you choose this program?
I have held an interest in Geography and travelling for a long time, which made ProjectsAbroad the perfect company to travel with. Furthermore, due to my love for natural scenery and the environment, the ‘environmental conservation’ project seemed like the perfect choice for a volunteering project since it focused on flora and fauna within the Peruvian Amazon.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
ProjectsAbroad assisted me with information about the flights, visas and all other pre-departure information. This included courses to accommodate one to the Peruvian culture and language (Spanish). They also provided all volunteers with accommodation.
I had to organise my own flights, insurance and visa.
I had to organise my own flights, insurance and visa.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
One piece of advice is to remain open-minded. Things may be different in Peru to what you’re used to, in terms of things like customs, cuisine and even language. While this project is to work, it is also to have fun, meaning you should aim to be relaxed while you are in Peru, also taking time to become accustomed to living in Peru.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
Some days, a select few will be chosen for an activity at 5:30, lasting a few hours (breakfast will be brought with you).
Otherwise (approximate times):
Breakfast = 7:15
Morning activity = 8:30 - 11:30
Lunch = 12:00
Afternoon activity = 14:30 - 17:00
Dinner = 19:00
Occasional evening activity = 20:00
Otherwise (approximate times):
Breakfast = 7:15
Morning activity = 8:30 - 11:30
Lunch = 12:00
Afternoon activity = 14:30 - 17:00
Dinner = 19:00
Occasional evening activity = 20:00
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I did have a fear concerning the people which would be there, since I was travelling alone, meaning I feared not having friends for the duration of my stay. However, everyone began speaking to each other instantly in order to get to know the basics (e.g. names, age, where you’re from). This sparked further conversation, which results in me making very strong friendships - despite only knowing these people for 2 weeks, I feel like I’ve known them for my whole life!
What does one do in their free time at Taricaya, when they’re not working/volunteering?
Throughout weekdays, volunteers will have free time from 12:00 to 14:00 and again from 17:00 onwards. In this time, many will chose to go swimming in the Madres De Dios river, others will relax in the TV room, or sit on the lookout tower and read!
On the weekends, there may be some activities arranged for you, such as meeting a local tribe or floating in life jackets down the river!