Why did you decide to volunteer with IVHQ in Peru?
Alexa: When I quit my job in 2009, I wanted to travel somewhere where I could help others and learn some Spanish. My Internet searches for affordable and reputable organizations led me to IVHQ. I liked the choices they offered in terms of different projects, and I also liked that they had a Facebook page, so I could connect with other volunteers. Since I had never traveled solo before, I felt most comfortable going through a known organization.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer in Peru.
Alexa: I was in Cusco, Peru doing two different volunteer projects. The first project I worked on was helping paint and build a battered women's shelter. I worked about four hours a day with other volunteers and a jovial volunteer leader who spoke almost no English. It was both rewarding and fun to get to meet other volunteers and know I was working on a worthy cause.
After a few weeks, I decided to switch projects because I wanted to help out in a different way. My second project was taking care of kids at a daycare in a rural community. At the time, these kids didn't have many toys, access to toilets, electricity, or clean water. Even though they didn't speak English, the other volunteers and I played with them (playing is universal) and provided them with snacks.
What made this experience unique and special?
Alexa: Seeing my results at the battered women's shelter, I knew that I was contributing to something that was going to be there for years to come. While volunteering with the kids, I noticed what a hard life they live. There was nothing more rewarding than seeing a kid smile. Over time, the daycare got electricity, toys, and more resources to help take care of the kids. It was wonderful to see the progress the the daycare made in such a short time. Giving back was one of the most meaningful moments of my life.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Alexa: Volunteering abroad drastically changed my life personally and professionally. I became fascinated with cultural differences and became more open-minded and open-hearted. Professionally, I decided to continue seeing the world by teaching English in South to small children. If it wasn't for my time in Peru, I might have never ended up teaching English in South Korea. My volunteer experience sparked my desire to keep traveling and helping others.