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)
Youth Development Program
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. 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.
Children's After School Program
Work with children, providing support, love, and being a mentor. Volunteers will lead art classes and educational games, help with reading and homework, and discuss topics such as world religion, culture, environmental issues, and much more. There are lot of activities and volunteers will have a hand in anything that organization needs help with. Volunteers will work with either age groups of 5-8 or 9-15.
Public School
This school is open to female students only, between the ages of 4 - 11 years old. Volunteers will help teach English (especially with pronunciation) and assist the teachers in their duties. They may also help with support services for the students including mentoring and general assistance with homework or other activities. Volunteers will observe teaching techniques unique to Peru.
Policy and Human Rights Organization
Volunteers will work in areas such as legal rights, mental health and train individuals in areas of human rights. The organization works to defend men, women, children and victims of violations who have been mistreated or those who have suffered a violation of their fundamental rights. The organization trains volunteers to help in all areas and work with those they support.
Nursery School
Volunteers work with children between 3 and 5 years old. Volunteers should love being around young children and will help out the supervisors in any activities. Volunteers will play, sing, paint, work on puzzles, and help bring fun and joy to these children's lives.
Medical Clinic and Pharmacy
Volunteers assist the pharmacy staff to fill prescriptions, insure that current medicines are sealed and keep medicines stocked. Volunteers' duties might also include observing medical consultations, assisting the medical staff, providing explanations about prescriptions and taking patients' blood pressure, height and weight. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to visit with patients in the waiting room.
Non-Profit Christian Organization
Volunteers will choose one or possibly two projects to help the organization with. Possible volunteer opportunities are available in: language instruction, education, recreation, business (teaching skills), construction, health and many others. The organization works on a variety of projects and needs volunteers to specialize in one or more areas. They have both Christian and social objectives, reaching people in love, especially those who suffer or lack basic necessities, to help and restore their lives. This placement is ideal for volunteers who already take an evangelical initiative in their own churches.
Children's Ministry
Volunteer in a church with a congregation of over 650 people in weekly attendance. 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. There is even a weekly television show produced called Familias en Victoria.