- Can you share some important cultural customs, traditions, norms, or βneed to knowsβ that would help prepare a new participant?
Peruvians are very friendly and welcoming people, they like to share their time and culture with foreigners and even though the overwhelming majority of interactions are pleasant and enjoyable, we would still recommend that participants:
-Be respectful of the way you dress at all times, especially in the school or other formal settings you should wear long pants/long skirts and wear blouses/shirts with sleeves. Covering your shoulders and legs is considered appropriate in most places.
-Do not take pictures of people in public places without their permission.
-Try not to be offended if you are called “Gringo” or “Gringuito,” Peruvians use this word for anyone who is a foreigner.
-Pack light, especially if you plan to visit other places during your stay in Peru, because elevators are not common in local hotels/hospedajes.
-Try to learn few words of basic Spanish before traveling, that is always appreciated.
-In some public spaces armed guards are very normal, do not be alarmed!
-All participants should refrain from any interactions with locals that can be mistaken for romantic interest when there is none on their part.
- How has international participation had an impact on your programs and the community?
The organizations we work with have a real exchange with participants from all over the world. Kids, students, people with special needs and the staff at the animal conservation center have become eager to learn more about these other countries. In most cases, students not only improve their English but also in other school subjects.
- What has been the response from the NGOβs and the community about interactions with international participants?
They love the participants, especially because they show so much respect and interest in learning about the culture, food, and traditions. The NGO’s and/or communities are happy to help them feel welcome and part of the community.
- How can a participant tell if your programs are a good fit?
On the day of arrival, each participant is asked to share their skills and major interests with coordinators that manage the group. The ones with similar interests may work together on the specific task or lesson planning. At the end of each week, we provide an evaluation sheet where participants can tell us if we have met their expectations and make suggestions for improvement.
- What can participants expect to experience in a typical day here?
Other participants have told us that we provide a nice placement, a charming accommodation and the great company of other travelers. Participants can expect an authentic experience like living in a real Peruvian mud house, but with comfort. The day begins with the smell of a nice breakfast waking you up then you meet your coordinator and other participants and the real journey starts! Your coordinator will walk you down the road where you will take a local “combiβ to your placement. The program staff will welcome you and provide you with the daily activities. At noon you will return to our center, where a typical Peruvian lunch awaits you. In the evenings you can enjoy a siesta or a short hike in the surrounding area. Both Cajamarca and BaΓ±os are very safe and friendly cities where there is always something to do, and people to meet, within their colorful markets and other places of interest. The accommodation is also very welcoming for tea time at the gardens, then dinner is served and participants hang around all together, chatting about the day and the next trip or weekend plans they make for the upcoming weeks.
