Cusco Peru, Caretaking Project, Michelle Woods

I had a remarkable Ubelong experience. Living in Cusco, Peru with warm and welcoming Peruvian family in the city center was a great way to settle in and to practice my Spanish. My volunteer coordinator, Martina, was very helpful and we had some meetings to touch-base about the project so that I could receive advice but also provide feedback. The schedule allowed me to get to know the city and travel on weekends, which was certainly an added perk! Peru is a fantastic country to explore and I would go back at the drop of hat.

I worked in a shelter that was a safe haven for girls who were victims of abuse and spent the month teaching them English, discussing pop-music, sometimes playing sports or doing crafts. It took a few days to find my footing and gain the trust of the girls, but once that was achieved and I was able to establish a relationship with the staff at the shelter, I really enjoyed the work and it broke my heart to leave. I have thought about my experience and the girls often since my return. I recommend Ubelong to anyone looking to get out and away, and try to make a small difference.