Education Volunteering in Lima, Peru

"Join one of the most accessible and affordable volunteer programs in South America with International Volunteer HQ. Trusted by more than 147,000 volunteers worldwide, IVHQ’s Lima-based volunteer projects give you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while living in Peru’s vibrant capital city. With 6 unique volunteer opportunities to choose from—including Childcare, Medical Outreach, Animal Care, Construction & Renovation, Community Support, and Teaching English—there’s a project suited for every interest and skillset. Programs run from 1 to 24 weeks and are a great fit for those who thrive in urban settings and want to explore Peru’s cultural richness without venturing into more remote areas. Your all-inclusive experience covers airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, daily meals, and 24/7 in-country support. Volunteers are placed either in a shared house with fellow participants or in a Peruvian homestay for a more immersive experience. Even before you touch down in Lima, your dedicated IVHQ Program Manager will help guide your preparation—from travel planning to pre-departure training—ensuring you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

As a developing country, Peru has a great need for support in community development efforts. This includes gender issues related to the promotion of women’s rights in Peru. On our women’s empowerment program in Peru, volunteers are introduced to the background of gender roles in this country and will be trained to facilitate hands-on activities on a variety of topics related to improving the lives of women and girls in this community. This could include workshops or one-to-one sessions about women’s rights, healthcare, literacy and professional development.

Volunteer to help impoverished women and their children in Peru with GoBeyond. Casa Mantay, a Cuzco center founded by Raquel and Sergio, serves as a refugee center for teenage mothers and children. Here, they are taught sustainable skills that will help them survive and even succeed in the future. Yuri, an inspirational director at Aldea Yanapay, helps alleviate the social injustices faced by the children through alternative and after-school programs. Earn the Presidential Service Award upon completion of this 100-hour service trip.

Lima, the capital of Peru, is located on the west coast of the Pacific along the Rímac River. This large, international city balances both modern and traditional influences, which evolved from Peru's history as the home of the Inca and numerous other civilized cultures dating back as far as 2000 BC. Opportunities vary from rehabilitating marine life to working with disabled or at-risk youth to creating environmental protection campaigns. By partnering with community-based organizations and following a structured, reflection-based curriculum, you will learn how local experts address these issues with available resources while developing intercultural and leadership skills in a real-world context. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so visit our website to learn more about your options. Although all our programs are great, we especially recommend Lima for students who are interested in marine biology or human rights.

Immerse yourself in the life and culture of Peru by living with a local family and engaging in meaningful Community Service projects. You will volunteer with children in community centers where you will assist with activities, games, homework, and improvement projects. In the mornings, while the children are at school, take Spanish classes to improve your understanding of the language and better help your community service efforts. You will learn all about the fascinating Peruvian culture and traditions. Excursions to the highlights of Lima include the an outdoor adventure at Lunahuaná on the coast, the pre-Hispanic ruins of Incahuasi, the ancient ceremonial center of Huaca Pucllana, and whitewater rafting on the Cañete River. Experience Peru's natural beauty and archaeological significance while giving back to the local community. A basic level of Spanish is recommended for this program.

Classic Service Learning Trips (SLTs) are week-long, immersive educational journeys to Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Tanzania. During these trips, volunteers actively collaborate with local communities on various development projects, including constructing homes, improving access to clean water, and participating in mobile medical clinics that provide essential healthcare to underserved areas. These trips offer a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the communities that MEDLIFE supports, allowing volunteers to witness firsthand the challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty. By working side by side with locals, volunteers not only gain invaluable insights into global health and development but also contribute directly to impactful projects that foster long-term, sustainable change. Beyond the hands-on experience, SLTs encourage participants to reflect on the role they can play in addressing global inequities. The trip fosters empathy, awareness, and ignites action, empowering volunteers to join the MEDLIFE Movement and advocate for a world where poverty no longer limits opportunities.