Global CItizens Network: Puno, Peru
Location: Peru: Puno
Program Duration: 2-4 weeks, 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: August 18-September 1, 2012
Global Citizens Network
129 North 2nd Street Suite 102 Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States
Call Us
Phone: +1.800.892.0022 +1.612.436.8270
Fax: 612.436.8298
Description
Global Citizens Network (GCN) seeks volunteers to participate on our trips to Puno, Peru. Puno is well known for Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, located at 12,500 feet above sea level. Thanks to this scenic attraction and the island communities in and around the lake, many people in the region are involved in the tourism industry. The majority of the rural population, though, still struggles with poverty as well as cultural and political marginalization.
Puno is home to most of Peru's Aymara-speaking citizens. Most of the Aymara population resides outside in Puno's rural sector and rely on subsistence farming and commerce.
GCN sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where they are immersed in the daily life of the community. Trips to Peru last about two weeks; each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. The team works on projects initiated by people in the local community, for the benefit of the community. Such projects could include setting up a library, teaching business skills, building a health clinic, or planting trees to reforest a village. Projects may not be decided upon until shortly before the arrival of a GCN team. Participants should be aware that everything is subject to change.
As worthwhile and fulfilling as the work you do will be, the true rewards come from the cross-cultural learning which takes place on these trips. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning. You may test your skills making local food, visit a nearby tea factory or the family farm, learn a local dance, and discover the history and rich traditions of the area.
When you have the chance to learn first-hand about people from other cultures, you will feel connected to others in ways you may have never experienced before.
Highlights
The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip. There is much to explore in and around Puno. In the immediate area are several pre-Incan tombs ruins, the floating Uros islands, eco-tourism projects in Llachon Peninsula and - Little Rome of Latin America - church in Juli and Lampa. Puno is easily connected by air to other major attractions such as Cuzco and Arequipa as well as La Paz, Bolivia.
Qualifications
No specific skills are required, only a willingness to appreciate and accept other cultures. We believe everyone has skills -- some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what s/he can If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.
Languages
- Aymara
- English
- Spanish
Cost in US$:
2,150 USD
Cost Include Description:
Program costs include most on-site costs (lodging and food), travel to the site, a donation to the project, training materials, t-shirt, emergency medical and evacuation insurance for all trips outside the U.S., and a portion of our program costs. Airfare is additional. All trip-related expenses are tax deductible.
Credit Available
yes
Volunteer Types
- community centers
- community development
- volunteering
- building/construction projects
- grassroots organization
- indigenous issues
This Program is open to
American, European, Australian, Canadian, Asian, Worldwide, Kiwi, South African Participant.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Group living
- Guest House
Participants Travel to Peru
Independently or in Groups
Application Process Involves
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time is
1 weekGlobal Citizens Network's Mission Statement
In partnership with people of diverse cultures, GCN promotes cross-cultural understanding and interconnectedness through authentic immersion experiences.
Year Founded
1992
