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Teaching English Volunteer Program in Peru - Lima

Teaching English Volunteer Program in Peru - Lima

Inspired to Teach English in Peru - Lima? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project is a great opportunity for volunteers to lead lessons in schools or community centers in Lima. Volunteers gain teaching experience while giving Peruvian students the invaluable chance to learn from a fluent English speaking teacher who can answer their questions and provide authoritative guidance with all aspects of language learning.

Highlights:
  • Programs start the first and third Monday of the month
  • Affordable fees from AU$445 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Teach English in schools where language classes aren’t available

  • Discover Peru’s extraordinary landscapes and ancient history

  • Stay with volunteers or a local family near the coast in Lima

Key information

Improve access to quality education
Based in schools and community centers
Volunteer house or homestay accommodation
Volunteers aged 18+
Fully hosted experience from AU$445 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 12 weeks
Spanish language lessons available
Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Volunteers who speak fluent English and are interested in education and are comfortable leading a classroom on their own. You’ll have the support of the local team and placement staff so you don’t need to be a qualified teacher, but some relevant experience or training like a TEFL course, along with basic Spanish language skills, would be helpful.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

As a Teaching English volunteer you will be placed in local schools on the outskirts of Lima, or with community partners, where you’ll lead English lessons or workshops for local children who range in age and language ability. This project is well suited for volunteers confident in leading a classroom on their own, and those looking for relevant teaching experience in a different environment. Teaching English volunteer duties can include:

  • Leading classes or workshops
  • Teaching to a curriculum
  • Tutoring students
  • Lesson planning

Schools are closed during the school holidays in January, February and August. During these times, and at other times as required, volunteers help to run English workshops for the community.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

Why do Teaching English volunteering in Lima with IVHQ?

As a volunteer English teacher in Peru - Lima you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving English language education for students
  • Providing language guidance and support
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining teaching experience
  • Immersing yourself in Peruvian culture
  • Exploring the stunning mountains and ancient ruins of Peru

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program.
  • If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
  • All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply For Free

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

CT
Chiara Teal
20 Dec 2023

This was an AMAZING EXPERIENCE. I felt so so safe. I (Female, 27) often walked around on my own at various times. Everyone is so purely grateful, the principals, teachers, students - honestly it’s overwhelming the thanks and support you get. Most of the city is in poverty like I’ve never seen before but the generosity and warmth from everyone was incredible, donate anything you can (find a dollar city store and it will cost you next to nothing) and the kids were so so eager to learn.

...
DW
David Wilson
31 Oct 2023

We found that the fellow volunteers were totally lovely people; warm supportive, and happy to include an 82 yr old like me!!

...
NM
Nayad Manukian
26 Jun 2023

IVHQ helped make me feel safe in a foreign country and was available to answer all my questions and concerns. This was a learning experience for both me and the kids I taught. They were extremely humble and willing to learn I feel grateful to have had this experience. I loved being able to immerse myself fully into the culture, get to experience a low income community and meet kids from all ages who are willing to learn English. The amount of love the kids had to offer is huge. There was no plumbing in the town we went to, some of the kids had only a piece of bread and fruit to eat for lunch, yet they were so grateful and happy.

...
MT
Mackenzie Tonon
26 Jun 2023

I had such an amazing time and am so so grateful I got to be a part of it. My favourite moment was the first day there. The kids, not knowing who I was, ran up to us and were so excited to see us. They hugged us and made us feel so welcomed. Seeing the school and comparing it to my elementary school had the biggest impact on me. It is hard to see how different it is but it is so amazing to see how happy the students were.

It was the best month of my life. I loved being at my placement and I loved how I got to experience a different culture completely. Try it out and I promise you will love your whole experience. Go in with an open mind and it will be blown.

...
WG
Wenfeng Guan
24 Nov 2022

Every time I arrived at the volunteer site, the kids would run to me and hug me. I learned how kids could be so mature and responsible at a young age. The kids from the refuge center really taught me a lot by just seeing what their life is like.

You will gain a lot more than what you pay for. And you won't know what the world on the other side is like until you are there yourself. Traveling with a purpose and volunteering while exploring a new country is the way to do it. You will also meet the most incredible people there- other volunteers, local teams, and local people.

...
KK
Kayla Kuckta
23 Aug 2022

My favorite experience was meeting so many people such as other volunteers, the students I taught, and the project coordinators. I left Peru with friends from all parts of the world. Saying goodbye to everyone was the hardest part.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

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Volunteer Abroad in Peru, Lima with IVHQ

Location

Lima, Peru’s capital city, is perched along the country’s Pacific coast. As the biggest city in Peru and one of the largest in South America, Lima is an important hub of culture, commerce, finance and politics. It’s also got a long history dating back to Pre-Columbian times as well as a strong Spanish influence and both of these can be explored in the many museums, art galleries, churches and ancient historical sites dotted around the city.

IVHQ’s Lima projects are set in and around the city, near the tourist hotspots of Barranco and Miraflores, wildly different in nature but both known for their beauty, great food and buzzing nightlife.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month and volunteers need to arrive into Lima on the day before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Lima. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation. If you are travelling in Peru prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Lima on the day before your program orientation, or you can make your own way to the program site.

Orientation is hosted by our local team at the volunteer house in Lima. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Lima – an introduction to Peru, Peruvian customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Peru, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the project you will be working with.

Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:

6:00 AM Breakfast at the volunteer house or homestay.
7:00 AM Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements.
12:30 - 1:00 PM Volunteers finish placement and return to their accommodation. You will be provided with a packed lunch to eat at your convenience.
2:00 - 6:00 PM Volunteers are free to prepare for the next day or do some shopping and sightseeing. If volunteers are taking Spanish language lessons, they will usually take these in the afternoon. Some placements may take place in the afternoon.
6:30 - 7:00 PM Dinner at the volunteer house or homestay.

Weekends

During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Lima and Peru. Popular activities include paragliding from the cliffs of Miraflores, visiting the Pachacamac Ruins south of Lima, climbing to the top of the Huaca Pucllana Pyramid, surfing the coastal waters of Miraflores and Barranco, and sandboarding in Huacachina of Southwest Peru. Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield to visit other parts of Peru such as Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Looking for more ideas of things to do in Peru - Lima? Check out our Lima Travel & Tours page!

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers will either be accommodated in the main volunteer house or a homestay experience. Typically, volunteers are housed in our main facility, unless capacity is reached or you express a preference for a homestay.

Our volunteer accommodation strikes a perfect balance between independence and camaraderie. Featuring shared bedrooms and a communal area, it fosters a sociable atmosphere while a dedicated local team member is available on-site for support. It’s important to mention that volunteers will be accommodated on the third floor, while a local family resides on the floors below. We’ve had a longstanding partnership with this family since 2015, and while their presence has been warmly received by volunteers, there is often minimal interaction between volunteers and the local family due to the separation.

Each room is equipped with single bunk beds, usually shared with up to 6 volunteers of the same gender. Amenities include Wi-Fi, hot water, bedding, a fridge, and a TV in the common area for your comfort. Additionally, you have the option to upgrade to a homestay experience (shared room) for a more immersive interaction with a local Peruvian family. Please note that this incurs an additional cost. During quieter seasons, you may be accommodated without other volunteers in the homestay. Conversely, during busy seasons, a small number of volunteers may share the homestay with you.

For those seeking a quieter retreat, private single or matrimonial rooms are available as an accommodation upgrade. This option places you either in the volunteer house or in a homestay with a local host family. While preferences can be noted, room allocation cannot be guaranteed. Reservations incurs an additional cost and is subject to availability.

To ensure the safety and respect of all volunteers, our local team enforces an 11.00 PM curfew from Sunday through to Thursday. Exceptions may be granted for special occasions if requested in advance. The curfew is explained in detail during orientation.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with three hearty meals daily, consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is offered as a self-serve, located in the volunteer kitchen, offering a variety of options such as tea, coffee, toast, local breads, fresh fruits, cereal, condiments, ham, eggs, yogurt, and cheese.

Lunch is typically served upon your return to the accommodation after your placement. Peruvian cuisine is a vibrant fusion of international flavors, influenced by Spanish, Chinese, Italian, West African, and Japanese culinary traditions. Adapted to local produce, dishes often feature a carb-rich array including pasta, rice, bread, corn, potatoes, chili peppers, and chicken.

For those staying in homestay accommodations, expect to dine as the local host family does. In Peru, it’s customary for the main meal to be served at lunchtime, often repeated in the evening, featuring traditional meat or vegetarian stews complemented by vegetables and rice. Drinkable water will be readily available throughout your stay.

Should you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance, and we’ll make necessary arrangements. While we strive to accommodate your needs, we also recommend bringing extra spending money for any personal dietary snacks. As a volunteer, flexibility is key, so expect some variation from your usual dining habits.

Pricing

  • USD
Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week AU$445 Equivalent to AU$64/day
2 weeks AU$790 Equivalent to AU$57/day
3 weeks AU$1134 Equivalent to AU$54/day
4 weeks AU$1353 Equivalent to AU$48/day
5 weeks AU$1578 Equivalent to AU$45/day
6 weeks AU$1805 Equivalent to AU$43/day
8 weeks AU$2275 Equivalent to AU$41/day
10 weeks AU$2729 Equivalent to AU$39/day
12 weeks AU$3183 Equivalent to AU$38/day
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on language lessons
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$533) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, public transportation to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Lima generally find US$50 - $100 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as snacks, in-country tours, and Spanish language lessons.
  • Anyone volunteering during the week before Christmas will have a one-off surcharge of US$70 added to their file when registering, for Christmas activities within the community.

Free-time experiences & tours in Peru

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Peru! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Peru program.

Lake Titicaca Tour (2 nights/1 day)
Lake Titicaca Tour (2 nights/1 day)

Prepare to be in awe of this unique landscape and surroundings on this overnight tour!

AU$226
Machu Picchu Overnight Tour  - Upgrade (2 days, 1 night)
Machu Picchu Overnight Tour - Upgrade (2 days, 1 night)

Explore Machu Picchu on an exhilarating 2-day & 1-night tour.

AU$794
Machu Picchu Tour (Full Day)
Machu Picchu Tour (Full Day)

Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of Machu Picchu in just one day without stretching your budget!

AU$606

No experiences or tours for Lima, yet...

Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)

See all of Peru’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.

AU$1491
Lake Titicaca Tour (2 nights/1 day)
Lake Titicaca Tour (2 nights/1 day)

Prepare to be in awe of this unique landscape and surroundings on this overnight tour!

AU$226
Rainbow Mountain - Short Trek
Rainbow Mountain - Short Trek

Enjoy a short, mountainside trek to the top of Rainbow Mountain, part of Ausangate Mountain in the Andes.

AU$95

Spanish language lessons

Spanish language lessons are available for all volunteers regardless of their ability. IVHQ strongly recommends these for all volunteers, unless they are fluent in Spanish. If volunteers have little or no Spanish ability and are volunteering for a period longer than 2 weeks, they should strongly consider these courses, so they can work and communicate with all parties more effectively during their program. These language lessons can be pre-booked by the hour via your MyIVHQ profile and the class schedule confirmed on your arrival in Lima at your program orientation. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers at US$20 (approximately AU$32) per hour for a private class.

Check what's required to visit Peru

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital Lima
Population 32 million
Languages Spanish
Currency Nuevo Sol (PEN)
Time zone UTC-05:00

Weather and climate: Peru, unlike other equatorial countries, does not have an exclusively tropical climate; the influence of the Andes and the Humboldt Current causes great climatic diversity within the country. The coast has moderate temperatures, low precipitation, and high humidity, except for its warmer, wetter northern reaches. In the sierra, rain is frequent during summer, and temperature and humidity diminish with altitude up to the frozen peaks of the Andes. The jungle is characterised by heavy rainfall and high temperatures, except for its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
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