1. Do I have to pay to volunteer with Intiwawa ?

No. There are no program fees, unlike many voluntourism organisations which we are strongly against. However, being a small organization with a limited budget, unfortunately we cannot cover any costs relating to  your volunteer stay, or pay any stipends. What we can do is suggest low-cost housing options in Arequipa, and please keep in mind that the cost of living  is much cheaper than in Europe or the USA. You will need to budget around 350-500 euros a month for housing, food and accommodation. 

 

2. How can I help?

At Intiwawa, we welcome help in many different areas. You can be a volunteer who helps us with the day-to-day functioning of our projects such as homework support. Alternatively, if you want a role with more responsibility you can intern or volunteer with us in administrative roles such as Marketing & communications, Leader roles for our educational and empowerment projects, Fundraising & events, Sales & E-commerce, and more. Please check our current open positions page here (link).

 

3. Is there a duration of stay requirement?

Yes. We ask that our project volunteers spend a minimum of 3 months, and that our Coordinators commit to 6 months  with Intiwawa. We feel this is the minimum amount of time necessary to integrate into our organisation, get to know the communities we work with and contribute to running our programs smoothly.

 

4. What is the current COVID situation like in Perú?

Perú was hit hard by the pandemic, and has suffered several waves of high infection and death rates. The vaccination campaigns are currently underway, but have been behind compared to Europe and the USA.

At the moment, Perú is open for travel with restrictions that are subject to change and can be consulted here: https://www.gob.pe/en/institucion/embajada-del-peru-en-irlanda/campa%C3%B1as/5558-covid-19-requirements-to-travel-to-perú 

Please check these requirements and with our volunteer coordinator for up to date information on the COVID situation in Arequipa.  

 

5. Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID?

No, a vaccination against COVID-19 is not obligatory, but still recommend, both for protecting yourself during your stay in Perú and to protect the vulnerable communities you will be working with throughout your volunteer stay with us. 

 

6. Do I need international health insurance ? 

Yes, we require that you are covered by an international health insurance plan throughout your volunteer stay with us.

 

7. Do I need to speak Spanish?

We ask that volunteers have a good conversational level of Spanish (B1).  At Intiwawa our working language is Spanish so the better your language skills, the more you will profit from your experience. You also have the opportunity to take extra language classes whilst in Arequipa or before your stay with us through our partnership with Perú Language School, who provide Intiwawa volunteers with reduced fees for their language classes (remote or presential in Lima). Please email our volunteer coordinator for more information.

 

8. Where will I be living?

You can choose your accommodation, there are many options for airbnbs and hostels/hotels in Arequipa. Due to our collaboration with Intihouse, our volunteers have access to reduced prices if they choose to stay there. Intihouse is located in the heart of Arequipa, and most of our international volunteers choose to live there – only a few minutes’ walk from the central square. Please keep in mind that there are rules that need to be followed if you choose to live at Intihouse during your volunteer stay with us. 

9. Where is the project located?

Our main project is located in San Isidro – roughly an hour’s bus ride in public transportation from Arequipa’s city center. The journey costs 2 soles in total each way. We also work with communities in the traditional village of Coporaque near the Colca Canyon – located a 3 and a half hour journey each way, and costing around 15-20 soles each way.

 

10. How many hours will I be working?

General project volunteers will be required to work 5 afternoons a week (1pm – 7pm) as well as participate in our weekly volunteer meetings. We also have activities at the house on Saturday afternoons, for those participating in Club Intiwawa. For coordinator positions or those who are involved in other projects, schedules are more flexible and can vary, as agreed upon during recruitment.

 

11. What is a typical day like for volunteers ?

Please check out our blog for information from previous or current volunteers. 

 

12. What support will I receive?

Pre-arrival, you will be in communication with our Volunteer Recruitment coordinators in Germany, as well as our Volunteer Coordinator in Perú. Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the airport by our Volunteer Coordinator in Peru who will give you a thorough induction to our organization, projects, and to Arequipa, as well as accompany you to San Isidro during your first days. Our volunteer coordinator will also support you throughout your volunteer stay with us, if any issues arise you will be able to contact them directly.

 

13. Will I have free time to travel?

Yes. Our volunteers work 5 days a week and usually have week-ends free. Many volunteers have organised weekend trips to fantastic destinations such as the Colca Canyon, Cusco,the desert oasis of Huacachina, Lake Titicaca or even Lauca National Park in Chile. For longer trips, you will need to allocate time either before or after your stay with Intiwawa. 

​

14. What is the climate in Arequipa like?

Arequipa has beautiful sunshine mostly every day of the year, coupled with rain during the rainy season which is roughly December-February.  During the day, it can get warm and sometimes very hot during summer months. However, when the sun goes down the temperature drops significantly throughout the year, but especially in winter, so make sure to pack warmer clothes (jeans, jackets and jumpers) as well!

​

15. Can I bring anything for the children?

We would greatly appreciate any donations you are able to bring such as educational materials, games, or clothes. We are also always looking for cell phones for our students participating in our remote programs. Please always check with the volunteer coordinator to find out our current needs.

 

16. Do I need a Visa?

In most cases you do not have to organize your visa in advance - this depends on your country of nationality, please check with our volunteer coordinator if you are not sure your country is eligible for a free tourist visa. With a tourist visa that you receive upon entering Perú, you can stay 3-6 months. If you choose to stay  longer than 6 months, our volunteer coordinator will assist you with your options.