The Peru International Education program combines practical classroom experience with structured global learning, allowing you to support English education in Cusco while working towards a recognised Global Citizenship Diploma. Designed for participants who want more than a traditional volunteer placement, this program combines hands-on teaching experience, intercultural learning, community engagement, and academic reflection into one immersive international learning experience.
Teaching Volunteer Program Highlights
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No.4 - Education
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & Gain 16 UCAS Points
- Support Local Teachers Within Schools & Community Education Programs
- Develop Skills in Communication, Leadership & Intercultural Collaboration
- Help Students Strengthen Communication Skills & Classroom Confidence
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No.4 - Education
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & Gain 3 US Credits
- Support Local Teachers Within Schools & Community Education Programs
- Develop Skills in Communication, Leadership & Intercultural Collaboration
- Help Students Strengthen Communication Skills & Classroom Confidence
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No.4 - Education
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & Gain 20 ECTS Credits
- Support Local Teachers Within Schools & Community Education Programs
- Develop Skills in Communication, Leadership & Intercultural Collaboration
- Help Students Strengthen Communication Skills & Classroom Confidence
Why Choose The Peru International Education Program?
Education has the power to create opportunity while preserving culture and strengthening communities. In Peru, schools play an important role in preparing young people for an increasingly global economy, yet many classrooms continue to face challenges including limited teaching resources, overcrowding, and restricted access to high-quality English language education.
The Peru International Education program has been designed to provide participants with far more than an opportunity to teach overseas. It combines meaningful classroom experience with structured academic learning, allowing you to understand how education supports economic opportunity, cultural identity, and social development while developing valuable professional skills of your own.
Throughout your program you will work alongside experienced local teachers supporting English language learning, classroom activities, and creative educational projects across a variety of learning environments. At the same time, you will strengthen your communication, leadership, adaptability, and intercultural awareness while gaining valuable insight into Peru’s education system and rich cultural heritage.
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Every stage of the program has been designed to help you develop as both an educator and a global citizen, combining practical experience, cultural immersion, and structured reflection into a rewarding international learning experience.
Your Global Citizenship Learning Journey
Unlike a traditional volunteer program, every participant follows a structured learning pathway designed to maximise both personal development and practical impact.
Prepare Before You Travel - Before arriving in Peru, you will complete online learning introducing international education, intercultural communication, ethical volunteering, child development, and the role education plays in sustainable development. This preparation helps you understand the educational and cultural context before entering the classroom.
Learn Through Experience - During your placement you will work alongside local teachers, supporting English language learning, classroom activities, homework support, and creative educational sessions. Through daily collaboration with students and educators, you will develop practical teaching confidence while gaining valuable insight into education within a multilingual and culturally diverse society.
Reflect On Your Impact - Following your placement, you will complete guided reflective activities that encourage you to evaluate your teaching experience, analyse different educational approaches, and connect your experiences in Peru with wider global issues surrounding education, equality, language, and sustainable development. Reflection forms a key part of the Global Citizenship Diploma, transforming practical experience into recognised learning.
Background to the Peru International Education Program
Peru’s education system continues to evolve as the country balances rapid economic development with the needs of a culturally and geographically diverse population. While access to education has improved considerably, many schools continue to face challenges including overcrowded classrooms, limited educational resources, and varying levels of teacher support.
Peru is also a multilingual nation where Spanish exists alongside indigenous languages including Quechua and Aymara, reflecting centuries of cultural heritage. At the same time, English has become increasingly valuable, particularly within tourism, hospitality, business, and international commerce. For many young people, developing confidence in English creates opportunities to continue their education, pursue professional careers, and participate within Peru’s growing international economy.
The Peru International Education program works alongside local schools and community education initiatives to provide additional classroom support while helping students develop practical English communication skills from an early age. Working collaboratively with local teachers enables participants to contribute positively to existing educational programs while gaining first-hand experience of Peru’s diverse educational landscape.
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Throughout your time in Peru, you will also strengthen your own leadership, communication, organisation, adaptability, and intercultural awareness. Working within classrooms that reflect Peru’s rich cultural diversity provides valuable professional experience while offering deeper insight into the relationship between education, language, culture, and social opportunity.
Your Field Experience in Peru
Your field experience forms the practical foundation of the Peru International Education program. Working alongside experienced local teachers and community educators, you will apply your learning across a variety of educational settings that support children and young people throughout Cusco.
Depending on local requirements, participants may be placed at Colegio Francisco Sirvichi, Colegio San Francisco de Borja, or the Colibri Afterschool program, each providing a unique perspective on education within the local community.
Within the schools, you will assist English teachers by supporting pronunciation practice, grammar exercises, lesson preparation, classroom activities, and student assessments. Depending on your experience and confidence, you may also lead small group activities or deliver creative English lessons that encourage participation and communication.
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Participants working within the Colibri Afterschool program support children who attend after the school day, helping with homework, English learning, creative workshops, and recreational activities. Working alongside local staff, you will help create a safe, engaging environment where education, creativity, and confidence can flourish.
Across every placement, your role extends beyond delivering lessons. By sharing your language, culture, and enthusiasm for learning, you contribute to positive educational experiences while building meaningful relationships with students, teachers, and the wider community. Each placement provides valuable opportunities to develop practical teaching skills while experiencing the diversity of Peru’s education system first-hand.
Your Role & Typical Day in Peru
As a participant in the Peru International Education program, your primary role is to support local teachers by helping create engaging learning experiences that encourage students to develop confidence in English and other core academic skills.
Teaching schedules vary depending on your placement and may take place during either morning or afternoon sessions, typically involving 3-5 hours of classroom activity each weekday. Before arriving in Cusco, the local team will provide details of your assigned placement, timetable, and responsibilities.
Your daily activities may include assisting with lesson preparation, supporting pronunciation and grammar exercises, tutoring individual students, leading creative classroom activities, helping with homework, supervising educational games, and encouraging students to participate confidently in English.
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While many participants initially work alongside experienced teachers, there are often opportunities to lead activities independently as your confidence develops. Creativity is encouraged throughout the program, allowing you to introduce interactive teaching methods that make learning enjoyable while supporting students’ educational progress.
Travelling to your placement forms part of the cultural experience itself. Many participants enjoy walking through the historic streets of Cusco each day, while local buses provide a convenient alternative. The local team will ensure you are familiar with your route and feel confident travelling independently throughout your placement.
Other Things to Consider in Peru
Return Airport Transfer - Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. However, our local team can assist in arranging onward transfers to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for greater flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Alternatively, ridesharing apps are a common and cost-effective option. Many participants travel during their final days and may not return to the airport directly from the accommodation. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants.
Experience - Prior teaching experience is not required for the English Teaching program, as the presence of a fluent English speaker is invaluable. As long as you are creative, determined, and resourceful, you will have a positive impact on the children's educational development.
TEFL Course – We recommend that volunteers prepare thoroughly for their teaching program overseas. To maximise your impact, consider completing our convenient, affordable, and internationally accredited 60-hour Online TEFL Course.
Resources – On the teach English in Peru project, resources can be limited. We recommend that volunteers bring materials with them each day to enhance productivity and involvement. Preparing in advance will help you get the most out of your teaching English overseas experience.
Spanish Requirements - For the volunteer in Peru programs, we recommend having a reasonable level of Spanish before your trip. While there are no mandatory language requirements, and beginners are welcome, being able to communicate in Spanish will significantly enhance your experience. English is not widely spoken in Peru, so the program should also be seen as a language immersion opportunity. Limited Spanish skills may lead to communication challenges and a more frustrating experience.
PMGY also offers Online Spanish Lessons before your trip, providing one-on-one classes with trained Spanish teachers via Zoom.
Additionally, you can enrol in our learn Spanish in Peru program, which includes 20 hours per week of Spanish lessons. Both options can be added during the online application process and are highly recommended to help you make the most of your volunteer work in Peru.
Once in Peru, you can arrange additional lessons with the local team. However, volunteer feedback suggests that balancing language lessons with your Peru volunteer programs can be tiring. For this reason, we recommend only extending your Language Immersion Program if you wish to focus on improving your Spanish skills.
Project Commitment – We recommend a minimum commitment of four weeks for childcare and teaching projects to ensure both volunteers and the projects maximise the experience. Shorter placements of two or three weeks are also available but are typically limited to kindergarten and after-school teaching projects.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
Embark on a breathtaking 2-day journey from Cusco to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Travel through the lush Sacred Valley by scenic train or choose a picturesque drive that lets you see more of local life. Spend the night in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, surrounded by mountains and rivers, before enjoying a guided tour of the ancient Incan citadel and its magnificent terraces and temples.
Getting There
• 2 hours from Cusco
• Scenic Train – 370 USD
• Car – 200 USD
Where to Stay
• Accommodation in Aguas Calientes – Included
Things to Do
• Explore Aguas Calientes – Included
• Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Included
The Salkantay Trek is a stunning five-day adventure through Peru’s most dramatic landscapes. You’ll journey from snow-capped peaks and alpine passes to cloud forests and subtropical valleys, reaching the 4,630m Salkantay Pass for breathtaking views of the glacier. Along the way, you’ll pass remote villages, waterfalls, and coffee farms before arriving at Machu Picchu for a guided tour and return to Cusco.
Getting There
• Start – 4 hours from Cusco
• End – 3 hours from Cusco
• Private Tour Bus
Where to Stay
• Glamping in the Andes – Included
Things to Do
• Hike Through Mountain Landscapes – Included
• Visit Scenic Viewpoints – Included
• Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Included
A full-day trip from Cusco takes you to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), where colourful mineral layers paint the Andean slopes. Enjoy a scenic drive through highland villages before hiking to the summit at over 5,000 metres. Alternatively, visit Palccoyo Mountain for a less crowded, easier hike with equally beautiful rainbow hues and sweeping views of the Andes.
Getting There
• 4 hours from Cusco
• Private Tour Bus
Where to Stay
• Day trip option from Cusco
Things to Do
• Hike Over Rainbow-Coloured Mountains – Included
• Take Photos with Alpacas – Small Donation
• Traditional Buffet Lunch and Dinner – Included
Experience Peru’s rich culture on a two-day trip from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Travel overnight to Puno before setting off by boat to explore the floating Uros Islands and Amantani Island, where you’ll stay with a local family. Enjoy home-cooked meals, stunning views, and a lively evening of traditional music and dance before returning to Cusco.
Getting There
• 8 hours from Cusco
• Tourist Night Coach
Where to Stay
• Local Homestay – Included
Things to Do
• Visit Reed Houses on the Uros Islands – Included
• Sunset Hike on Amantani Island – Included
• Assist With Traditional Cooking – Included
• Try on Traditional Dress – Included
• Enjoy Local Music and Dancing – Included
Discover the beauty and history of the Sacred Valley on this full-day trip from Cusco. Visit ancient Inca sites like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray, explore vibrant artisan markets, and see the stunning Maras Salt Mines carved into the mountainside. Learn about Andean culture, local weaving traditions, and Incan agricultural ingenuity on this immersive and scenic tour.
Getting There
• 2 hours from Cusco
• Private Tour Bus
Where to Stay
• Day trip option from Cusco
Things to Do
• Explore Chinchero, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines – Included
• Visit Local Weaving Communities and Markets – Included
• Leisurely Afternoon in Ollantaytambo – Included
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- A group of friends celebrating their mountain hike adventure amidst stunning views and lush Peruvian landscape.
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- Three hikers celebrate their achievement atop Perus vibrant Rainbow Mountains, surrounded by colourful geological formations and stunning mountain views.
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- Four friends enjoy stunning views of Cuscos cityscape, mountains, and vibrant culture during a joyful trip.
Accommodation - Shared & Comfort Options Available
Host Family
During your time on the Peru volunteer programs, you’ll stay with a welcoming host family in Cusco. The accommodation is basic but comfortable, offering you an authentic cultural experience while you volunteer in Peru. Your host family will guide you during your stay, helping you settle into life in Cusco and improving your Spanish language skills. It’s worth noting that most host families usually speak little to no English, so this is a great opportunity to practise your Spanish.
Meals are provided by your host family throughout your stay, including a packed lunch if requested. Homestay families usually have their own private living spaces but enjoy engaging with volunteers, sharing experiences, and learning about your adventures in Peru. This setup not only ensures you’ll have round-the-clock support and security but also gives you a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and improve your Spanish.
Host families are located just outside central Cusco, all within a 30-minute bus ride from your volunteer work in Peru. In most cases, the homestays are also within walking distance of the local team’s offices. Your host family’s location will usually align with your Peru volunteer program placement, making it easier for you to commute. If you’d like to be placed in the same accommodation as another PMGY participant, be sure to mention this in your online application.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Rooms are shared with up to three people of the same gender, and volunteers are provided with single beds, bed linen, and cupboard space for personal belongings. You’ll also receive your own keys for the building, apartment, and your bedroom, ensuring a secure and independent stay. Bathrooms are shared and equipped with western-style toilets and showers. The water is typically warm, although power cuts may occasionally affect availability. The homestay offers Wi-Fi, a communal area to relax with fellow volunteers or host family members, and a kitchen with a refrigerator. Please remember to ask your host family for fridge space out of courtesy before storing any items.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
If you prefer a private room option, you can upgrade to the Comfort Option when you register with us. Comfort rooms will accommodate a solo traveller or up to two participants travelling together, with two single beds. Bathrooms are shared and equipped with western-style toilets and showers. The water is typically warm, although power cuts may occasionally affect availability. The homestay offers Wi-Fi, a communal area to relax with fellow volunteers or host family members, and a kitchen with a refrigerator. Please remember to ask your host family for fridge space out of courtesy before storing any items.
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 3 (Shared) or 1 (Comfort)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
15 Minutes
Nearest ATM & Shops
10 Minute Walk
Meals
During your volunteer trip to Peru, international volunteers receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by your host family. Breakfast and dinner are served at the homestay, while lunch is provided as a packed meal or pre-cooked option that can be reheated at the Spanish school. Boiled and filtered water is also available at the homestay for volunteers.
Meals are typically traditional Peruvian dishes, which can be quite carb-heavy. Peruvian cuisine often features rice or quinoa as staples, with chicken being the primary meat. Due to the high altitude, you’ll notice smaller portions for breakfast and dinner, with lunch being the largest meal of the day. It may take a few days for your body to adjust to these changes, but this traditional eating style supports better digestion in Cusco’s altitude.
Common meats include chicken, fish, and alpaca, but there are also several vegan, vegetarian, and international dining options around Cusco. Restaurants and western-style food outlets are just a 10-minute drive from the homestay, offering some home comforts if you’d like to explore. Vegan and Indian cuisine are also available, and the local team will provide recommendations during your orientation.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast
Eggs, Bread, Porridge, Fruit, Coffee, Tea
Lunch
Chicken Sandwich, Rice, Vegetables, Salad
Dinner
Pasta, Vegetables, Chicken, Pork, Rice, Plantain
Program Location
FAQ's
As a Peru teaching volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the teaching projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation!
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the Peru teaching program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Saturday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to Peru, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a Peru teaching volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Many of our Peru teaching volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a Peru teaching volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a Peru teaching volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
