Health and Nutrition Outreach

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Ollantaytambo,  Sacred Valley of the Incas

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Flexible

Description: Peru has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in South America. The majority of Peru's malnourished children are in rural areas with low education rates, especially among women. Chronic malnutrition results in stunted growth and diminished intellectual capacity. Volunteers work with an organization based in Ollantaytambo that provides health and nutrition education and meal supplements to surrounding communities. Volunteers can assist with the planning and management of health projects. Participants must have an advanced level of Spanish proficiency; past experience in the fields of nutrition, public health, or healthcare; and be self motivated, flexible, culturally sensitive, and resourceful. Any Knowledge of Quecha will be very useful since many of the people volunteers will come into contact with through this project will speak only limited Spanish.

Highlights: Experience the incredible beauty and culture of Peru while working with local organizations and gaining a deep understanding of the people and culture. Volunteers and interns work in community run organizations, gaining firsthand knowledge of the complex development issues Peru is facing. Participants have plenty of time to explore the country during the weekends. Peru has almost endless possibilities for adventure.

* The Andes are some of the most dramatic mountains in the world dotted with small towns, clear lakes, and home to a vibrant and a wide array of microclimates ranging from semi arid highlands to cool, moist cloud forests.

*Peru is home to some of the most spectacular ruins in the world including awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca lines.

* The Amazonian region is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.

*Cosmopolitan Lima is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the world and many fascinating neighborhoods to explore.

*Wander along streets the Inca walked in the mountain city of Cusco.

ELI volunteers are enthusiastically welcomed by the communities they work in and often form long lasting relationships with the people they meet in Peru.

Qualifications: Participants should have an advanced Spanish proficiency and professional experience in health care or nutrition.

Minimum Education: Bachelor of Science

Cost in US$: starting at USD1,075 for 4 weeks

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Lima or Cusco and provided with transportation to their accommodations

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a one to two day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Peru, city tours, help with transportation, and optional Spanish classes

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Peru coordinator has years of experience working with Peruvian NGOs. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Participants stay either with a local host family or in a shared apartment depending on the project.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: yes

Participants in this program must be health professionals.

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and older

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001