What inspired you to work for Centro Cultural Aq'amama?
My passion for Peruvian archaeology & history. In Peru, I have met many wonderful professionals who are equally passionate about history and archaeology who have inspired me and fueled my passion.
Describe a typical day at work.
I present archaeology workshops in English. Our workshop participants assist the staff at our centre with the classifying, cleaning, and registry of genuine pre-Columbian artefacts.
Why do you do what you do?
To promote and preserve Peru's rich history. I believe that archaeology collections, whether public or private, belong to everyone and should be made accessible to all.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I really love teaching and sharing my knowledge with others. I am also happy to learn from others. I really enjoy meeting people who are as passionate as I am about Peruvian history.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I have more than 15 years of experience in the field of archaeology in Cusco. Most of this time was working with volunteers on archaeology projects in the Cusco region.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Most of my challenges are due to the fact that I compare Peru to other developed countries. Sometimes, you just need to step back, re-evaluate, and accept that Peru is different....and that's why I like it so much!
What are some current projects you are working on?
The classification, cleaning, and registry of the more than 2000 artefacts in our collection from Peru's pre-Columbian, Colonial, and Republican eras, as well as educational activities for local students.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Planning is the enemy of doing. Get out there, be confident. You're going to be very surprised at the number of people who are doing what you are doing. Don't forget to call your mum.
What makes Centro Cultural Aq'amama special?
Our dedicated and committed staff, our experience and qualifications, and our willingness to share our knowledge of the subjects covered in our workshops and courses.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
We are the best at what we do. We are qualified professionals, and I am not aware of other organizations in the Cusco region offering the same services.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
We hope to mobilize the Centro Cultural Aq'amama and take our collection and activities to rural schools where logistics make it difficult for them to visit us.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
Apart from our hands-on workshops and courses, we hope to make our collection accessible to local, national, and international students for study purposes.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
What we offer is unique in Peru and no previous experience is required. We can cater to individuals and groups. Schools can potentially design their own course with us and use our materials and locale for their students.
What is Centro Cultural Aq'amama's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
We want to make archaeology accessible to everyone, young and old. We will continue to do this by developing our community activities and intercultural experiences.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Apart from the memories of a great experience, I would like participants to take more questions than answers away with them. To question what they've learned and to hold it up to scrutiny.
How do you help support participants?
Our workshops & courses are 100% supervised by native English and Spanish-speaking staff. Our participants are our priority and we offer 24-hour in-country support.
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would do the Archaeology, History, and Culture Course. It's based in Cusco city and includes a weekend trip to Machu Picchu. I think it's a great way to spend two weeks in South America.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I think it’s healthy. I have personally seen many young people develop skills and qualities that they never knew they possessed through independent and group travel.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
I think everyone should have at least two languages. It opens up new avenues and places opportunities in your path. It's great for self-esteem and it’s fun being able to communicate in a foreign language.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Do it. Research your destination but don't worry about having every little detail planned out. Embrace new cultures, be tolerant, be respectful, and most of all enjoy yourself.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
In my time in Peru I have seen many organizations “invent” activities that have little or no positive impact. I believe in sustainable projects which can stand alone without intervention after they have been set up. Just because things are different doesn't mean that they are wrong.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
International, cross-cultural interaction which has positive, sustainable impact and is not based on status, gender, religion, orientation, age, race, or education.
What qualities in the program & host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)
Equal accessibility for locals, Peruvian nationals, and international participants, as well as promoting Peru's rich cultural heritage and helping host communities identify with it.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I have always been impressed by people who choose an activity or experience as opposed to lying on a beach. I think learning a new skill or volunteering a specific skill is commendable.