The land of gold and of the sun worshipping Incas, Peru was 16th century Europe’s major source of treasure and once the home of the largest empire in the Americas. Since then, the riches of the Incas have evoked the world’s imagination, although much of the country’s appeal lies in the sheer beauty of its landscapes, the abundance of wildlife and the strong, colourful character of the people. Ancient ruins only hint at the first chapter of the story. Although the bloody Spanish Conquest shattered the traditional Inca world in the 16th century, the legacy of this ancient culture is still very much alive. Roughly half of Peru’s 23 million people are of pure Incan origin, often living in remote mountain villages. They still speak Quechua or Aymara of their ancestors and many of their beliefs and customs are a mixture of traditional Andean ways and the culture brought by the Spanish. Peru remains one of the world’s great travel destinations.   Programs Available Volunteer Program

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Volunteer

 

Upon completing a four week Spanish course in Cusco tailored to your needs, you’ll have the option of joining a volunteer project for another 4 weeks or more. These projects tend to be focused on children, public health, environmental issues, etc. We will help set you up and provide guidance along the way. The language school is located in the centre of Cusco, the cultural heart of the Peruvian Andes. Cusco is situated at 3,300 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by dramatic mountains and valleys. It has a population of 300,000 inhabitants - most of them indigenous - and makes the perfect base for exploring the grandeur of the Andes, a wealth of famous Inca ruins and the magical “Lost City” of Machu Picchu.

 

 

The program consists of

• 4 weeks intensive Spanish course in Cusco
• 4 weeks or more Volunteering

 

The Volunteer Projects

• a) After-school project: help children with their homework, play with them, organize recreational, physical, and creative activities, assist in workshops, and teach English
• b) Physical, mental, and social rehabilitation for children and adults: personal attention, recreation, and serving meals; work with deaf and mentally disabled children, for example, develop educational materials, assist in practical projects such as teaching kids how to wash and iron clothes, cook, sew, weave, and garden
• c) Orphanages in the Cusco area: helping in teaching a craft, teaching English, helping with homework, and teaching workshops to children of 5-18 years of age
• d) Kindergarten and Playschools: assist in class, teach games, organise activities, and develop new teaching materials for children of 4 - 5 years of age
• e) Street kids: this project enables street kids to meet other children, relax, eat, and learn; there are also workshops on self-esteem, hygiene, and AIDS prevention

 

Length

minimum 4 weeks intensive language course + minimum 4 weeks volunteering

 

Lead Time

3 months

 

Application Requirements

• 18 years old and over
• Language: Basic knowledge of Spanish
• The application form signed and completed
• Current resume and Cover letter
• 1 passport picture
• Evidence of Medical Insurance

 

Included in Program Fees

• Intensive Spanish course
• Volunteer placement
• Airport pick-up if arriving in Cusco (airport pick-up from Lima is available at an additional charge)

 

Accommodation

• Peruvian Homestay: own private bedroom with a lock and you will share the living room, kitchen, bathroom and if available, courtyard or garden, with the family and any other students that may be lodging there as well; All families have a television, radio, and telephone for incoming calls only.
• Peruvian Homestay Plus: The Peruvian Homestay Plus package offers students a slightly higher comfort level, in terms of the room being a larger size, the food being more adapted to your wishes, and a courtyard or garden. This package is especially suited for couples who wish to study together and also for those who wish to be away from the bustling city centre. The host family provides three meals a day; breakfast, Australians Abroad Suite 1, Savoir Faire, 20 Park Road, Milton, Brisbane, Australia P: + 61 (0)7 3305 8408 F: + 61 (0)7 3305 8408 www.australiansabroad.com.au info@australiansabroad.com.au lunch, and dinner. Generally, times of meals are flexible; you may make other arrangements for meals if you wish.
• Student residence: There are double and single rooms, shared toilets, a terrace, and a common kitchen and living room. Meals are provided on a half board basis, so you will receive both breakfast and a 3 course lunch.

 

Program Fees*

• Application Fee: USD 500
• Placement Fee: USD 730

   

*Please note that payments in different currencies will be charged in Australian dollars according to the exchange rate of the day. You can check the accurate conversion rates at the time of payment at www.xe.com/ucc. Please also note that an international transfer fee of AUD$35 will apply.