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 certificate, along with basic Spanish language skills, would be helpful.

Project details

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.

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.

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 under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, 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.

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

IVHQ volunteer on the Animal Care project in Lima

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer engaging with children through educational activities during the Childcare volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer supporting adult English language learning during the Community Support volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Community Support project

Two IVHQ volunteers supporting building maintenance by repairing a roof during the Construction and Renovation volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Construction & Renovation project

IVHQ volunteer supporting health education by teaching a child how to check blood pressure during the Medical Outreach volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Medical Outreach project

IVHQ volunteer on the Teaching project in Lima

IVHQ Teaching project

IVHQ volunteer in Lima, Peru on the Animal Care project

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer supporting children's creativity and learning through painting activities during the Childcare volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Childcare project

Two IVHQ volunteers supporting community development by mixing concrete during the Community Support volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Community Support project

Group of IVHQ volunteers supporting construction work at a building site during the Construction and Renovation volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Construction & Renovation project

IVHQ volunteer supporting community healthcare through a medical outreach visit at a school during the Medical Outreach volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Medical Outreach project

IVHQ Teaching project

IVHQ Animal Care project

Three IVHQ volunteers supporting children's learning and development through an interactive animal activity during the Childcare volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Childcare project

Two local women participating in community kitchen activities as part of the IVHQ Community Support volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Community Support project

IVHQ Construction & Renovation project

IVHQ Medical Outreach volunteer on the project in Lima, Peru

IVHQ Medical Outreach project

Two IVHQ volunteers engaging with children through a colourful creative activity during the Childcare volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteers supporting school improvements by completing a painting project during the Community Support volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Community Support project

IVHQ volunteer supporting construction work by measuring and preparing wood materials during the Construction and Renovation volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Construction & Renovation project

Lima Peru volunteer Medical Outreach project with IVHQ

IVHQ Medical Outreach project

IVHQ volunteer supporting children's creativity and learning through a drawing activity during the Childcare volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Childcare project

Two senior IVHQ volunteers supporting adult English language learning through a lesson during the Community Support volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Community Support project

IVHQ volunteer supporting home improvement activities by painting an exterior wall from scaffolding during the Construction and Renovation volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Construction & Renovation project

IVHQ volunteer on the Medical Outreach project in Lima, Peru

IVHQ Medical Outreach project

IVHQ volunteer on the Childcare project in Lima

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer supporting early childhood development through activities with preschool students during the Community Support volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Community Support project

Construction & Renovation IVHQ volunteer in Lima, Peru

IVHQ Construction & Renovation project

IVHQ Medical Outreach project

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer supporting community meal preparation with three local women during the Community Support volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Community Support project

IVHQ Construction & Renovation project

IVHQ volunteer on the Medical project in Lima

IVHQ Medical Outreach project

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer building connections with a member of the local community during the Community Support volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Community Support project

IVHQ Medical Outreach project

IVHQ volunteer on the Special Needs/Childcare project in Lima

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer participating in a cultural cooking activity with two local women during the Community Support volunteer project in Lima, Peru.

IVHQ Community Support project

IVHQ Medical Outreach project

IVHQ volunteers on the Special Needs/Childcare project in Lima

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer on the Community Support project in Lima, Peru

IVHQ Community Support project

IVHQ Lima, Peru volunteer on the Medical Outreach project

IVHQ Medical Outreach project

Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring central Lima in Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring central Lima fountain in Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend

Looking out over central Lima in Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend

Visiting the coast in Lima in Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring street art in Lima in Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend

Looking over the coast in Lima in Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend

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 credit

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 online

Location

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 will need to arrive in Lima on the day before orientation in preparation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). 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, and airport pick up is covered by your Program Fee and is provided the night before your program orientation. If you are traveling in Peru - Lima prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in central Lima the day before your program orientation.

Orientation is hosted by the local team at the volunteer house in Lima and begins on the morning of your chosen start date. It will cover everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Lima, including:

An introduction to Peru and Peruvian customs
Program rules and expectations
Safety guidelines
Transportation options
Travel opportunities within Peru
Local tour to explore the area, obtain a SIM card, and withdraw cash
Details about your specific project and placement

The orientation also provides an opportunity to meet other volunteers and exchange contact details for weekend travel and socializing!

Volunteer schedule example

First Day You’ll kick-start your program with a warm welcome from our local staff, who will provide you with an orientation and a local city tour to prepare you for the week ahead!

Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:

6:00 AM	Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast that is provided at the volunteer house and homestay, fueling up for the day ahead.
7:00 AM	Departure: At this time, volunteers, accompanied by local coordinators, embark to their placements to commence their day of volunteering.
12:30 - 1:00 PM	Volunteer day concludes: Volunteers will now journey back to the volunteer accommodation, where you can prepare your lunch in the communal kitchen or enjoy the flavors of the local cuisine at a nearby food cart or restaurant.
2:00 - 6:00 PM	Free Time: With your volunteering duties complete, the afternoon is yours to explore! Whether you’re immersing yourself in Spanish lessons, discovering hidden gems in Lima, or simply soaking up the vibrant culture.
6:30 - 7:00 PM	Dinner: This is when typically when volunteers unwind, enjoy their dinner, and make any necessary preparations for the following day.

Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.

Weekends

During the weekends, explore the wonders of Lima and beyond! From paragliding over the cliffs of Miraflores to surfing the coastal waters of Barranco, the possibilities are endless. Venture further afield to discover the ancient ruins of Pachacamac or the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu.

Looking for more ideas of things to do in Peru? Check out our Peru Tours & Experiences!

Accommodation and WiFi

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

Volunteer house: The volunteer house offers shared bedrooms, a communal area and kitchen, creating a sociable environment for meeting and connecting with other volunteers. Each room is equipped with single bunk beds, usually shared with up to 4 - 8 volunteers of the same gender. Amenities include Wi-Fi, hot water, bedding, a fridge, and a TV in the common area for your comfort.

Homestay: Alternatively you will be placed in a homestay hosted by a local Peruvian family who has been approved by our local team in Lima. This offers an immersive experience with a local family to learn about the Peruvian way of life, meet local people, try traditional food and speak the local language - especially when host families in Lima tend to have limited English.

Living is often basic but comfortable and all homesteads have electricity, hot water and western style bathrooms. You can expect to be accommodated with up to 6 volunteers of the same gender, with bedding provided. WiFi is typically available in our homestay accommodation but please expect that some homesteads do not have WiFi. If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an eSIM or an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Lima.

Accommodation Upgrades: For those seeking a quieter retreat, we do offer private rooms for individuals, couples and families. 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.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with both breakfast and dinner throughout their stay on the program. Breakfast is conveniently available as a self-service offering in the volunteer kitchen. It features a selection including tea, coffee, toast, breads, fresh fruits, cereals, assorted condiments, savory options like ham and eggs, and yogurt and cheese.

Although lunch is not provided, you have the flexibility to explore the diverse flavors of Peru. You can either use the fully equipped kitchen in your volunteer accommodation to prepare your meals or explore the nearby food stalls and restaurants for a taste of local cuisine.

Dinner offers a fusion of Peruvian and Western-style dishes. Featuring locally sourced ingredients, our menu provides pasta, rice, bread, corn, potatoes, vegetables, and flavorful chicken dishes.

Should you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance, and we’ll make the 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.

IVHQ volunteer orientation

IVHQ volunteer orientation

IVHQ volunteers dining

Typical volunteer breakfast

Typical volunteer breakfast

Typical volunteer dinner

Typical volunteer dinner

Typical volunteer accommodation kitchen

Typical volunteer bedroom

IVHQ volunteer social space in Lima, Peru

Typical volunteer communal area

Typical volunteer homestay

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

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 United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
1 week	$330 Equivalent to $47/day
2 weeks	$550 Equivalent to $39/day
3 weeks	$770 Equivalent to $37/day
4 weeks	$920 Equivalent to $33/day
5 weeks	$1,070 Equivalent to $31/day
6 weeks	$1,220 Equivalent to $29/day
8 weeks	$1,520 Equivalent to $27/day
10 weeks	$1,820 Equivalent to $26/day
12 weeks	$2,120 Equivalent to $25/day

All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$478) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
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.

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, tours, and experiences
Certificate of International Volunteer Service

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

Transport to and from your placement each day
Return to the airport when your program finishes
Lunch
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 tours & experiences in Lima

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Lima program.

Full day Paracas & Huacachina Tour

Discover the stunning beauty of Paracas and Huacachina from sailing the waters to exploring towering sand dunes and thrilling sandboarding adventures!

CA$257

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour

Discover the ancient “Lost City of the Incas” without the stress of planning. This budget-friendly, full-day tour is designed to get you from Cusco to the heart of the Andes and back, all while soaking in the history of Peru’s most iconic landmark.

CA$543

Rainbow Mountain Hike

Experience the magic of Cusco’s Rainbow Mountain tour!

CA$97

View all tours & experiences

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 CA$29) per hour for a private class.

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

A smiling volunteer traveller wearing a traditional Andean poncho stands in front of the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain in Peru. The landscape features vibrant red, yellow, and green hues across the mountains, with a small lake visible in the background.

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 characterized by heavy rainfall and high temperatures, except for its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Sian Francis-Cox

I would definitely recommend IVHQ. The programs are well structured and enjoyable and I’ve met some amazing friends throughout this time. The fees are reasonable for the standard of service that you receive and there is a good balance between the structure of the placement and the freedom to enjoy your own time and explore the nearby city.

The teaching English placement in Lima was so worthwhile, showing us how locals live in different districts of the city. I felt we made good connections with coordinators and staff at the schools and had an impact by teaching. This is something I'm pursuing as a career so I found the experience incredibly valuable.

The head office have been really helpful and responsive ensuring that I felt prepared for my trip in advance and supported throughout. They offered opportunities to hear my feedback and have taken on board many of my points.

Thank you for all your support and help throughout this program, it’s been really rewarding and I look forward to volunteering again in the future.

...

Kendall Aufenanger

I gained a lot of friends and got to see how other people lived their daily lives in poverty stricken communities.

I think I would tell someone who is hesitant about joining the program that they don’t need to fear anything. You will have people in that country there to help you.

...

Ever Torres

I gained invaluable skills, knowledge, and personal growth from this experience. It provided me with new perspectives, practical insights, and the confidence to apply what I’ve learned in real-world situations. The support and collaboration with peers and mentors made the journey even more enriching.

For anyone hesitant about joining this program, I would say: take the leap! It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself, expand your horizons, and develop both professionally and personally. The experience is not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about building connections, discovering new strengths, and preparing yourself for future success.

...

Nancy Cortez

The program is safe and completed. Most of the things you need to know from the place you want to visit and the things you will need. The host staff is friendly and always are there for you, so you will always with someone to guide you in the entire program

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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