Description

The Expedition is a journey through all the phases of a social science research project devoted to understanding the dimensions of urban poverty in Lima. The poorest neighborhoods in Lima are shantytowns far from the city center that face multiple socioeconomic and infrastructure challenges. Expedition participants become part of a research team to study poverty issues in one of the most populous shantytowns in Lima, gain practical skills on the ground and share what they learn with locals and the international development community.

The Expedition includes pre-departure briefings where participants refine the research plan, assist with fieldwork logistics and design research instruments. In Lima, participants engage in research work involving a variety of data collection methods and volunteer in a community project. The team also enjoys various recreational activities, including a visit to Cusco and Machu Picchu at the end of the trip. Upon returning from Peru, the team analyzes the data and presents research findings.

Highlights

Benefits of Joining?
Invest in your career
Expeditions offer an unparalleled opportunity to obtain international experience. Past Expedition members have used their experience to obtain jobs at USAID, the Inter-American Development Bank and Chemonics, and to get admitted at Johns Hopkins' SAIS.

Step out of your comfort zone
Traveling to a different country to apply your skills, interact with locals and add value is challenging. Step from behind media headlines and learn by doing. Get your boots dirty.

Connect with the best
Join a dynamic and supportive team of outstanding individuals. Your fellow participants will come from various backgrounds and be linked by an insatiable desire to learn, grow and make a difference.

Learn from leaders
Your Expedition Leaders are leading development professionals. Raul has worked at the highest levels of development and is an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins' SAIS and Cornell. Cedric has worked with grassroots organizations throughout the world to address some of the most pressing global challenges and is a leading social entrepreneur.

Cost?
2,100 dollars, which includes everything except for your airfare to Peru. Following the UBELONG mission, we offer the highest quality experiences at the lowest possible cost. Yes, it is a unique opportunity at a great price.

Have fun!
Experience a fascinating country with a tightly-knit team. And do not be surprised if you make lifelong friends.

NEXT STEPS?
Read more about the Expedition on the UBELONG site, contact us if you have questions and apply. It's easy.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

Requirements to Join?
The Expedition is open to everyone with at least two years of higher education in any field of study and fluent in English.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Subject Areas

• Social Work
• Travel / Tourism

Cost in US$:

2100

Program Fees Include:

Everything except for your airfare to Peru. Following the UBELONG mission, we offer the highest quality experiences at the lowest possible cost. Yes, it is a unique opportunity at a great price. The details:

Before your trip
Easy online application
You can apply online using our application form. We use the application to get to know you and make sure that you join an Expedition that is right for you based on your background, interests and skills.

Preparation Briefing
The briefing offers you a wealth of information and helpful tips to prepare you for your trip. Topics range from health, safety and visa issues to the development challenges that your host community faces.

Pre-Expedition Meeting
The Expedition team meets over Skype to go over the logistics of the Expedition, as well as to introduce the team and answer any questions. Both Expedition Leaders are present and lead the briefing. To learn more, click the "journey" tab above.

Donation to the UBELONG Fund
We donate a portion of your placement fee to the UBELONG Fund, our philanthropic arm that empowers our former volunteers to remain involved in public service and volunteering after they return home. To learn more, see our UBELONG Fund section.

During your trip
Expedition leader guidance and support
Both Expedition Leaders travel with the team and provide 24/7 guidance, leadership and support. To learn more, click the "team" tab above.

Machu Picchu visit
The Expedition team goes on a two day, one night visit of Machu Picchu. The visit includes a four to six hour hike along the Inca Trail.

Housing
All accommodations are included and range from hostels to hotels to family stays.

Food
You receive breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Meals are served in a variety of establishments, including cafes, local families and restaurants.

Transport
All transport within Peru, which includes airport pickup when you arrive in Lima, the roundtrip flight from Lima to Cusco and the train transport to Machu Picchu.

Travel medical insurance
We provide you with travel medical insurance with emergency evacuation for the duration of the Expedition.

After your trip
Reference letter
Upon request, we provide you with a letter stating that you have participated in one of our programs.

Fundraising and networking
We hold fundraising and networking events throughout the year to support development initiatives. Join us online, in Washington, DC or wherever in the world we are holding an event. To learn more, see our UBELONG Fund section.

Share the Good Campaign
Refer a friend and help us mobilize volunteers to support our projects. For each friend, we give you USD30 cash, give your friend USD30 off on his or her placement and donate USD30 to the UBELONG Fund. For complete terms and rules, see the Preparation Briefing that you receive when you join a UBELONG program or contact us.

United States President's Volunteer Service Award
If you are a U.S. citizen and either a UBELONG Campus Leader or a volunteer who shared your story in our Volunteer Abroad Voices interview series, we will award you the award, which we have been certified to give as a U.S. based international volunteering organization committed to the highest standards. To learn more, see our UBELONG Fund section.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 8 to 10

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

UBELONG's Mission Statement

-Grassroots action: To improve the economic and social conditions of disadvantaged communities in the developing world by empowering volunteers to work on grassroots projects driven by locally identified needs. -Experiences for all: To mobilize people of all backgrounds and provide them with inspiring volunteering experiences that are affordable and flexible. -Connecting people: To bring people together to advance cross-cultural understanding, increase awareness of international development issues and promote lifelong civic engagement.

Year Founded

2009