Description

Peru has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latin America. It's potential for economic prosperity through its exports and tourist industry is doing much to improve the high unemployment and poverty levels there.

At Projects Abroad, we are particularly proud of our Teaching projects in Peru. We are working with the Peruvian Ministry of Education on an eight-year scheme to update the English curriculum for 23 schools in the Sacred Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu. The English curriculum, created in the capital city of Lima, is not always relevant to children in the more rural Sacred Valley, and local English speakers who would otherwise be teachers
are often more tempted by higher salaries on offer in the local tourist industry.

This project is run by our Peru Director, Tim DeWinter - previously an education specialist with UNICEF. If the new curriculum generated and implemented by our volunteers is a success, it will be applied to more rural schools in Peru.

* Volunteer Opportunities Teaching English in Schools with Projects Abroad

For the curriculum to succeed we need your help! Volunteer teaching in Peru is a way to help at some of the most poorly resourced schools. You can gain invaluable work experience teaching overseas, and TEFL training is not required.

Whether you want volunteer opportunities teaching English during your gap year, career break, over a vacation or as a trained professional, you will have a role to play on one of our teaching projects. Volunteer teaching in schools in Peru will benefit the many children, teachers and locals within the different communities.

* Volunteering on a Teaching Project in Peru

As a volunteer in Peru, your role is built firmly into this scheme and curriculum. You may find that you teach many ages from all five secondary school year groups. With worksheets and teaching resources available in our office in the town of Urubamba, you will be well supported. You'll also be able to see a full history of what has been taught previously in your schools and tips from past volunteers. We recommend that you bring your own resources that you can use as part of your lessons such as postcards, photos, magazines, stickers etc. It is always useful to have authentic material that the students can use to further understand the English language as well as Western culture.

Our teaching supervisor in Peru arranges regular teaching workshops to help all the volunteers through the hurdles of teaching English in such an unusual environment. If you have a successful lesson you can share it with others, and it may even become part of the curriculum. We also promote two local teacher networks, so they receive in-service training regularly.

Please note: Although we recommend you join us during school time if possible, if you volunteer during Peru's long school holidays (January - March) you'll help at summer schools teaching the teachers and spend some time on local community projects. While this may sound challenging, volunteers have been wonderfully successful and really loved this side of the work!

The teacher training is carried out by volunteers under the close supervision of Tim and the teaching supervisor. You will prepare interactive lessons for small groups that are divided up according to their level of English language knowledge. It is worth noting that most Peruvian teachers will have a very basic level of English.

Our teaching programs will provide an invaluable opportunity for two different cultures to learn from each other. Teaching in Peru is one way to build relationships and have a rewarding international volunteer experience.

Highlights

Peru is the perfect place to immerse yourself in South American life while you're volunteering abroad. In the towns you can sample local foods and delicacies and you may even find yourself celebrating your birthday with Cuy - guinea pig - as the main dish!

From Urubamba it's easy to visit Cuzco and Machu Picchu. You can also go rafting on the Urubamba River or see traditional Andean theater and dance. If you're seeking thrills of an adrenaline-driven nature, venture into the Andes, which offer some of the best mountain-climbing and trekking opportunities on the planet. Take a weekend trip to explore the enigmatic Nazca Lines, or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Titicaca, the world's highest lake.

Although Peru is a great gateway to the rest of South America, there are so many rich things to see within the country itself that you may not ever want to venture over its borders! It's a magical melting pot of different cultures, stunning scenery and bio-diversity.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• Medical insurance
• Written materials pre-departure
• Written materials abroad
• Emergency evacuation services

Program Fees Include:

Price includes:

* all your food and accommodation
* transfers to and from the airport
* full travel insurance
* medical insurance
* support and 24 hour back-up from both our local and US/Canada staff.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Academic Reinforcement
• Education
• English Teaching
• Teaching

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992