Most trips abroad are trouble free, but this page will help you to minimise threats to your personal safety when you travel. I had an amazing time and look forward to volunteering with Globalteer again in the future! In fact there were 11 people in the house in Wanchaq on the outskirts of Cusco. Ive had a couple of dodgy situations with dogs not being as friendly as I am. Accomdation read more was also perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Every member of the team there were so hospitable and friendly, that it made it feel like a home from home. Try not to draw attention to the fact you are a visitor; dress modestly and wear clothing that is culturally appropriate. If you are driving, there is a risk of vehicle hijacking: Avoid travelling alone and at night if possible, stick to well lit, busy areas. read less -1/16/2018, Plenty of people you can ask for guidance. Late last year I was able to spend a month read more in Peru to volunteer at two of the Globalteer programs- The Dog Shelter in Cusco and The Amazon Wildlife Sanctuary in Puerto Maldonado. This trip was very well organized by Globalteer. Such an amazing experience helping animals and being in such a great city. I worked on two projects, building waterfilters and the women's empowerment program, where we made intricate products with the locals from plastic bags! had an amazing experience. The kids are amazing, teachers are so helpful and everything is so well organized that you dont have anything to worry about. Youre single, unmarried, childless and travelling ALONE?! I strongly recommend anyone who is visiting Peru and wants to genuinely help wild animals to be returned back to their natural habitat to spend time here. })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-T2TDR3G'); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. Your email address will not be published. - everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. Thanks much for this great experience. Dont do that you wally. Each week consisted of 3 days of building the water filters and 2 days going to the different villages and giving the water filters to those who needed them. I had an amazing time and look forward to volunteering with Globalteer again in the future! At the end of the first day with them I felt so privileged and humbled to have met them. Anxiety, apprehension and anticipation were just some of the feelings experienced but the time to embark on the adventure soon came round and we flew from Heathrow to Cusco via Bogota. Yikes. I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! Use these personal protection products for women and guys that Ive recommended above. I have worked with them twice and I am counting down the days until I return next. Coming from a country with very few organisations that offer read more international volunteering jobs (Austria), I had to trust online reviews from other volunteers when I tried to find a suitable project for my sabbatical. The project itself is amazing and I highly recommend it to anybody who loves kids, is keen to be involved in a sustainable education project and who wants to see and learn about Cambodia village life. Good atmosphere in the read more office. The family were very friendly and welcoming but you soon began to appreciate what you had left behind and not to take anything for granted. This was for a month under Globalteer. Use magic codeTEACAKETRAVELS at checkout. Globalteer representatives Jillian and Theavy worked with me to find a placement that allowed me to use my skill set. During transit, use a PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack and Bag Protector. Ending up in a Russian hospital for 2 weeks once with serious stomach problems was a joy (not). It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. *Shock horror*. Amazing! I was picked up from the airport and the staff made me feel so welcome and at home. Furthermore, I was grateful for how helpful and welcoming the staff was. Everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. I would highly recommend Picaflor to future volunteers :). My experience with Globalteer was amazing and I've volunteered with read more them two years in a row now in Siem Reap. Many homes have no running water or proper sanitation and heating is unheard of. j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'? When I was attacked in India, I was just as worried about protecting my valuables as I was my own self. Globalteer will use this information to periodically send newsletters and other project-related emails. read less -12/26/2019, 100% recommend to volunteer with them Globalteer is a great charity that will help you every read more step of the way to live the experience of a lifetime! new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
However, this allowed us to sample a broad range of experience at the project, and the opportunity to take more responsibility - we got to run two days worth of Art lessons which was great fun, and a real eye-opener, especially for my husband, who had no previous classroom experience. Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff. Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone. The volunteering at Picaflor is very flexible - our individual skills were used to their best advantage. Would definitely recommend even if this is your first time overseas alone - as it was mine. I highly recommend them! -12/20/2017, The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who is interested in volunteering. Travel insurance is essential. was one of the most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I've had. Find out what access control system they use do they use standard keys or more modern electronic models that protect your personal security while traveling? Furthermore, I was grateful for how helpful and welcoming the staff was. Your mobile phone is 100% needed for the best travel safety apps, to call if you need help and to guide your way. The journey was just under 1 hour each way and cost 3.50 soles return approx 1! I had an amazing time at picaflor house. As a couple, we received an especially warm welcome on my return, and would definitely consider a third visit in the future. read less -9/30/2019, They are great in every way. Volunteering in local schools allowed me to see parts of the area that I wouldn't have been able to as a tourist, and coaching sports to the school children offered me a chance to interact with locals and engage in their culture. Thanks guys read less -6/30/2017, Each morning I woke up excited and full of energy to meet the other amazing volunteers and start our work! If youre considering getting involved, just do it! All the Globalteer staff made me feel really welcome and were always on hand to answer any questions. I highly recommend their tops and underwear. in every way. read less -1/14/2018, The trip has changed my outlook on life and I believe that this is only the start of my volunteering career! Hosts and accommodations should safeguard their guests against identity theft while traveling by improving their information systems. From the Moment I arrived I was collected by staff and shown around Cusco. The most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I have had. The passion for the animals in the care of this rescue sanctuary is genuine and heartfelt. I didn't have to worry one bit about the organisation of both volunteer groups, even though they were on the opposite sides of the country, it was an easy process with the staff being so quick and prompt in replies and helpful when I arrived in Cusco. Please dont get caught out just because your mobile phone or portable WIFI isnt charged up! The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. All of the stages were important and I felt like I was really making a real difference. Cultural attitudes towards sexual assault and rape vary greatly in different countries and this could affect how a report is dealt with. It was well worth the 3.45 am alarm call to see the sunrise which was absolutely breath-taking. I guarantee you wont regret it. They ensure the volunteers are contributing as much as possible and putting their skills to the best possible use. If youre part of a volunteer group or programme, remember that while you deserve to have fun on your time off, youre here to do an important job. If youre part of a, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window). or other personally identifiable information available to the wrong hands. The read more staff really made me feel welcome and Cusco is such a fantastic city. The staff working there are dedicated but also good fun. Once our applications had been accepted and the relevant checks completed I embarked on a fundraising campaign. I had an amazing experience volunteering with Globalteer earlier this read more year. All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive, always eager to help me out with any issues or concerns I had. Im here to encourage you to face your fears, push your boundaries and reach your full potential through solo travel. I highly recommend them! And theyre going to make your travels a whole lot easier! Two very different visits, but both equally rewarding and life-changing. Volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor House was an incredible experience read more - everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. I have volunteered with the Globalteer Cambodia Community Project in read more 2014 and twice in 2017 and will be returning this year, 2018. Globalteer was different to the other organisations, they are a registered charity so I felt straight away that I had some trust in them. Another challenge we took on was to eat the local dish Cuy otherwise known as guinea pig! The children were beautiful. We caught a local bus to and from the project. You can participate in feedings and sit in bungalows out in the jungle and just watch these magnificent creatures. For hostel lockers, I highly recommend a Master Lock Padlock. Home Prepare The Best Ever Personal Security Devices and Products For Travel. The sanctuary is small but it gives you the chance to really see the animals in their natural habitat. We ate it with our hands and although the meat looked like the dark meat of chicken it tasted more like duck. Dont leave your belongings unattended unless stored securely. All the Globalteer staff made me feel really welcome. Sadly despite the wealth of tourist money that enters the country, very little of the money filters down to the average Peruvian and millions live in extreme poverty. read less -8/31/2019, All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive. I would really recommend them to anyone who wants to volunteer or intern abroad! House. The children were beautiful. step of the way to live the experience of a lifetime! It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. It was well worth the 3.45 am alarm call to see the sunrise which was absolutely breath-taking. You would not regret it. The children made a lasting impression and I do have intentions to one day return. I left a case of clothes and toiletries for a lady I met and she actually filled with tears when she saw the bottle of shampoo I had donated. I guarantee you wont regret it. We spent a week with this read more incredible sanctuary in August 2018. I am a School Librarian, and I was able to start a lending library with books that had been donated by students at my school in New York. Loved the interactions with the monkeys, deer, and birds and building the monkey house for the howlers, I hope they enjoy it for many years to come. Being a young girl in a country like Peru, my family and friends were quite worried at first, as was I, however, I felt safe the entire time. I had! I would recommend volunteering with Globalteer to anyone who wants to have a memorable life experience. That way, if you fail to return or check in on time, your loved ones know to alert the local authorities and contact the embassy. Free time during the evenings and weekends allowed me to explore and enjoy what Siem Reap has to offer. A Peruvian delicacy it is either fried or roasted and cooked whole. My local M&S were very supportive and donated underwear and socks. My local M&S were very supportive and donated underwear and socks. I've worked with them during two extended stays in Peru and I'm counting down the days until I return next. Ive found that wearing a fake wedding ring saves me a lot of hassle. They're great read more in every way. They did not disappoint, I had a great time and was happy to support such a worthwhile project. The school itself was really well run and the kids were brilliant to work with. 2014 and twice in 2017 and will be returning this year, 2018. Many homes have no running water or proper sanitation and heating is unheard of. Avoid wearing jewellery and high end clothing. The project and kids are just amazing! It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. read less -6/30/2017, All the Globalteer staff I have worked with have become friends and I value their support and encouragement. If possible, take a trusted person with you for support. I also assisted with English classes. I had the pleasure of volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor read more House. Regular catch-up nights meant that a shared social life was available. read less -6/30/2017, Wish others would also be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! One of the best experiences I've ever had! Meeting the children for the first time at Picaflor House was a very emotional experience and brought on the first of many tears. Having chosen to spend three-weeks volunteering on a Cambodia Community read more Project in Siem Reap, a perfect school placement was found, which allowed me to gain one of my most memorable life experiences to date. The project and kids are just amazing! Taking precautions whilst you are travelling can help lower your risk of being targeted. I have had nothing but positive experiences and will always follow the amazing things they do daily! with Globalteer. Everyting worked out perfectly - all my questions were answered promptly before my stay, I felt very much taken care of during the project and I met amazing people who worked on other Globalteer projects and they have all become an important part of my life. We were advised not to have favourites but I have to own up to having a soft spot for the Kindergarten class! You never want. All the GT staff I've worked with in that time have become friends and I value their support and encouragement. I also assisted with English classes. As a volunteer of the Cambodia Community Project for 4 weeks where I worked as a teacher in the rural Helping Hands Cambodia School outside of Siem Reap, I can only say that I had made the best choice. I would recommend volunteering with Globalteer to anyone who wants to have a memorable life experience. if possible, avoid driving in areas you do not know. 100% recommend to volunteer with them, great projects, great team! The staff working there dedicated but also good fun. These days, your mind might automatically turn to things like masks and hand sanitizer when it comes to travel safety and security. out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed at all times. It provides occupation and fun for the children in the afternoon after their school day finishes, allowing parents to work full days, and provides extra academic support, especially with English - particularly important as it enables the children to get better jobs when they leave school. Hands School just outside Siem Reap. The regional Globalteer team in Asia managed to find an excellent placement school, which not only allowed me to gain new skills, but also share my teacher training experiences with others. Altitude sickness was the first issue that had to be dealt with. I was able to be part of an inspirational and holistic after-school project for 70 children aged from 3-14 in a mountain village near Cusco. I strongly recommend anyone who is visiting Peru and wants to genuinely help wild animals to be returned back to their natural habitat to spend time here. Be prepared before you travel by finding out information about the country or countries you will be visiting. It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. All the Globalteer staff I have worked with have become friends and I value their support and encouragement. read less -6/30/2017, It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. Then I came across the amazing opportunity, along with a friend, to work with underprivileged children in Cusco, Peru. It was amazing being at this sanctuary and if you love being outdoors with animals then I highly recommend this one. Email - [emailprotected] Call UK 01172309998 US: 202-697-9245 Australia: 028 0113693 International: +44 117 2309998 You can also call for free using Skype: Globalteer.Volunteer Visit our Contact page, Registered UK Charity 1119706 Peru charity no. Sadly despite the wealth of tourist money that enters the country, very little of the money filters down to the average Peruvian and millions live in extreme poverty. The ongoing project focuses on the young and vulnerable to assist them in finding a way out of the trap of poverty and is aimed at keeping the children in a secure environment off the streets, and providing them with a safe place to learn and enjoy being children. on Fridays when everybody came together to play volleyball, football, and to skip, play on the swings and slide, and to dig in the sandpit - Chris enjoyed a particularly muscle-building day breaking up and raking the sand for the children, and I enjoyed a spot of gardening - as I said the experience was very varied! Quick to do. Before you depart, youll want to make copies of critical documents, such as your travel insurance declarations page, drivers license, airline tickets, hotel confirmations, and proof of vaccination the latter being vital for when restrictions lift.