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  Peru

• Lima: 
Lima

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: flexible

Description: Over the last century, Peru has been experiencing a massive rural to urban migration. Many of the workers pouring into Lima are domestic workers hoping to make their fortune and support their families. Many domestic service workers find themselves in abusive situations. Volunteers work with an education center that offers adult education, training, advocacy programs, and assistance with job placement. This organization serves to empower newly arrived domestic workers and encourages everyone to support each other, make friends, and create a support system for themselves. Volunteers can assist with teaching classes and workshops. Possible topics include English, Spanish, child development, cooking, arts and crafts, family planning, and other subjects.

Highlights: Experience the incredible beauty and culture of Peru while working with local organizations and gaining a deep understanding of the people and culture. Volunteers and interns work in community run organizations, gaining firsthand knowledge of the complex development issues Peru is facing. Participants have plenty of time to explore the country during the weekends. Peru has almost endless possibilities for adventure.

* The Andes are some of the most dramatic mountains in the world dotted with small towns, clear lakes, and home to a vibrant and a wide array of microclimates ranging from semi arid highlands to cool, moist cloud forests.

*Peru is home to some of the most spectacular ruins in the world including awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca lines.

* The Amazonian region is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.

*Cosmopolitan Lima is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the world and many fascinating neighborhoods to explore.

*Wander along streets the Inca walked in the mountain city of Cusco.

ELI volunteers are enthusiastically welcomed by the communities they work in and often form long lasting relationships with the people they meet in Peru.

Qualifications / Skills Needed: Participants in this program must speak conversational Spanish. The most successful participants with this program are self motivated, open minded, and curious.

Intern Types: Education, Labor & Industrial Relations and Social Work

Language: Spanish

Cost in US$: Programs start at $1075 for four weeks

Cost Includes: Housing, In-country orientation/Training, In-country staff support, Registration fees, Written materials abroad and Written materials pre-departure

Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels. Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Lima or Cusco and provided with transportation to their accommodations In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a one to two day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Peru, city tours, help with transportation, and optional Spanish classes In-country Staff Support: ELI's Peru coordinator has years of experience working with Peruvian NGOs. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Accommodations: Participants stay either with a local host family or in a shared apartment depending on the project.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: adult education, AIDS, arts, childcare/children, community centers, community development, community health, community organizing, cooking, counseling, culture, education, English teaching, health education, housing, human rights, intervention, labor issues, literacy, nutrition, social services, social work, teaching, tutor, volunteering and women

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and older

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

Typical Living Arrangements: Apartment/Flat and Home-stays

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001