Description

Global Citizens Network (GCN) sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where they are immersed in the daily life of the community. GCN seeks volunteers to participate on our trips to Tarapoto, Peru. The city of Tarapoto, The City of Palms, is located in the San Martin Department of Northeastern Peru. It is the largest town in the region and is the center for area agricultural and commercial activities. Situated where the low Andes Mountains give way to the jungle, the town is surrounded by lush forests and a network of rivers including the Mayo, Huallaga and the Cumbaza.

GCN's partner in Peru is a non-profit organization called JIREH, who works on small scale development projects in several Quechua villages and with marginalized youth in Tarapoto. The village of Chirapa works with JIREH meeting community development needs and aiding in school construction projects. JIREH has invited GCN to work on different projects such as building a dining room for the public school that services the villages and surrounding communities as well as refurbishing restroom facilities for kids in a local school. Residents bear a mix of ethnic backgrounds, and families date back for many generations in the area.

Trips last 15 days and team is led by a bilingual, trained GCN team leader. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning.

As worthwhile and fulfilling as the work you do will be, the true rewards come from the cross-cultural learning which takes place on these trips. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning. You may test your skills making local food, visit a nearby tea factory or the family farm, learn a local dance, and discover the history and rich traditions of the area.

When you have the chance to learn first-hand about people from other cultures, you will feel connected to others in ways you may have never experienced before.

Highlights

The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip. There is much to explore in and around Tarapoto. In the immediate area are several waterfalls, rafting the Mayo River or relaxing at Laguna de Sauce, where the clear blue waters make excellent swimming.

Tarapoto is easily connected by air to other major attractions such as Iquitos, Cuzco, Trujillo and Arequipa. *It is important to note that July and August is peak tourist season in Peru and accommodations before or after the GCN trip in places like Cuzco and Machu Pichu must be made as early as possible. Because of this, potential participants are strongly urged to sign up for this trip well in advance of the trip date.

Qualifications

No specific skills are required, only a willingness to appreciate and accept other cultures. We believe everyone has skills -- some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what s/he can If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English
• Quechua
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 2,150

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

The program fee covers in-country travel and lodging, most meals, orientation materials, medical and emergency evacuation insurance (not for US/Canada sites), on-going program costs and a donation to the community development project. Airfare is additional. All trip-related expenses are tax-deductible in the U.S.

Many people ask why they have to pay to volunteer. GCN receives primary financial support from program fees and individual donors, while relying heavily on volunteers to make our work successful. Also, while individuals may be able to travel for less to many of these places, GCN provides the entrance into a village and exposure to a culture that one could not receive if traveling solo to these places. Through the long-term partnerships that GCN has established with communities around the world, participants immerse themselves into the daily life of villagers and gain a unique perspective, while making a contribution in the lives of others.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Participants range in age from 8 on upwards, and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees.. these are just some of the people who join our trips.

Age Range

8 - 88+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6-12

Application Process Involves

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement

In partnership with people of diverse cultures, GCN promotes cross-cultural understanding and interconnectedness through authentic immersion experiences.

Year Founded

1992