Why did you choose this program?
At the beginning of my journey, I knew for sure that I wanted to travel this summer, but not in a touristy way. I wanted to see a country in its pure and vibrant life. After some time searching, I run into International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), a volunteer travel organization that has more than 35 destinations and a wide range of projects available to choose. I completely fell for the idea of traveling while making an impact on the country I would go to, so I started looking for the country for me.
I chose Peru as I spontaneously felt I needed to visit this country full of delicious and exquisite cuisine, with the Incas history being so extraordinary and to be able to go to places like Machu Picchu, The Andes, Sacred Valley, Moray, Rainbow Mountain And Lake Humantay.
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
International Volunteer HQ’s guidance, accessibility, interactive training and full support made me feel prepared enough to take a flight to Cusco. The program has six steps to prepare you for your experience abroad.
You need to complete your application, read the program guide, pay program fee, submit arrival details, travel insurance, criminal background, an emergency contact, and complete the interactive training. But if at any step of the process you find yourself confused or with some questions, they’ll answer everything and help you all along the way.
This made me trust IVHQ and know that they are a safe volunteer program.
On my own, I had to prepare myself to live abroad for the next three weeks and to have all the positive attitude toward this trip since it was my first time traveling-solo
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
My advice to someone who’s ready to go on the Childcare Volunteer Program on Cusco, Peru would be to inquire, research and get to know the country before you experience living there. Do research about the country’s history, gastronomy, climate, language that’s spoken, transport that’s used, biodiversity, wildlife and national holidays.
Why do this? Because once you get to Cusco after knowing all the data, myths, legends and stories, you'll be amazed that what you had read, heard and search for it’s all real. While you discover this place, you also get to discover so much about yourself - something that I wouldn't have done had I gone the touristy route.
I’m sure you’ve heard about Machu Picchu being one of the seven wonders, but you don’t really understand the depth of what people talk about until you are standing in front of the ruins and all these temples that Hiram Bingham found, surrounded by nature in its maximum splendour and realizing how lucky you are to see this unbelievable place with your own eyes.
Every trip has so many places to discover, experiences to gain and new friends to make, so go find out what awaits you.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
I spent my mornings exploring the beautiful city of Cusco with my roommates. The city is a magnet for mystics and you never get exhausted of hearing their amazing stories and myths from the past.
I was the lucky to be placed in orphanages with kids that are so sweet, bright, happy and grateful every moment of the day. I spent my afternoons with these amazing kids singing, playing, laughing, dancing and letting me teach them English because they have the will to learn every moment. I gained so much sensitivity and closeness from this kids.
The nights were something special, we partied while getting to know the city night life and made memories that will last forever. Every day was different from the one before and completely surprising.
On the weekends I traveled to places like Machu Picchu, Sacred-Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Moray and Lake Humanity where photos and words are not enough to explain what it's like to be there. The places I visited were breathtaking and they all seemed so unreal.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was that I would not like my house or the placement and that all my effort would be needless. But once I got out of the airport, the team picked me up and took me to my home and my host was so welcoming.
I made the greatest and closest bonds with my roomies and other volunteers from my placement, and Peruvian people were so warm and polite. I knew in that moment, I had made one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Do you think anyone can become a successful volunteer?
I believe that any person who has the will to help, the pleasure to teach, has a passion for nature, likes to spend and share time with people, is willing to give all his support in obtaining smiles on small children or is 100 percent committed to creating a change in the world no matter how large or small this is, is an excellent candidate to be a volunteer.
As Mahatma Gandhi says: You must be the change you want to see in the world.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going overseas?
Actually, since I've come back from Peru, I've told my friends to go and live the experience of volunteering abroad. It’s such a different way to get to know a country.
I also told them how they will have the freedom to visit the corners of the city, make new friends from all over the world, travel with purpose and be certain that they will help and do good for people who need it. It’s such a gratifying experience that you have the desire to do it again soon.
