FAQs for International VolunteersWho can volunteer?
We encourage anyone with an interest in volunteering and who displays a commitment and genuine enthusiasm for helping our children to apply to join our team. There is no age limit for volunteering with us, we welcome and encourage volunteers from all demographics. Do I need to have previous experience working with or teaching children? Whilst experience working with children is ideal, it is not a requirement to come and volunteer with us. As long as you have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for working with children, we know you will have a great impact at Seeds. |
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How much does it cost to volunteer?
For international volunteers, we ask for a $200 USD monthly contribution fee, as we are still a small NGO and our funding is limited. This money goes directly towards the children and the operational costs of keeping Seeds running. We do have reduced costs for volunteers who are willing to make a commitment of more than 6 months, please speak to our International Volunteer Coordinator about this. We have a very safe and secure volunteer apartment in the heart of the city, within walking distance to our school. The apartment is fully furnished with two bathrooms, a kitchen, living room with a large plasma TV, access to a spacious rooftop and hand washing laundry facilities. The rent is very affordable for such a central location. We have a number of room options available: Pricing effective from July 2018
Please note that payment is in USD cash only, we currently do not have the option for online payments. What is included in the accommodation cost: Pre-departure contact and guidance, bus pickup, 24 hour assistance, English and Spanish speaking staff, orientation and tourism advice, rent, gas, water and electricity costs, bed linen, cleaning supplies and house maintenance costs, WI-FI, Netflix and filtered drinking water. Additional costs: Personal expenses, transport, insurance and volunteers need to bring their own bath towels and toiletries. |
Do I need to be able to speak Spanish?
Our school is a Spanish speaking environment, however volunteers come to us with a range of Spanish speaking abilities. A main component of your role as a school tutor is to help the children with their homework and so, having at least a basic level of Spanish proves helpful with this.The children speak Spanish (and most speak Quechua as well), but they enjoy learning new English words and phrases. The children love interacting with our volunteers and are all very patient and helpful when it comes to communicating with them. Our International Volunteer Coordinator can provide you with tips for useful Spanish to become familiar with before you commence your volunteering and once you are here, we can arrange private and very affordable Spanish classes with our local Peruvian tutor if you would like this option. How long should I volunteer for? We have had people volunteer with us for a period of over six months, one month or just a couple of weeks. We strongly encourage people to stay for at least one month, as you’ll get more out of your time as a volunteer and it gives you and the children sufficient time to get to know each other. We understand however that sometimes time constraints and financial pressures cannot allow for longer stints and so we are happy to host volunteers for a minimum of two weeks. 
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How much free time will I have?
We have two sessions daily: 9:00am – 12:00pm (with our Secondary students) and 3:00pm – 6:00pm (with our Primary students) every weekday during the school year and so between the hours of 12pm and 3pm and after 6pm are yours free.
During vacation periods however, we run a holiday program and all students attend one session each weekday from 9:00am - 1:00pm, giving you the afternoons off.
Our International Volunteer Coordinator can inform you if there will be school vacations occurring at the time you intend to volunteer.
There are no classes during the weekend, which gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful Peruvian countryside and nearby mountains. Occasionally, there might be a special event during the weekend (such as the Santa Dash, a field trip or a holiday celebration), but generally speaking, the weekends are your own.
Is travel insurance necessary?
When traveling abroad, travel insurance is highly recommended. We strongly advise that you get travel insurance to cover you while you are volunteering, especially for medical coverage.
We have two sessions daily: 9:00am – 12:00pm (with our Secondary students) and 3:00pm – 6:00pm (with our Primary students) every weekday during the school year and so between the hours of 12pm and 3pm and after 6pm are yours free.
During vacation periods however, we run a holiday program and all students attend one session each weekday from 9:00am - 1:00pm, giving you the afternoons off.
Our International Volunteer Coordinator can inform you if there will be school vacations occurring at the time you intend to volunteer.
There are no classes during the weekend, which gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful Peruvian countryside and nearby mountains. Occasionally, there might be a special event during the weekend (such as the Santa Dash, a field trip or a holiday celebration), but generally speaking, the weekends are your own.
Is travel insurance necessary?
When traveling abroad, travel insurance is highly recommended. We strongly advise that you get travel insurance to cover you while you are volunteering, especially for medical coverage.
