The main characteristics that we look for are enthusiasm, compassion, an interest in a rewarding cultural exchange and a dedication in helping to work with the children and supporting the overall project. Though having past experience working or volunteering with children can be an asset, we welcome diverse individuals who are motivated to help out, enjoying working with children and are open to learning about a new culture.
All of the activities and interactions with children and staff take place in Spanish. It is therefore helpful to have at least basic command of Spanish to be able to be meaningfully engaged. However, being fully immersed is the best way to learn a language, so volunteers with even limited Spanish proficiency will make rapid progress provided they are willing to dedicate themselves to learning the language. The children are also a great resource and can help volunteers to rapidly improve their level of Spanish.
We ask that volunteers commit to at least a month because it takes time for children and volunteers to build relationships and establish a level of trust. Ideally, however, volunteers will stay for at least three months because that enables them to really make a lasting impact on the children and the organization. There is no maximum time commitment, so volunteers are welcome to stay as long as they want!
Incawasi has rooms for international volunteers on the second floor of the center. There is a volunteer space for volunteers to relax in, two bathrooms with hot showers and a separate kitchen in which volunteers can store their food. Volunteers also receive breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday. The main kitchen is available to volunteers to use in the evenings and on the weekends, and we provide bottled drinking water. Wifi is available in Incawasi.
Incawasi Volunteers are kindly asked to make a small financial contribution which covers their accommodation, meals, and use of all of the facilities on site. A portion of the contribution also goes towards helping cover Incawasi’s expenses in providing our services to the children. We really value when volunteers are able to help support the project over a longer-term commitment, as such the contribution rate decreases on a sliding scale.
| Volunteer Contributions | ||
| Length ofVolunteer Stay | Deposited in Peru(Incawasi's preference) | Deposited in Europe- via Paypal in US$- via French or German bank account in € |
|---|---|---|
| Months 1 to 3 | US$375 per montharound $12.50 per day | US$400 per month($375+$25 banking fees) |
| Months 4 to 6 | US$300 per montharound $10.00 per day | US$320 per month($300+$20 banking fees) |
| Months 7 onward | US$225 per montharound $7.50 per day | US$240 per month($225+$15 banking fees) |
| - There are no additional program fees to volunteer with Incawasi. - When depositing into the French or German account we calculate the amount in € using the daily exchange rate. | ||
It is Incawasi’s preference where possible for our volunteers to make their contribution directly there in Peru, as this makes the funds directly available for use towards helping run the program. If the volunteer is unable to deposit the funds there in Peru, and wishes to make their contribution into one of our fund raising bank accounts in France or Germany (equivalent in €) or via Paypal (in US$), we do ask for an additional amount. This helps to cover the bank fees, transfer and exchange rates that Incawasi is required to pay to transfer the funds for use there in Peru. The Incawasi European Bank Accounts and Paypal details are available on the DONATE & SPONSOR - Donate tab.For contributions deposited in Europe, we are legally unable to provide a tax receipt, as a service is provided in exchange for the contribution and therefore cannot be considered a “donation”.
It is recommended that volunteers check all of their immigration and visa requirements independently, as there are different considerations for different nationalities. A lot of information can be found with your local official Peruvian Embassy or Consulate.In general, in Peru the normal tourist visa on arrival is 90 days, however in some circumstances it may be possible to ask for a 183 day tourist visa. There are options (in country and by crossing the border) to extend your visa, again we recommend that you check all of your immigration and visa requirements independently.
The most affordable option is to take an overnight bus from Lima. There are a number of safe and comfortable bus options that we can recommend. The trip is about 15 hours, but buses in Peru allow you to recline completely and serve meals to their passengers. Volunteers can also fly to Cajamarca from Lima, though flying is more expensive.
Cajamarca is a city rich in history that has much to offer to volunteers when they are not working. There are a number restaurants and bars, but also interesting archaeological and historical sites to visit in the city or in the immediate outskirts, as well as small villages and rural areas that provide great hiking day trips.
Yes, we welcome University students as volunteers, who are interested to do an internship or international placement in Latin America / South America / Peru as part of their University study requirements. Please feel free to email us at volunteer@incawasi.org.pe to understand if we might be compatible to your study requirements.
Yes, groups and other charitable organizations can volunteer at Incawasi. Please direct your enquiries to the Volunteer Coordinator by sending an email to volunteer@incawasi.org.pe