Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Huancayo like?

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How much spending money do I need?

This generally will be different from person to person. The cost of living in Peru is cheaper than that of the United States. The current exchange rate of 1 US Dollar is 2.85 Peruvian Nuevo Soles. Although you will receive 3 meals a day and accommodations in the volunteer house, it is a good idea to carry enough money to purchase things that may not be covered by the AOP: souvenirs, money for additional food, nightlife, any additional travel you may be planning, etc.

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Will the AOP assist me in making arrangements to travel to Machu Picchu?

Although members of the AOP will be able to offer travel advice and ideas, we cannot be responsible for planning any travel that is outside of Huancayo; however, we can refer a travel agency that coordinates everything for trips to Cusco and Machu Picchu through email. Once accepted in the Summer Immersion Program, you can send an email to the Lima-based travel agency and they can assist in booking everything, from plane tickets and hotels to admission tickets.

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When do I need to arrive in Lima?

All Summer Immersion Program particpants will need to arrive in Lima on Saturday, June 21. If you are arriving by air on June 21, we will arrange to pick you up from the airport. If you are in Lima before this date, we will notify you where to be on the 21st. The AOP Summer Immersion program will begin Sunday, June 22. The first few days of the program will allow time for group excursions and time for everyone to get to know each other and connect with peers, both foreign and native. It is recommended that volunteers arrive to Huancayo a few days before the program actually begins, to allow time to get acclimated to the altitude and adjust from the possible jet lag and culture shock.

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What should I do once I arrive at the airport?

AOP staff will meet you in the airport in Lima. Once you have made your flight arrangements, a copy of your flight itinerary should be sent to the Andean Outreach Program. You are also responsible for notifying the AOP if there are any additional changes to your flight. The AOP Immersion Director will then accompany you to a hotel or to the bus station, depending upon what time you arrive. All of the necessary tickets for the bus ride to Huancayo will be handled by the AOP. Someone from the AOP will then accompany you to Huancayo, where other AOP staff members will be waiting to greet you at the Huancayo bus station.

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What happens if I get sick in Peru?

It is not uncommon to not feel well from the high altitude or the food on the first few days. AOP staff members have the experience to help volunteers through this. In the unfortunate event that a volunteer becomes ill, the AOP can also arrange for a doctor to come to the volunteer house to treat sick volunteers. The doctor will also provide a list of medication which can then be purchased at any local pharmacy. These home visits from the doctors are very effective and cost very little. In the unlikely event that someone needs to go to a clinic or hospital, an AOP staff member will make arrangements and transport the volunteer to the main hospital in Huancayo. Medical treatment in Huancayo is very safe, affordable, and effective.

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How far is Huancayo from Lima?

Huancayo is located approximately 346km (215 miles) east of the capital city of Lima. It is a 6 ½ hour bus ride from the coast of Lima to the town in the Andes Mountains.

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Can I study the Spanish language while I am in Huancayo, Peru?

Yes. Because the AOP Summer Immersion Program is so short and we expect volunteers with varying levels of Spanish, we will not offer classes but can recomend places to take them. One of the advantages of studying Spanish in Huancayo is that because it is a smaller rural city, most native people are Spanish speakers. For this reason, a full immersion into the Spanish language is offered. Each volunteer is also presented with the opportunity to take private lessons with a bilingual Spanish teacher who has experience working in the Peruvian education system; however the fees for this are additional and can be handled upon arrival in Huancayo. The AOP will help coordinate the classes, but we are not responsible for any charges or services rendered.

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What if I run out of money?

There are ATMs located throughout Huancayo which accept all major credit cards. Please know that the bank in Huancayo may charge a service fee, as may the home bank or company which issued the card. Some institutions may also charge an international service fee. It is a good idea to check these costs before departure. It is also possible to have money wired through Western Union. For a service fee, money can be readily available for pick-up in Huancayo within minutes.

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What If I want to stay longer than the 3 weeks?

The duration of the AOP Summer Immersion Program is 3 weeks; however each volunteer may want to extend their stay in Huancayo. The AOP staff can assist volunteers by recommending hostels or hotels that can accommodate for additional time. The cost of the program covers your stay in Huancayo for no more than 3 weeks. Any additional costs for extended stays are the responsibility of the individual. The volunteer can book a ticket for the bus ride to Lima at their own discretion.

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How much actual “work time” is required of me? What exactly will I be doing?

The actual volunteer project time will include a mixture of observation, learning, and group time to create proposals. The "observation" time will also include a chance to work with children and families through conversation, crafts, sports, teaching, and other activities. In our program, "observation" is synonymous with "interaction". The volunteer activities are scheduled every day between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm with an hour break for lunch at the volunteer house.

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How can I communicate with my family and friends once I am in Huancayo?

There are many “locutorios” throughout Huancayo, where a volunteer can use public phones to make calls nationally and internationally. The prices may vary depending on the location to which one is calling and the service being used, but on average a phone call to the US is about $.15/min.
Huancayo has many internet cafes located throughout the town. It is possible and relatively cheap to sign onto the internet at any time throughout the day. It is even possible to find an internet café that has cameras with audio equipment and microphones so that you can meet a friend or family member online, through such services as MSN/AOL/Yahoo Messenger and Skypes. Volunteers will also have the ability to check email daily.

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What are typical Peruvian dishes? What type of food is provided? Are there vegetarian options?

Most Peruvians who live in the Andean Highlands eat potatoes, rice, chicken, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. There are many traditional dishes still served throughout Huancayo that volunteers will have the opportunity to try. The menu at the volunteer house will have a variety of Peruvian and International dishes. The AOP feels that good food leads to a good experience so we try to make our meals delicious and healthy. We also include our volunteers in meal selection; we do offer vegetarian options for all meals and volunteers should tell the counselors prior to departure about any dietary restrictions that he/she has.

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Do I need a Visa to enter Peru?

Requirements to enter Peru may differ depending on the country of origin or citizenship. US citizens are not required to have a Visa to enter Peru. A US citizen is granted a 90 day period of free entry into Peru. Anyone wishing to extend their stay for longer than 90 days will have to visit the Immigrations office in Lima.

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What kind of weather can I expect? What clothing should I bring?

The weather in Huancayo is fairly consistent all year long with temperatures ranging from 41°F - 70°F (15°C - 20°C). In the months of June and July when our program will be taking place, the air temperature will be warm (65°F) and sunny with no rain during the day and cold (45°F) at night. Volunteers should bring clothing to dress in layers, short sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, jackets and hats. There is a laundromat in Huancayo so clothing can be washed and volunteers can pack lighter. The AOP will send a packing list to all program participants prior to departure.

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Do I need to bring a laptop? Will the volunteer house have internet?

Volunteers are welcome to bring laptops but it is not a requirement. The house will have a laptop electrical current adapter. There are also a number of internet cafes close to the house that charge +/- $1.50 US per hour.

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Can I bring anything to donate to the people of Huancayo?

If volunteers have extra room in their suitcase(s) and wishes to bring things to donate to the people of Huancayo, it is a good idea to bring clothes, shoes, games, educational supplies, tooth brushes, pens, pencils, markers, or toys. Because there is no fluoride in the water in Huancayo, we discourage giving candy to children as they have many problems with tooth decay. A detailed list of what is needed can be found here: LIST OF ITEMS

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What if my family needs to reach me in case of an emergency?

Two AOP volunteer staff members will carry cell phones with them at all times. Although these phones will have to be reached through an international call from the US, anyone so wishing can call at any time. The AOP staff members should know the whereabouts of the volunteers at all times, and can be contacted in the case that a volunteer needs to be reached. Family members can also contact the US office of the Andean Outreach Program at 510.931.7354 or send an email to info@andeanoutreach.org.

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How can I purchase health insurance? Is it required?

Though we do not require volunteers to purchase health insurance or assume responsibility for volunteer health, we recomend that our volunteers purchase travel health insurance. Some health care insurance providers may cover their clients if they travel abroad and volunteers should confirm if they are covered or not. The link below lists and compares different travel insurance plans.

Travel Health Insurance

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What vaccinations do I need?

A list of the most up-to-date vaccinations recommended by the US government can be found at:CLICK HERE. The AOP recommends printing a copy of the recommended vaccinations and taking it with you upon your visit to your physician or health clinic. Each volunteer is responsible for his/her own vaccinations and the AOP recommends carrying a copy of your vaccination record with you when travelling abroad. Most health clinics will offer you a travel-size vaccination registry, as some countries may require proof of certain vaccinations upon entry within its border.

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Do I need a convertor to plug my electronic equipment into the electrical sockets?

Electrical devices from the USA require a plug adapter and in most cases a voltage adapter. The voltage of the electrical sockets in Peru is 220V . In the United States, most appliances run on a voltage level of 120V. Not all electronic equipment requires a convertor, however, if one is needed, they can be purchased in Huancayo upon arrival. Since the electrical service is less stable, laptops require a current stabilizer adapter to regulate spikes in the electrical current. The AOP volunteer house will have a current stabilizer available for volunteer use.

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Is Peru safe? What about Crime and Theft in Huancayo?

Though Peru is not without it's petty crime, it is a safe place to travel. Violent crimes against foreigners are very rare, especially in Huancayo. Like most foreign countries, Huancayo does have it's share of petty thieves who mainly look to "pick pocket" cash. Daylight hours are very safe in all of Peru and we require our volunteers to travel in groups during night time hours. Our AOP staff has a great deal of experience in Huancayo and knows what neighborhoods to stay out of. For more information on travel in Peru, please visit the US STATE DEPARTMENT

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How will the high altitude affect me?

During the first 2 or 3 days at high altitude, it is normal for people to feel tired, have headaches, or even feel a little nauseous. This is very normal and our program is designed to be slow for the first few days so volunteers can acclimate. Sleep, drinking water or tea, and avoiding physical exertion are important for the first two days of the trip.

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What will the volunteer house be like? Will I have my own room?

The AOP volunteer house is a rental unit that will be very modest. Most houses in Huancayo are constructed from concrete or brick, have large windows, and have simple furnishings. Though very simple, the AOP staff will make the house comfortable for the volunteers and add local decor to help the authentic experience of living in Peru. Volunteers will be asked to share a same-sex bedroom with one or two roommates. Bathrooms are also shared.

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How do I pay the volunteer fee? Do I have to pay in full? Is there a deadline for payment?

Upon acceptance to AOP 2008 Summer Immersion Program, volunteers will receive an orientation packet detailing the program elements as well as a fee envelope. To secure a spot in the program, volunteers will be required to send the fee in full, to the Andean Outreach Program. Fees can be paid by check made payable to the Andean Outreach Program. There is a deadline for payment that will be listed in the volunteer packet.

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What does the fee cover?

The volunteer fee covers all of the volunteer expenses listed below. In addition to this, there is an 8% contingency charge added to the fee which is needed for unexpected emergencies and will be donated to a local orphanage if not used.

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If I decide not to go after I have been accepted and paid for the program, can I get my volunteer fee back?

Unfortunately, no. Though we understand that unexpected events come up, we cannot refund the volunteer fees once paid. The reason for this is that this program is small and relies on the fees to cover the costs of the house, and transportation. We accept a limited number of people and ask that you consider this when applying.

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What can I expect from the AOP before I leave?

All volunteers accepted for the AOP Summer Immersion Program will receive an orientation packet that will contain information on Huancayo, packing list, information on the AOP, useful Spanish phrases, liability forms, and other important items that volunteers will need to know before departure.

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How many people will be volunteering with me?

We will be accepting 12 - 15 volunteers for this program. There will be many group activities that will include the entire group and some activities that will require smaller groups of 3 volunteers. The whole group will eat meals together as well as travel together in Huancayo.

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How many excursions are there and what are they like?

We are planning to have at least 4-6 excursions that will include:

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Was your question not answered? Additional information about Peru can be found at: www.peru.info

If you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at info@andeanoutreach.org. We will respond to your email as soon as possible.