Project Overview
Overview
Do you want to improve your teaching skills in the home of the Incas?
Peru is a country with one foot in the past; well aware of its ancient history it has managed to hold on to its identity despite invasions first by colonials and then tourists. That’s what makes Peru such an appealing country, along with the mountains, beaches and jungles of course. Cuzco was the heart of the Incan empire, and it’s very proud of it, so if you happen to be a 16th century Spanish colonialist be warned. It’s also a great place from which to explore Macchu Piccu as well as the foothills of the Andes. You’ll be working in an Andean school which teaches more than 300 students ranging in age from 6 to 12. Most of your time will be spent teaching English but you may also be given the choice to get involved in arts, music and even karate. We’ll include our TEFL certification to help you prepare.
Trip Highlights:
- Helping improve the language levels in your Andean school
- Soaking up the culture and exploring the museums of this fascination city
- Trying to master Sapa - a traditional Peruvian bar game and a great way to make some friends!
Itinerary & Details
Working in a number of schools there is the option to be in Cusco or based just outside in Calca, the sacred valley of the Inca's, 50km north of Cusco.
San Luis Gonzaga founded in 1954, is a primary school with about 550 pupils from the ages of six to 12. There is currently no budget to pay English teachers in this school. However, Calca is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco and is therefore a destination for tourists, where some families accommodate them in their homes. Children could play an important role in helping with the tourists if they spoke English. Also, when they grow up they would find better jobs if they spoke English.
Maximo San Roman Caceres was founded in 1940 and has approximately 650 chldren with around 20 teachers and is located in Calca. Children are from the age of 6 to 14 years and are in grades 1 to 6.
We work with Colegio Andino Khipu in the magical heartland of the old Incan Empire in Cusco. Andino Khipu is a non-profit making, mixed male and female school that teaches around 300 children between the ages of six and 16. We also work with a school near to Andino Khipu which has offers pre education to approximatley 80 children aged 3 to 5 years and also approximately 225 children in grades 1 to 6 aged between 6 and 12 years old.
Khipu in Quechua, derives from the concept of tying, knotting, lassoeing.
'Khipu' - by which we lassoe our ancestral Andean culture with the modern world.
The project needs volunteers as English teachers are in short supply and they play a very important role in helping native Peruvians learn English. Acquiring strong language skills can broaden their horizons and give them access to far better employment opportunities in the future.
As the locals do not speak that much English, you'll get more from your experience by learning some Spanish before your project starts. You should be a confident communicator, be patient, and above all, hard working and enthusiastic!
The main focus is on teaching English, however there may be opportunities to get involved in different subjects
The projects are based in the legendary city of Cusco and Calca in the heart of the old Incan Empire and an exciting and spiritual blend of the mystical and modern. Close to the mythical Machu Picchu, Cusco is the perfect place to both volunteer and experience the best of Peru, and indeed South America. Accommodation is in a comfortable family run guesthouse with modern facilities in Cusco and comfortable homestay in Calca.
You will need to arrive into Lima (LIM) on your specified arrival date for orientation. If you arrive on the official arrival date the airport pick up service is included, the team in country must be aware of your flight details at least a week prior to arrival. You will need to arrange your own flights to Cusco for the Sunday after you arrive, preferably aim to arrive in Cusco on the Sunday morning, please note that the transfer from your accommodation in Lima to the airport for your flight to Cusco is not included. You will be met at the airport in Cusco by a member of the i-to-i team. If your project is based in Calca you will be met at Cusco airport and accompanied to the bus station for your Cusco to Calca bus journey, the cost of this bus trip is not included and you should budget approximately US$2 to US$3.
If you are taking language lessons this will mean that you will need to fly to Cusco on the Wednesday. Please contact us for more information.
Stories
Kathryn Simpson gives this project 10/10
Here is what Kathryn had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
It was fantastic to do something worthwhile and experience living in another country.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
It was great sharing such an amazing experience with so many like-minded young people.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I had the time of my life! My experience in Peru surpassed all my expectations!
Noah Brau gives this project 10/10
Here is what Noah had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
How much fun I had at the school and how incredible the homestay was because of Kinkulla and Aida (hostparents) and their beautiful home in Calca.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Ya. It's a bit funny, how I came there to teach English, and the truth be told, that I ended up learning far more from those kids than I could ever have imagined teaching them.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Get out and meet people.
Try all new foods and cultural things that you can.
Speak Spanish!!!!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Great time in Sacred Valley relaxing, enjoying other culture.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
NO. The reason I say that, is because your experience is really up to you. I to I really does not do all that much. It is up to you to seize the day.
Kaitlin McNeill gives this project 10/10
Here is what Kaitlin had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
My homestay. The home and family I was with were wonderful. Aida and Kinkulla really made my trip worthwhile. They made me feel at home, even though we could barely speak the same language. Also the food at the homestay was above and beyond what I expected.The kids at the school. They were really fun. And I enjoyed when I finally got the hang of teaching. Once I settled in the teaching was really funWeekend trips to other cities and Inca ruins in the sacred valley.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The kids. The kids had way less then I had as a child in Canada but they were so happy. It made me appreciate all the advantages I have had in my life.My homestay. Even though it was very nice there were some major differences from Canada like hot water only in the mornings, and hand washing laundry. Definately made me appreciate everything I have. The school. The school definately did not have all the resources that my elementary school had. I realized how lucky I am to have been given the oppertunity to get such a great education and wish that these children had the same oppertunity. Everything about my trip made me realize how lucky I am and that I really can survive with less. So many western luxuries are unncessary and we should be thankful for all we have in Western nations.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Take in every experience to its fullest. Try everything you have the oppertunity to try.Be patient. The schools definately run differently than Canada or other western countries in that they are more disorganized and the kids are generally not as well behaved. Use the kids energy in class activites like really active games.Embrace every minute.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An eye opening, worthwhile, life changing, magical experience.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
My only complaint was that I was the only volunteer at my project. It would have been nice to have a partner to teach english with, and would have definately made the teaching much easier. The first week was definately tough trying to figure everything out compeletely on my own. After getting the hang out it, it definately got better. Also since I was in Calca being alone was definately a little harder since it is not such a largely tourist populated city.
Timothy Sims gives this project 10/10
Here is what Timothy had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The host family I stayed with were very friendly. The school and the children were very inspiring.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Working with children from a deprived background has made me realise I would like to go into something in a similar field in the UK.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Learn as much of the language as possible.
Be flexible
Enjoy yourself!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A life changing experience, the best thing I have done.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The overall trip was very rewarding and I don't think I could have wished for a better experience.
Erica Enriquez gives this project 10/10
Here is what Erica had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
1. Living in an area of Cusco that was out of the main tourist centre
2. My homestay in Cusco
3. Meeting new people
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Don't worry so much about the TEFL training - it was good to have but I barely used any of it (for my placement anyway, other places might be different).
2. If travelling to Peru, make sure your Spanish is excellent.
3. If doing a placement anywhere in South America, just go with the flow.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Definitely makes you see things differently.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I wish my Spanish had been better!!!
Maggie West gives this project 9/10
Here is what Maggie had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The highlight of my trip, and the reason I truly enjoyed this experience, was the family. Living in Calca with Kinkulla and Aida was a dream. Their home is beautiful, the food is amazing and almost all grown in their backyard, and we really felt like their adopted children during our stay there. They took great care of us even after we left Calca to travel across the rest of the country, arranging for family and friends across the country to meet us at bus stations, find trustworthy guides for us, and just make sure that we were safe and well. They helped us arrange everything that we wanted to do while we were there, which really made everything we did a lot better. They roast their own coffee, make butter and jams (amazing jams), get fresh bread every morning, and so much more. On top of that, Calca was incredibly safe compared to Cusco and Lima, and really calm and allowed us to fully experience Peru and its people. I just cannot emphasize enough how friendly and helpful Kinkulla and Aida are. Please go to Calca, teach the adorable but crazy kids in Lamay, and enjoy your stay with Kinkulla and Aida!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
In conversations with the kids in our school and neighborhood youth, we found that many of the youth felt that there was little to no movement in the small town, or ways to advance beyond subsistence farming. I realized how valuable the sense of opportunity for advancement is in a society and increasing innovation and sustainable development.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Beware - teaching 1st graders in Lamay is intense, but don't let it get you down.
2. Be open-minded.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Definitely builds character.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Knowing beforehand anything about the level of English skills in the elementary school in Lamay so that we would have been better able to bring appropriate materials and better prepare before arrival.
Ian Bingham gives this project 8/10
Here is what Ian had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Well, first of all, I have to say that I personally wasn't stationed in Cusco, but rather in Calca, and taught in a place called Lamay.
That said, there were certain highlights I eagerly shared with my family as soon as I could. The first, and foremost, were the children of Lamay; they were an innocent, fun loving, happy-go-lucky bunch who smiled when they were happy and cried when they were sad.
The other pluses for me were the authenic cuisine, fine company, and a new environment. Certainly a new experience.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Well, no, it's not like I didn't know poverty existed, but it certainly makes an impact on a person to forge relationships with children who are beaten regularly, malnourished, and abused sexually and verbally by their relatives. In this way we realize how profoundly a simple complement can affect an unstable child.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring school suppliesBring gifts for your host familyBring patience. The kids need time more than anything.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A sad but happy time with mistreated kids.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Paying less for the experience! I never fully understood why there is such a high cost to volunteer...
Aftab Abdullah gives this project 8/10
Here is what Aftab had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Every aspect of the homestay with Kinkullah and Aida, including the food, the location and, most importantly the people, themselves were highlights for me. Outside the project, hiking for 4 days to Machu Pichuu and exploring the rest of the Sacred Valley rank highly as moments to treasure from my trip
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
a) Learn as much Spanish as possible before you arrive and take Spanish lessons while you are there (I took lessons and it helped, immeasurably) Think of Spanish phrases you are likely to want to use in the classroom and around the school when things don't go to plan (Accept that there will be occasions when this happens, but be as prepared as possible when it does).
b) Ensure you have a written timetable of your lessons and locations of classrooms on day one and effectively communicate the length of these lessons to the local teacher before each and every lesson you take. As language may be a problem, use visual prompts as necessary. If possible, start the lessons with ALL materials (incl. photocopies) already with you. If the teacher leaves during the lesson to do the photocopying for you, are you able to handle an entire class on your own?
c) If you are teaching in Calca, contact me directly BEFORE you set off from home(and give the next volunteer after you the opportunity to do the same). You can then bring with you support materials that aren't already there. Allow yourself as much time as you can to plan as 'IF YOU FAIL TO PREPARE, THEN PREPARE TO FAIL' as the old adage says). For the sake of continuity and the success of this fledgling teaching project it is important that you are made aware of the children's ability levels and what was taught before you came. Should you contact me, I would be more than happy to provide you with my lesson plans/worksheets, a list of staff names and roles and answer any other questions you may have.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A beautiful location in which to teach.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
This was my second teaching placement with i-to-i and as I was the first volunteer at this school there were, understandably, areas that need improving.I can see where certain shortcomings were in comparison to a previous experience on a project that has been running for 2 or 3 years elsewhere.
On too many occasions I was left teaching in the class on my own as the local teacher departed during lessons. When this was for 10 minutes or so, it was not an issue for me or the children. However, longer periods meant that the children became restless and frustrated at communication problems caused by language barriers or tended to misbehave. In instances like this, then, a better grasp of Spanish from me would have helped. On the last day, unfortunately, my final lesson took place while a staff meeting took place. I was the only teacher with a class, which I took exclusively from beginning to end on my own. This was a far from ideal way of finishing the placement and I left the school with only one teacher being able to acknowledge my being there for 4 weeks - the meeting was still taking place.
While I understand that the school is in a difficult position of catching up with lost teaching hours from earlier in the term, I can't help feeling that there were occasions when the timing of meetings could have been different. This kind of better timing would have limited the disruption to a volunteer's ability to teach and the children's ability to learn English.
Ben Armstrong gives this project 8/10
Here is what Ben had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Living close to Cuzco and all of the Inca sites allowed me to travel every weekend and explore an amazing part of the world. Interacting with the wonderful family and teachers at my school helped me get to see the real Peru and improve my Spanish. Peru is so diverse and I loved being able to explore it. Also being in Calca allowed me to escape the touristy parts of Cuzco while still living in the beautiful Andes.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Get off of the tourist track (safely), learn a little of the language before traveling, and be careful of people trying to rip you off because you are a tourist.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Know the country and the people- a good way to travel.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The school was not very organized regarding informing me of events and informing the teachers about the english classes. Also On the website I felt like the description saying that at the school it was possible to help teach soccer karate and other things was not accurate, because there were not many extra activities to help with. Also I would separate teaching in Calca and Cuzco because those are two very different experiences and people might or might not want to be in a city or the country.
Rebecca Brown gives this project 7/10
Here is what Rebecca had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The best part of my trip was the homestay. The couple were absolutely amazing - just like second parents with a beautiful home and wonderful food. I could not have asked for a better homestay.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I realised how important it is to try to fit in and make an effort with another country´s culture, language and traditions.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. try to learn as much of the language as possible before you go.
2. try to bring as much of your own resources as possible.
3. do not expect too much of yourself.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
an interesting experience filled with amazing people.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Having a better support system closer by and especially more social things organised.
