* What is a typical day?

This will depend on your placement. Many volunteers start their day early, at 7.00 a.m., with breakfast with their host family. Work at the orphanages often starts at 8.00 a.m., as children have English lessons before they go to school. Lessons tend to be one hour long. Many volunteers then choose to stay at the orphanages, working in the baby units or those for children with special needs. Lunch is normally taken at around 1.00 p.m., with your family. There may be another English lesson at the orphanage in the afternoon, after school has finished for the children.

We really appreciate any extra help that you may be able to offer, teaching English to local people. We work with ELC, teaching English to private students from Huancayo. This helps to fund all of our volunteer programmes; extra support from people who speak English, French or German is always welcome.

There are many things to do around the area, and we are always willing to take you on trips to the local sights. There are many areas of local interest, including Huancas ruins from the pre-Inca era, beautiful lakes with fresh salmon and the stunning Andes mountains. There is no such thing as a “typical day”, as you will be involved in an active social life out here, meeting other volunteers and going out with your family. Weekends are often taken up going on local outings, should you wish.

* Where will I live?
You will placed with a local family, who will provide three meals a day for you. They will share their way of life with you, and will be very happy to make sure your time in Huancayo is enjoyable. They will help you to learn Spanish quicker, and to understand Peruvian culture at a deeper level. We ask that you appreciate that their way of life may be different from what you are used to, and respect and adapt to any differences.

* How much money will I spend?
All meals and accommodation are included. The price of your homestay does not include personal toiletries, such as toothpaste and shampoo. Transport costs around Huancayo are not included. Any extra trips that you wish to take will need to be paid for by yourself. Peru is a very cheap country, and your Peruvian soles will go a long way. For example, a local bus journey ride around Huancayo costs 0.5 soles, a three-course meal at a local restaurant is about 4 soles and an hour on the Internet costs 1 sole.

* How much Spanish will I need?
No previous Spanish is required, as the language course will equip you with the Spanish needed for your placement. People who wish to work in the jungle need to have a good level of Spanish and a medical background.

Many volunteers choose to continue their Spanish lessons after the language course. These are offered at less than half-price to volunteers.

* What do I need to bring?
Huancayo is at altitude, and the evenings can get cold. A warm fleece or jumper is strongly recommended, as is a light waterproof coat. If you wish to go walking in the mountains, sturdy boots are needed, and a tent if you plan to camp.
There are many markets nearby, and the famous one on Sunday stretches for 5 kms! You may wish to bring money to buy one of the many cheap, quality souveniers.
You may also wish to bring photographs from home, to show your family and enable them to understand your culture better. Gifts of books and stationery are always welcome. You may wish to bring a present for when you leave your host family; traditional times from your country are always appreciated!

* How soon do I need to apply?
The application programme is fast and simple. We are always looking for volunteers, so please do not hesitate to contact us. It helps us enormously if we have a definite start date to work with as soon as possible, so that we can make the necessary plans for the programme and with your host family.

* How do I get to Huancayo?
Most people arrive from Lima and Cuzco. We can arrange a pick-up from Lima if you wish, but please let us know in advance. Regular buses run from both places. Cruz Del Sur is the best company to use.

We can provide further information if you need it.