Education Support
Volunteers play an important role in supporting students at local schools in Cusco. In this role, you may assist a classroom teacher or lead lessons yourself, depending on your skills and experience.
This placement offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children from under-resourced communities while experiencing the vibrant culture of Peru. Many students in Cusco have limited access to quality education, and your contribution can help provide valuable knowledge and skills that support their future development.
Beyond academics, volunteering is also about nurturing confidence, encouraging creativity, and helping students build essential life skills. It’s an opportunity to inspire young learners to believe in their potential, overcome challenges, and pursue their ambitions.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide support for students in Cusco
- Improve students future prospects
- Increase students confidence
- Improve students English
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike
How You Can Help
English is the subject most commonly taught by volunteers, as it has become an essential skill across many industries. For many individuals, limited English proficiency can be a barrier to employment and further educational opportunities.
Volunteers work in local schools during the mornings or support after-school programs in the afternoons. These programs focus on tutoring, helping with homework, and engaging children in positive, educational activities.
When not working, volunteers will find Cusco is an exciting city, filled with many places to see and things to do. The Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, close to where volunteers will be based, features a multitude of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Help to teach students in Peru
- Assist the teacher in the classroom
- Take lessons in areas of knowledge
- Take English lessons
- Assist with after school programs
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the support and development of some of Peru's most marginalized children and young adults. While this highly rewarding project does not require participants to have a background in education, as there are many ways you can assist, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Volunteers on this project will need an understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively with the children and local staff members. All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, show drive, initiative and compassion, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Passport
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
This program is hosted in Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes. Once the capital of the ancient Inca Empire, Cusco is now known as the gateway to the world heritage site of Machu Picchu, for its archaeological remains and its stunning Spanish colonial architecture. Located in the heart of the 'old city' the central square of Plaza de Armas is the areas tourist hub and is filled with cafes, restaurants and dozens of trinket shops to explore, all set among the arcades, carved wooden balconies and Incan wall ruins, including the baroque Santo Domingo Convent which was built on top of the Incan Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha). Cusco is a fascinating city to find yourself in and a wonderful place to experience the challenges and the joys of volunteering.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. You will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY (between 8am-11pm)
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, Cusco, Peru (Code: CUZ)
Accommodation & Meals
As with all of our wonderful programs in Cusco, volunteers on this project are accommodated with one of our friendly local host families, where breakfast and dinner of traditional Peruvian cuisine are provided daily. All home-stay families have been fully vetted by our local team. All host families have standard amenities available, including comfortable beds, hot showers and modern bathrooms (Peruvian Starndard). Wi-Fi is also available (additional charges may apply in some cases). All families have experience hosting international volunteers. Volunteers are provided with a private room and shared bathroom.
Living with a local family truly is the best way to throw oneself into the local culture and to meet people who will become lifelong friends!
Host families will provide breakfast and dinner, however it is often easier to buy lunch at a nearby cafe during the week. Meals are also provided on the weekends if required.
The host families have some rules that must be respected: No use of alcohol, no drugs, no visitors without asking for permission.
Arriving early? Additional nights accommodation with the host families, including 2 meals daily, is US$20 per night.
Fees
That’s just USD 61 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.