Completing this program in Peru has been life changing for me especially considering I am 18 years old. If you are hesitant to volunteer with IVHQ I would say definitely do it. You will not regret it, there are heaps of people to help you out with anything at all. My homestay was owned by Yuri, a lovely and caring man who was always contactable and always happy to help me with anything and any questions I had. He happened to be a chef by profession so our meals were always of top quality. Our rooms were comfortable and had an amazing view of Cusco and the mountains in the distance. There were multiple living rooms and board games. There was good wifi which was always on. We had multiple bathrooms all with hot water showers. I wouldn’t change anything and would absolutely recommend IVHQ to anyone looking to volunteer abroad.
Teaching English Volunteer Program in Peru - Cusco
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Suited to volunteers who enjoy working with children, are passionate about education or aspiring teachers. No previous experience is required as you’ll be working alongside qualified teachers. An intermediate level of Spanish language is recommended, but not required.
Project details
Want to Teach English in Peru - Cusco? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project empowers volunteers to assist in local schools and community centers, gain teaching experience, and pass on invaluable English language skills to local children and adults. In turn, this gives local students the opportunity to secure jobs in the booming tourism and hospitality sector, pursue higher education and support themselves financially.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
As the closest city to Machu Picchu, Cusco’s employment opportunities for local people are predominantly in the tourism and hospitality industries and require a high level of English language experience. Therefore, local people are enthusiastic about learning English and the chance to practice the language with a native speaker is extremely valuable.
As a volunteer teacher in Cusco, you’ll assist qualified English teachers and help with English lessons in local schools, after-school programs, drug rehabilitation centers and community centers. You’ll help students to develop their spoken and written language skills in a fun and interactive way. Day-to-day teaching volunteer work varies, but generally consists of:
- Tutoring students
- Setting up small workshops
- Assisting local teachers
- Arranging educational games and activities
Please note, the Teaching English project has morning, afternoon, and evening placements. While we can note your preference for the local team to consider, ultimately placement selection will depend on where the need is at the time you are participating. You may also be assigned to a variety of placements throughout the week.
Why do Teaching English volunteering in Cusco with IVHQ?
By Teaching English in Peru - Cusco, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally:
- Improve access to education in Peru - Cusco
- Help students develop the skills they need to find long-term employment
- Practice your Spanish
- Develop your communication skills
- Gain teaching abroad experience
- Immerse yourself fully in the Peruvian culture
- Explore the stunning mountains and ancient ruins of Peru
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to be 16 years or over to participate on this project, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian, in which case the minimum age is 3.
All volunteers under aged 18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Peru photo gallery
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
Cusco is one of the oldest cities in South America and situated in the stunning Peruvian Andes. The city is close to famous Inca trails, ruins and temples, such as Machu Picchu. It’s a hive of culture, adventure and culinary delights - all of which makes it a prime destination for visitors to Peru.
The IVHQ Peru - Cusco volunteer program has volunteer placements located in Cusco and surrounding valleys. Volunteers are important to Cusco because despite the thriving tourism industry and government investment in the region, many local people make little money and struggle to access food, water, shelter, healthcare and education. Volunteers can make a difference by supporting local initiatives that aim to help people improve their quality of life by making sure they have the basic necessities and opportunities to help them improve their futures.
Arrival and orientation
Volunteers need to arrive in Cusco on the Sunday before their start date.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. 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 local team’s main office and then to your homestay. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Peru prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Cusco on the day before your program orientation.
The local team will aim to complete your general program orientation shortly after you arrive, no matter what day you arrive, in order to acclimatize you to your surroundings in Cusco as quickly as possible. Orientation lasts around 2 hours and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program – introduction to Peru, Peruvian customs, language lesson details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Cusco, introduction to your project and placement. This is also followed by a walking tour. Orientation sessions are scheduled throughout the day, with the last being around 4:00 PM. If you arrive after this time, don’t worry; the local team will ensure this is completed first thing the following morning.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, typically Tuesday, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
Volunteers will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift which will last about 3 to 5 hours. Volunteer roles and hours are dependent on your project and placement. A typical morning schedule might be as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast with your host family. |
| 9:00 AM | Leave the homestay and travel to your placement, where you will be given a structure sheet and a plan for your work. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| 1:00 - 6:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation, go sightseeing or take Spanish lessons. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner with your host family. |
Weekends
On weekends volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Cusco and Peru. Sunday is a religious day of rest and most stores and restaurants are closed on Sundays, as most Peruvians devote the day to spending time with their families. If you like, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Latin American church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.
Cusco is a lively metropolitan city with a fascinating history and lots to see and do. There are places where you can learn about the Mayan and Incan culture and traditions, see ancient ruins, a beautiful central square bordered by restaurants and cafes, cooking classes, a chocolate museum offering all kinds of tasty delights or dance the night away in some of Peru’s best nightclubs. It is also an outdoor-lovers paradise with plenty of horseback riding, ziplining and hiking opportunities, including Rainbow Mountain.
Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield to visit other parts of Peru, such as Lima.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers on Cusco based projects will be accommodated in either a dorm-style volunteer house or a homestay with a local host family, depending on their age. Volunteers who are between the ages of 18 and 27 are accommodated in a larger, dorm-style volunteer house. Whereas, those over the age of 27 are accommodated in a local home-stay, hosted by a local family. If you are travelling as a family, or a solo volunteer under the age of 18, the local team will place you in a separate home-stay.
You will find living conditions are comfortable in both types of accommodation, and all host families have been approved by our local staff. Bedrooms have single and bunk beds with bedding provided. In the volunteer house you can expect to share a room with up to 8 other volunteers, whereas in a homestay you may share a room with up to four other volunteers. All bedrooms are separated by gender. The volunteer house can accommodate up to 30 volunteers, whereas the homestays can host up to 6 volunteers at one time.
If you prefer a private room, these are available in our homestays and you will need to arrange this through your Program Manager once you’ve secured your spot on the program.
All accommodations have electricity, filtered water for drinking, running water and western bathrooms. Low pressure showers are common and the water is not always heated. Please note, homes in Peru are not typically heated but your hosts can provide you with additional blankets upon request. We also advise wearing layered clothing as the temperature tends to drop at night, due to the altitude.
WiFi is available in the majority of homestays and you will have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in Cusco.
Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are travelling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18, in a homestay. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.
Meals
In Cusco, volunteers are provided breakfast and dinner at their accommodation.
A typical Peruvian breakfast consists of bread, spreads and fruit or bread and an egg accompanied by tea or coffee. Dinner commonly consists of potatoes and rice, with some vegetables or protein (commonly chicken). You should not expect to have meat everyday.
We recommend budgeting between US$3 (approximately CA$4) and US$10 (approximately CA$14) per day to purchase lunch. Local staff will give recommendations on economical places to eat in Cusco as part of orientation.
Please let us know of any dietary requirements you have so we can make special arrangements for you.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$432) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $453 Equivalent to $65/day |
| 2 weeks | $715 Equivalent to $51/day |
| 3 weeks | $925 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,130 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,335 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,540 Equivalent to $37/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,950 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,360 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,770 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 16 weeks | $3,590 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 20 weeks | $4,410 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 24 weeks | $5,230 Equivalent to $31/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$432) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Cusco generally find US$100 - $150 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such lunches, public transportation, personal spending money, etc..
- Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- 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.
- Lunch
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Cusco
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Cusco program.
Prepare to be in awe of this unique landscape and surroundings on this overnight tour!
Explore Machu Picchu on an exhilarating 2-day & 1-night tour.
Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of Machu Picchu in just one day without stretching your budget!
Affordable Spanish language lessons
Fluency in Spanish is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Peru - Cusco program, however on certain projects volunteer work will be restricted with limited language ability. We recommend that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable language lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by our local team in Cusco. Past volunteers feel that taking these lessons help immensely with day-to-day volunteer work and communicating with local people. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and classes run from Monday through to Friday. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers.
- Group Class: 2 hours a day - starting at CA$128 per week
- Private Class: 1 hour a day - starting at CA$137 per week
- Private Class: 2 hours a day - starting at CA$274 per week
How to book IVHQ’s language lessons: Once you’ve paid your registration fee, you will be able to select language lessons as an “Add-on” via your MyIVHQ profile.
Spanish language lessons are not available on the Andean Immersion, Eco-Agriculture or Amazon Jungle Conservation projects due to their remote nature. However volunteers will have plenty of opportunity to practice with locals.
Check what's required to visit Peru
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
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.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Lima |
| Population | 32 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Peruvian 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. In the mountains, rain is frequent during summer and temperatures and humidity diminish with altitude up to the frozen peaks of the Andes. The jungle has heavy rainfall and high temperatures, with the exception of its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I can’t say enough good things about the program and their incredible team in Cusco. Today is my last day of teaching and tomorrow begins a series of day excursions including Machu Picchu on Monday. This has been a 15/10, absolutely recommend. Thanks again for everything!
This has been a true experience of growth and independence for me. Although embarking on this trip alone I have made lifelong connections with other volunteers and felt as though I’ve also made lasting impacts at my placement. I would highly recommend taking the step outside your comfort zone as this past month as been truly one of the best experiences.
I gained a lot of perspective through volunteering. I went in very lost and confused about what profession I wanted to pursue and I came out with clarity. Thanks to volunteering with IVHQ I now know I want to continue to teach and make a difference.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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