Frecuently Asked Questions

1.- Do I need to speak Spanish in order to enroll in the program?
It is NOT necessary to speak Spanish before you arrive although it is always helpful.
Before you start volunteering it is necessary that you speak the basics of the Spanish language. Therefore you have to take at least 2 weeks of Spanish lessons in our school.

2.- Is there an orientation program?
When you arrive in Peru you will be met at the airport and we will take you to your host family.
On your first day we will show you around your neighborhood and the city centre. We will give you tips how to take public transport, nice places to go, and more useful information.
Before starting the volunteering we will introduce you at your project site.

3.- Does the program provide insurance for volunteers?
Before you travel make sure that you are covered by medical insurance in case of accidents or emergencies. There are a number of companies specializing in international travel insurance. International Student Insurance is one such company, and can be contacted via their website www.internationalstudentinsurance.com 

4.- What should I expect with regard to living conditions?
Depending on your project destination and your own wishes, volunteers are provided housing in either student apartment or host families. Various accommodations offer different amenities, but all are comfortably furnished with 24-hour hot water, a private bedroom and excellent security. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided Monday – Sunday in the host family. Please note that accommodations at rural project sites and for conservation projects are much more rustic and basic. Lack of hot water, power outages, and insects are part of the experience!

5.- I'm a vegetarian. Is this a problem?
No, this is no problem at all. Just tell us in your application that you are vegetarian and we will make sure that your host family prepares vegetarian food for you.

6.- How long do volunteers usually stay? Is there a minimum stay required?
Volunteering-Peru requires that a volunteer work in a project for at least 02 weeks.
If you need to learn Spanish first, you have to be available at least 03 weeks. The first week you will have Spanish lessons and after that you can volunteer for 2 weeks. The second week will be a combination of working in the project and Spanish lessons.
This allows some time to get accustomed to the living conditions and then time to work in your volunteer project. The longer the stay, the more productive it is likely to be. We'll happily welcome you for as long as you want to stay.

7.- Are there any age limits?
Volunteering-Peru doesn´t have age limits, but our experience is that a volunteer should be 18 years old at least to come to Peru to volunteer. There is no maximum age to enroll as a volunteer.

8.- Do I need a Visa to enter Peru?
Depending on where you are from you may or may not need a special visa. Most people, including those from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, automatically receive a 90-day or 183-day tourist visa when entering Peru.

9.- Is the water safe to drink?
Tap water in Peru is NOT safe for drinking. Tap water can be purified by boiling it or adding purification tablets, such as Micropur, which can be purchased at most pharmacies. Generally speaking, bottled water is easy to buy in stores. Showering and brushing your teeth with tap water is rarely a problem.

10.- Do I need vaccinations?
It is recommended that travelers to Peru have vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Tetanus. Typhoid and Yellow Fever are also recommended. Malaria is not a threat in Peru. You should visit a travel-health clinic or your physician at least four weeks before traveling.

11.- Is Peru a safe country?
Yes, and you can relax while you are here.
That said, it's still important to use common sense.

• Be careful if traveling on buses, as petty theft is common.
• Ask for a receipt when you store your backpack or luggage.
• Do NOT carry your passport or any credit cards and cash that you will not need.
• Use only registered taxis.
• Do not walk into unknown areas by yourself at night.
• Avoid any contact with drugs, as laws are very strict.