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A guide to friendship in Peru!

What happens when Valentine’s day is knocking on our door during your volunteering in Peru, and there is no ¨novia¨ or ¨novio¨?

Doing volunteer work in Latin America is about cultural immersion, about learning from the Latin-American culture and the Spanish speaking world. Therefore, a cultural event or a local tradition is always a great opportunity to get immersed in the culture and to talk to the locals. So is Valentine’s Day.

Most of our volunteers in the different Latin-American countries, know Valentine’s day as giving your loved one presents, varying from bonbons to flowers to teddy bears; all heart-shaped or in the shape of cupid. In reality, this part is not much different in Latin America or Peru. (more…)

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4 Cultural Tips to Prepare Yourself for Volunteering in Peru

Communication between people in general, and maybe especially between people of diverse cultural backgrounds, comprises much more than simply verbal cues.

Hidden cultural differences in attitudes and behavior often cause a great deal of misunderstanding and friction. Understanding and embracing these differences could mean the difference between a wonderful and enlightening trip to Latin America, and a nightmare experience!

While there are many ways in which your culture and that of Peru may be similar, there will be several aspects that differ (and sometimes drastically!). As an expat and former volunteer in Peru, I have had to overcome these growing pains myself. Two years ago I came to this beautiful country to Volunteer in Peru and I experienced a culture far different from my own, yet in a way that was exciting, refreshing and maddening all at the same time.

Prepare for Volunteer Work in Latin America

In order to help you to prepare for your Volunteer Work in Latin America, I will talk about four ways that the Latin American culture (or, more specifically, the Peruvian culture ) differs from people from Europe and the United States. Prepare yourself for a great experience and check out our tips to best embrace the rich Latin American culture, especially here in the Land of the Incas!

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Why volunteering is the Best Thing that Happened to Me

Many people underestimate the value of volunteering, but the reality is that there are numerous reasons why volunteering is a worthwhile and rewarding experience. And if you do your volunteer work in Latin America or in any other country of culture different than yours, this adds even more value to your experience! As Maria, one of our volunteers in Peru said: Be a Volunteer in Peru is the best thing that has ever happened to me! Here are her six reasons.

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Volunteering abroad will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Specifically in Ecuador, working as a volunteer will provide you with many opportunities to grow and travel in Latin-America.

Here are 6 reasons why you want to register for a Volunteer experience in Ecuador:

1. Ecuador is a beautiful country, so volunteering here will allow you to explore its gorgeous landscape and rich history. There are countless activities to do depending on what your interests are!

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Ingrid van Lamoen

Buenos días mamita! Cómo estás señorita linda?
That´s what I hear every morning when I enter the ‘comedor’ at the home for elderly people in Cusco, Peru, where I’m doing volunteer work.
The ‘ancianos’ are just finishing up their breakfast as I start my volunteer job, so the first thing I do every day is cleaning the tables and sweeping the floor. After this, I join the señora who is in charge of the women´s department, for various chores. For example one day we supplied footbaths for the ladies that were interested. So I distribute hot water bowls, help taking off their socks and shoes and put them on again. Another day we mop the floors inside or outside, or we shower some of them. I help to hand the towels and to help some of the ladies to get dressed. At the end of the morning it is already time for lunch; we serve the lunch and clean up afterwards. (more…)

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Volunteering in Rio de Janeiro living the local life.
Riiiiiiooooo de Janeeeeiiiroooo!!!! When I think of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, I instantly think of the immense annual carnival and a party is already in my head. Guarded by the giant statue Christ the Redeemer, or Cristo Redentor, and its famous beaches Copacabana and Ipanema, the city of Rio de Janeiro seems to have it all. However, in the shadow of the exciting buzzling city life and tourist attractions such as Escadaria Selarón and Santa Teresa, Rio is unfortunately also well-known for something less exciting; the favelas. It is estimated that around 12 million people are living in favelas across the country. The people that live in such a ‘slum’ live under poor conditions often without sanitation etc. However, life here is getting better and big differences can be noticed in the favelas itself. Not all of them are only for the poorest in Rio, for example Rocinha (the biggest favela area of Rio), has developed into a city within a city. There are shops, hospitals, banks, schools and more! (more…)

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Are you planning on travelling to Peru and stop by Cusco? Why not spending some more time living in this amazing city and have a great experience at volunteer project of your choice! Add meaning to your travels and offer a helping hand to people who will truly appreciate that. There are many different volunteer programs in Cusco that are waiting for you.

Due to the many tourists arriving every year in Cusco, the infrastructure in the city has changed over the years. Especially around Plaza de Armas and the surrounding streets, you can see a lot of modernization and services for travelers. There are many nice restaurants, bars and other public facilities that have a modern touch and remind you of the Western world. (more…)

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While you’re traveling through South America, you might want to do something that benefits a country and its people. If you’re heading to Ecuador, why not stop in its capital, to give a helping hand at one of our volunteer projects in Quito. Besides helping and getting to know the community, you’ll be able to improve your Spanish skills helping you to reaching your goal of fluency. Let us give you some reasons why Quito is the perfect destination to do volunteer work. (more…)

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Uruguay: the hidden beauty of Latin America

Volunteering in Montevideo? This is a great option if you want to improve your Spanish while doing volunteer work in Latin America. Why not doing it in Montevideo! You can take Spanish classes in Uruguay in combination with a volunteer project or start right away with working at one of the volunteer projects here. For most projects you need to have a certain level of Spanish however, there are also many where a good level of English is sufficient. (more…)

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Venezuela es un país aún no descubierto por las grandes multitudes. Hacer trabajo voluntario aquí es una buena manera de conocer esta joya escondida. Dos Manos Travel tiene una gran opción de voluntariado en Santa Elena, cerca de la frontera con Brasil. Inscribirte para este proyecto significa ayudar en actividades de la comunidad y proyectos de naturaleza para niños y adolescentes. Estos jóvenes, sufren la falta de oportunidades educativas y creativas. La ayuda de los voluntarios hace una gran diferencia en sus vidas. Aparte de una gran ayuda para los niños también puede ser de gran ayuda a las escuelas. Tu ayuda de sensibilización ambiental y la igualdad de género es muy necesaria.

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