Great Experience!!!

I volunteered in a Medical placement in Cusco, Peru for one month through Love Volunteers. My family stay was an excellent experience and my "family" was very experienced in taking in travelers. That said, the cooking was all authentic Peruvian food and Spanish was the principal language throughout my stay. While my family members were accommodating, they also encouraged me to speak Spanish and helped me immensely with my knowledge of the local culture. My work schedule in the clinic was very flexible (though I had heard of some that were less flexible) and I was able to work mornings or afternoons or both, if I wanted. I also took Spanish classes for two weeks during my stay, which added immensely to the value of my experience. I had time on evenings and weekends to travel about, visit ruins, meander through the markets, and even see some of the nightlife. As for safety, I only gave an 8/10 because I had two friends whose passports and bags were stolen in the town of Cusco, but personally I did not have any trouble with my things. I would highly recommend this organization - they are relatively cheap by comparison, AND your money goes to the families who take you in, with very little (if any) going to the organization. Your experience will be what you make of it, but Love Volunteers gives you all of the tools you need to enjoy your trip. I have not had one regret about my choice to go with them!