4 Cultural Tips to Prepare Yourself for Volunteering in Peru

Communication between people in general, and maybe especially between people of diverse cultural backgrounds, comprises much more than simply verbal cues.

Hidden cultural differences in attitudes and behavior often cause a great deal of misunderstanding and friction. Understanding and embracing these differences could mean the difference between a wonderful and enlightening trip to Latin America, and a nightmare experience!

While there are many ways in which your culture and that of Peru may be similar, there will be several aspects that differ (and sometimes drastically!). As an expat and former volunteer in Peru, I have had to overcome these growing pains myself. Two years ago I came to this beautiful country to Volunteer in Peru and I experienced a culture far different from my own, yet in a way that was exciting, refreshing and maddening all at the same time.

Prepare for Volunteer Work in Latin America

In order to help you to prepare for your Volunteer Work in Latin America, I will talk about four ways that the Latin American culture (or, more specifically, the Peruvian culture ) differs from people from Europe and the United States. Prepare yourself for a great experience and check out our tips to best embrace the rich Latin American culture, especially here in the Land of the Incas!

1. Latin Americans Tend to Be More Welcoming

As a general rule for Latin America, the people here tend to be a bit more “acogedora”, or welcoming, to people that they just meet. During my first day in Lima, I was picked up from the airport, given a tour of the city and then taken to a great restaurant by my Airbnb host! While many people are oftentimes welcoming in my country, it is not often that someone will greet you with a kiss and then take you around town without knowing you. In fact, some of my close family still wouldn´t do this!

If you are just arriving as a volunteer, it can be somewhat uncomfortable if you are not used to this type of treatment from strangers. But it is nonetheless something that you will grow used to quickly and you will eventually appreciate.

2. Peru has a more collectivistic culture

Peruvians tend to live with, and embrace, more of their extended family, including grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles. During my first trip to Cusco, I lived with a host family that had about twelve people living under one roof! I would wake up and eat breakfast with my host grandparents and then play with my host nieces and nephews after dinner. I found the home of my host family to be more vibrant and fun even though I had very little time to myself while at home after volunteering!

The extended family phenomenon could be due to the previous example of Peruvians being more welcoming (in this case to their own family!). But most likely this is more a circumstance of limited resources and gives the family the opportunity to save money and energy. Historically, it was also a way for the family to experience a greater sense of security and to better perpetuate positive values and desired behaviors. When I told my Peruvian friend that one of my grandparents used to live in a retirement home, her reaction was “how cruel!”

3. Peru embraces a more “polychronic” view of time

Easily one of the most difficult cultural obstacles to overcome for many foreigners, is the difference in the perspective of time here in Latin America. Many European cultures as well as those of the United States and Canada adhere to what is described as “monochronic” behavior where tasks are performed one at a time and in a relatively strict order.

On the other hand, “polychronic” cultures, like many found in Latin America including Peru, have a more flexible view of time and are more inclined to, and most likely are more adept at, multitasking as well as managing frequent interruptions with ease. Workplaces in Peru often focus a bit more on developing stronger personal bonds amongst employees. You might also notice this at your volunteer project in Peru.

One phrase routinely talked about in Peru amongst foreigner volunteers is what´s known as the “Peruvian hour”: la hora peruana. This somewhat uncomplimentary phrase means that if your friend tells you to come over to her place at 7 at night, that instead you should arrive half an hour later at 7:30.

Conversely, Peruvians have an idea of many foreigners as being “gente acartonada” which roughly translates to “stiff people”. While both sides seem to have their negative phrases about the other, it is important to keep in mind that there are two sides to every coin and that members of each culture can grow to love something about the other.

4. Peruvians will come across as more polite, and less direct!

While it may be easy to generalize many people from Latin America, there are certainly differences between the different regions and cultures of Latin America. For example, the “Andean highland culture of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador” is certainly different than the more outgoing culture from many Central-American countries.

Notably the Andean region of Peru, for instance, is known to be less direct. Peruvians pride themselves on being polite, and these extreme manners can be exhibited by the people almost to a fault.

As a Peruvian coworker put it: according to her, Peruvians will “rodear”, which means “go around”: they will ask questions or make statements that somehow allude to what they want to say without directly saying it. While this can be frustrating at first, you will eventually learn to infer what Peruvians are saying. And you will probably end up enjoying having to be more skillful in the way you interact with the people at our volunteer project or with your new friends in Peru.

Tips to deal with Culture Shock in Latin America

While it can be beneficial to know something about the Latin American culture before experiencing it (so, before traveling to Peru), “culture shock” is a phenomenon that is nearly impossible to avoid during an extended stay in Peru or any other Latin American country.

If you plan on volunteering in Peru, here are a few ways to cope with any negative feelings that may arise during your volunteering:

1. Understand that you are not the first or only person to experience some form of culture shock while in Peru, or anywhere else for that matter! It is normal to go through an adjustment period so you should take it with ease, and as always…
2. Have a sense of humor about some of the situations you´ll find yourself in! Being able to step back and laugh at your mistakes will make it much easier to cope with any stressful situations!
3. Do not get scared and become a hermit! Being sociable, getting involved and fighting through any difficulties is the best way to eventually learn and to embrace your surroundings.
4. Stay connected with family and friends back home! This will help provide you with some support and stability and will also give them an opportunity to appreciate your time abroad!

Happy Volunteering in Latin America!

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Here are 6 reasons why you want to register for a Volunteer experience in Ecuador:

1. Ecuador is a beautiful country, so volunteering here will allow you to explore its gorgeous landscape and rich history. There are countless activities to do depending on what your interests are!

1. Volunteering will give you a new perspective on your life. Although Ecuador is pretty developed in some parts, the way of life is quite different. Seeing the reality of many of the volunteer projects will make you more grateful for how fortunate you are. Furthermore, you will experience a different culture and different customs, which always make you grow in ways you can never imagine.

3. You will have the opportunity to visit Ecuador’s capital, Quito. Quito is a very unique city because it is divided into ‘’Old Town” and “New Town”, so it gives you the chance to see both the historical and modern architecture and areas of the city. Both in the new and old towns, the buildings are beautiful, and there are many activities to choose from.
4. Instead of merely being a tourist, volunteering provides the opportunity to meet and know the local people. Ecuadorians are very friendly, very kind people that are eager to meet you. You will have the chance to really get to know the people at your volunteer project on a deeper level. You will be able to exchange cultures, languages, and experiences, and perhaps make lifelong friendships.

5. Ecuadorians speak clear Spanish. Unlike other countries in South America, the people speak clearly and don’t use strange pronunciation. Therefore, there will be lots of good listening practice for you, and you will be speaking like an Ecuadorian in no time!
6. Ecuador is the home to the famous Galapagos Islands! These islands are home to a great diversity of wildlife, so you will have the opportunity to see countless iguanas, swim with sea lions and iguanas, and spot beautiful, rare birds. These islands are awaiting your visit!

Ecuador is a wonderful country that will capture your heart forever. Volunteering here will not only provide you with the opportunity to see some amazing things, but it will also give you a new perspective and lifelong friends!

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Buenos días mamita! Cómo estás señorita linda?
That´s what I hear every morning when I enter the ‘comedor’ at the home for elderly people in Cusco, Peru, where I’m doing volunteer work.
The ‘ancianos’ are just finishing up their breakfast as I start my volunteer job, so the first thing I do every day is cleaning the tables and sweeping the floor. After this, I join the señora who is in charge of the women´s department, for various chores. For example one day we supplied footbaths for the ladies that were interested. So I distribute hot water bowls, help taking off their socks and shoes and put them on again. Another day we mop the floors inside or outside, or we shower some of them. I help to hand the towels and to help some of the ladies to get dressed. At the end of the morning it is already time for lunch; we serve the lunch and clean up afterwards.

All the people here – I mean the staff and all the people – , are incredibly nice, although I can´t understand everything they say to me because of my intermediate level of Spanish. On top of that, some of the people speak Quechua to me instead of Spanish, and the ones without teeth are very hard to understand. But they smile every time they see me and thank me every time I clear their plates

This volunteering job in Cusco involves a lot of cleaning, so be prepared to get some work done. But I’m enjoying it so much! And don’t forget it’s still at a home for elderly people, so the place is pretty tranquilo.
I´ve been taken in by the staff extremely friendly from day one and I never had a dull moment, I never wondered “what to do now”. Although some of the work might not seem very efficient for us, western people….everything I helped out with seemed useful to them and that´s what you should do it for!
If you think about traveling to Latin America or to Peru to do volunteer work, I truly recommend it.

Read more about different volunteer projects in Peru or contact us.

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Due to the many tourists arriving every year in Cusco, the infrastructure in the city has changed over the years. Especially around Plaza de Armas and the surrounding streets, you can see a lot of modernization and services for travelers. There are many nice restaurants, bars and other public facilities that have a modern touch and remind you of the Western world. Therefore, some travelers might forget about the fact that more than half of the population in Cusco and its surroundings live in poverty. It is shocking to see it with your own eyes and to realize, that there are huge differences between lifestyles in this Andean city.

Many people in and around Cusco live in poor circumstances. Many children grow up in poverty and especially the children in the more in rural areas, have often experienced (domestic) violence and/or work on the street. They do not get a proper education, so important to improve the quality of life. Fortunately there is a good amount of NGO’s and volunteer projects, that on education and health wanting to offer a brighter future, not only for children, but also for adults.

That’s why volunteers in Cusco are always welcome. Depending on your personal interests, experiences, profession and personality, we can always offer you different options. Our our own volunteer coordinator, located in Cusco, will find a project that matches your personality and personal goals.

You get the chance to teach children English, help them with their homework, to organize activities such as sports, arts, music or other educational programs when for example volunteering at After School Programs, Schools or Kindergartens. On the other hand, you can educate and spend time with children who have been through a difficult childhood, who have lived in poverty or experienced violence. We work on building self-confidence and self-esteem. Clinics and rehabilitation centers provide practical work for you to gain more experiences, while sport programs, museums and cultural centers give you the opportunity to exchange knowledge, gain more practice and become more confident in a certain field.

Volunteers are always needed and help is always appreciated. Especially because Cusco – one of the main traveler hubs of South America – offers a unique experience to so many travelers , we should not forget about the fact that many people live in poverty. If you can combine your travelers in Peru with the challenge of doing volunteer work in Cusco, contact us now.

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Why volunteer work? Doing volunteer work in Quito will not only enrich your travel time in South America, it will be something you can carry with you for the rest of your life. Spend some time with local children at one of our social volunteer projects (or at a public hospital that gives medical treatment to children. Tell them stories about your life back home or play fun games. The most important thing about volunteer work is being there; giving them the special attention they need and make them smile! Are you more interested in animals and nature? We also offer ecological projects just outside of Quito. Take care of the animals or help improving the infrastructure. These projects can all really use your help!

Why Volunteer in Quito? Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is literally located in the heart of the world and mostly known for its historic city center, many interesting museums and most importantly: extremely welcoming people. Especially for budget-travelers, this is the ideal place to go to. Traditional Ecuadorian food is delicious and cheap. Due to the perfect climate circumstances, Ecuadorians can grow almost everything they want which means that especially fruits, vegetables and herbs are very affordable. Transportation in Ecuador is also very cheap and the distances aren’t that long. Train rides are extremely fun too! Did you already know that the historic center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? In your free time, you can enjoy a relaxing day wandering around this stunning part of the city.
Don’t hesitate any longer and make your contribution now by signing up as a volunteer in Ecuador! Have a look at our website and contact us for more information about all the volunteer projects in and around Quito.

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