Cusco, or Cuzco, is a city in southeastern Peru, situated in the Andes Mountains. Cusco is home to the palace of the Inca, the Temple of the Sun, and the nearby Inca site of Machu Picchu. The first Spaniards arrived in the 1530s, with Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, discovering the city. Much of the architecture in present-day Cusco is a mix of Inca and Spanish influence.
Today, the city attracts tourism from all over the world, due to the preservation of its culture displayed in the amazing archaeological sites, architecture, and colorful Peruvian dress. The people of Cusco still use traditional dress of polleras (long, colorful skirts), play sampuñas (pan flutes), and raise llamas. In addition, the exquisite cuisine of Andean taste fused with modern ingredients, provides both Peruvians and foreigners with very innovative dishes. Prepare yourself to be enamored with the Inca capital of Cusco.
Remember that you may combine ELAP with an ISA study abroad program. To learn more about our academic programs in Cusco please click here.
Current placements in Cusco: (Click on the titles to read more)
Children's Ministry
Volunteer in a church with a congregation of over 650 people in weekly attendance. There is even a weekly television show produced, Familias en Victoria. As a volunteer, you can work in children's ministry, evangelism, music, maintenance, ministry in hospitals and orphanages, not to mention, learning Spanish! Your main focus is to serve God and His community.
Youth Development Program
This organization seeks to provide a strong moral structure in which high risk youth from the streets of Cusco are able to improve their self-esteem and gain important life skills. Volunteers are encouraged to play games with the children, help them with their homework and partake in afternoon activities. Participants may also lead and teach classes such as English, painting, drawing and music.
Children's After School Program
As a volunteer, you will be working with children, providing support, love, and being a mentor. There are a variety of activities that the children participate in, and you will be doing a little bit of everything including but not limited to leading art classes and educational games, helping with reading and homework, and discussing topics such as world religions, cultures, environmental issues, and more. You will be working with children from 5-8 years old or children from 9-15 years old.
Educational Center for Women and Children
This organization began in 2005 to improve the living standards of people in Cusco, Peru. Because of this organization, children and single uneducated mothers are given the opportunity to begin or continue their education. After completing the educational program, the children receive a certificate and are able to move on to an elementary school. There are currently two classrooms in use and three more in progress.
School for the Deaf and Mute
As a volunteer, they will be working with children at this school, between 2- 18 years old. All of them are deaf and mute, and there are approximately 45 children/teenagers. During the mornings volunteers will help the teacher in the classroom. During the afternoons volunteers will help the children with their homework. Volunteers can also assist the children in learning how to use their computers. Volunteers who know sign language are a plus! The organization is also willing to teach the volunteer this communication skill. The organization has sewing and weaving machines, and they would love to have a volunteer who could teach the teenagers to use them, which helps generate income for the school.