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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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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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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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Venezuela is a country not yet discovered by the big crowds. Doing volunteer work here is a good way to get to know this hidden jewel. Dos Manos Travel has a great volunteer option in Santa Elena, close to the Brazilian border. Signing up for this project means helping out in community activities and nature projects for kids and adolescents. These young people would otherwise lack educational and creative opportunities. The help of the volunteers makes a huge difference in their lives. Apart from a great help to the kids you will also be of tremendous assistance to the schools. Your help raising environmental awareness and gender equality is much needed.

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I worked as a volunteer in a psychiatric hospital in Cusco (Peru) that offers health care for outpatients, temporary inpatients and residents. Most of the time, I worked with a group of temporary inpatients, with schizophrenia, personality disorders and depressive disorders. I had the opportunity to work together with a psychologist; my working hours were Monday to Friday, from 9 am until 1 pm and I spent one month volunteering here.
In my home country (the Netherlands) I just finished my master in medical psychology, so I had experience with patient contact. However, I never worked with psychiatric patients, which made volunteering in this hospital in Peru there a totally new experience and a great opportunity.

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Thinking about Colombia to many means thinking about drugs, the FARC and unsafety. A huge Colombia fan myself, I can say none of this is reality. Well, at least not in the world of an average backpacker or volunteer. Unlike other South American countries, Colombia has not been discovered yet by the crowds. Incredible because it has so much to offer to travelers and volunteers.

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In January/February 2011 I worked at a clinic for mentally and physical disabled children. In my first weeks I took care of the patients (which I now call friends) by brushing their teeth, changing their clothes, entertaining or feeding them. As most of them suffer from severe handicaps I was really unsure if I was going to handle my work well. After my first day of work I realized that I really did not have any “problems” working with the kids; I did not even see their disabilities any longer. We really had the same goal: being happy and laughing as much as we could. Their joy struck me and opened my eyes and attitude towards certain issues.
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