Education Internship in Peru

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Earn international teaching experience in a rural school in Peru!

Are you eager to make a meaningful impact on young lives while immersing yourself in a rich cultural experience? This internship offers aspiring teachers the opportunity to help children and teenagers improve their education while experiencing life in remote regions of Peru.

You will join the teaching staff at an institution for 6 to 16-year-old elementary and secondary students in the rural town of Tomepampa. In this remote region of Peru children not only lack access to quality education, but they also often suffer from social issues like alcoholism, lack of access to public services, and violation of their rights. This organization is dedicated to broadening these children’s horizons through education, whilst providing a safe place for them to learn and grow.

You’ll play a big role in a small team and get experience running your own class. You will help teach the subject of your choice in collaboration with the principal and teachers of this institution. You may also help with the preparation of personalized plans of study for the boys and girls living in the youth hostel next to the school.

ORGANIZATION

Volunteers Peru was founded in 2013 and its main focus is helping children and young people in the Arequipa and Tomepampa region. Children and teenagers face several social problems such as alcoholism, low-quality education, lack of support from public institutions, and the violation of their rights, especially in the poorer areas of the cities and in rural Peru.

The NGO supports these at-risk children and teenagers by placing international volunteers and interns in local organizations and schools. They help with the children’s educational goals and at the same time, they foster an intercultural relationship that will broaden and enrich their lives.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

As an intern, you’ll get real-life experience of being a teacher for a living. You’ll work closely with principals and other teachers, to develop curricula, prepare educational materials, and run the classes you helped design.

Responsibilities

  • Support the teaching of your major’s curricular area
  • Prepare materials and conduct classes while under supervision
  • Assist in curriculum development and weekly lesson planning
  • Teach English as a second language and, if you are a native speaker, you may be asked to help improve the oral skills of the institution’s English teachers
  • Participate in extracurricular activities in the afternoon; you may propose an activity you particularly like and/or excel at
  • Help with students’ homework at the school’s youth hostel
  • Collaborate with other teachers and staff in the planning and implementation of special events

Requirements

  • Undergraduate student of education pursuing teaching certification
  • Intermediate level of spoken Spanish
  • Excellent communication and listening skills
  • Previous experience as a tutor is beneficial
  • Good organizational skills
  • Cultural awareness and acceptance of different religions, races, and lifestyles

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Interns enjoy their stay at Casa Primavera, a large traditional house with an orchard in Tomepampa. You will have a bedroom with a full-sized bed and a private bathroom. A weekly cleaning service is provided. You may share the house’s main kitchen with other guests and/or you may have meals prepared for you.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Tomepampa is in a safe rural area. You will arrive in Arequipa and might spend 1-2 nights there. Also Arequipa is generally a safe city but petty crime does occur. Avoid going out alone at night and if you need a (taxi) ride, it’s generally best to ask your host or the accommodation for a trusted taxi company.

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. There hasn’t been a case of malaria in Peru for 20 years.

Communication

Communication

There is no WifI access at your accommodation.

Meals

Meals

Meals are not included in the fees, but you can opt for a meal package (additional fees apply) if you like. The host organization will make sure to show you around so you get to know the stores and where to buy your ingredients. If you opt for the meal package, then please let us know if you have any diet restrictions, so we can inform the chef. All meals are of a high quality and homemade. It’s also very cheap to go out for lunch or dinner. For a two course meal with a dessert and drink expect to pay between 10 to 15 soles (USD 3-5). Be on the safe side by only drinking bottled water.

Location details

Location details

The school is located in the town of Tomepampa, an 8-hour bus ride from the city of Arequipa. Tomepampa is a picturesque town nestled right in the middle of the Cotahuasi Canyon of Peru. This area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, vibrant local culture, and a wide range of exciting outdoor activities.