Make a difference by volunteering with us in Peru

In our volunteer program, you have the opportunity to work with our local community in Trujillo, Peru, teaching English both in our English program for school-age children as well as in our evening Conversation Classes for adults. There are occasionally opportunities to contribute to the efforts of local activist initiatives, such as Bici de Miercoles, as well. Volunteers who participate in our program are fluent in English and come from all over the world. On average, they stay for 3 months. We take care to match international volunteers with local volunteers to ease cultural differences and language barriers. 

More details about the program and requirements for volunteers can be found below.

Volunteer Requirements

DESIRED QUALITIES

  • Fluent English speaker

  • Enthusiastic about teaching children & adults

  • Can be creative in the classroom

  • Loves traveling and adventures as much as we do

  • Can commit to volunteer for at least one month

  • Open to experiencing new cultures

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

  • Basic Spanish speaking skills

  • Prior experience teaching children

PROGRAM FEE

$180 USD per month for international volunteers. This fee covers the cost of housing and administrative support during your stay with us.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Please note that, in order to participate in our program, you will be required to submit a criminal background check.

Program Fee

The volunteer program fee is $180 USD per month for international volunteers. This fee covers the cost of housing, pick-up from the local airport/bus station, and administrative support. Meals and any additional activities are not included in the monthly cost.

Accommodation

Most volunteers stay at our volunteer house, otherwise known as the “Espaanglisch Casa”, in Trujillo which is a 10 minute walk from the city center. The house has hot water (a commodity in Peru), internet access, and kitchen facilities. Señora Carmen, the landlady, will help you practice your Spanish. We have found that having our volunteers live together makes for an enjoyable and cohesive experience. Our adult Conversation Classes are taught downstairs so it's super convenient!

Where We Work

The majority of our work currently takes place in Alto Trujillo, an area that was created in the 1980s by migrants fleeing armed conflict in the highlands and which has since grown to a population of approximately 45,000 people. It is one of the most impoverished areas of Trujillo, with many neighborhoods lacking basic services, such as water and electricity. 

Additional Activities

It’s important that your experience in Peru goes beyond your volunteer work. In our Social Interaction Program, we regularly host fun activities which have a two-fold purpose: to raise funds for our organization and to give you the opportunity to meet new people and to explore Peru from a local perspective. We also offer both in-person and online Spanish Classes if you’re interested in studying when you’re in Peru or brushing up on your skills before you arrive.

Application Process

Step 1

Complete an application form

Step 2

Interview - short conversation for us to respond to your questions and to tell you more about the organization in a friendly environment

Step 3

Evaluation by the Directors - we review your application based on our current volunteer needs

Step 4

Acceptance into the program - we’ll notify you by email and give you upcoming dates for orientation, etc.

What People Are Saying

  • “During my volunteer work at Espaanglisch, I really enjoyed meeting Peruvians from six-year-olds to adults. While teaching adult English conversation classes, I experienced the delightful personalities of enthusiastic students and learned about Peruvian culture. The response of the younger students was inspirational. During a single class, the look on some of their faces would change from shy or lifeless to huge beaming smiles as they expressed their pride in successfully speaking new words or singing in English.”

    Tim Thurnblad, USA

  • “If you’re looking to find out what happens when you put an English speaker into a class full of eager Peruvian students, this is a good opportunity. The prospect seems a little daunting at first, but you'll like it. The classroom is your oyster. Teaching is a real adventure, but you'll ride a steep learning curve with your students as you break the language barrier. People at Espaanglisch will do their best to make you feel at home and enjoy yourself. There is good cinema here and lots of nightlife.”

    Sebastian Hartzell, England

  • “I had a wonderful experience while volunteering with Espaanglisch in Trujillo. The students are amazing, and they’ll make you feel like you’re the best teacher on the planet. David Mercedes helps you feel at home from the moment you arrive; he does an excellent job of introducing you to the Peruvian culture. On our first day, he took my friend Anna and I to “Gringolandia” (a mall) where we played air-hockey, and later that night we had an amazing Peruvian dinner in Huanchaco and danced all night. My month with Espaanglisch struck a nice balance between work and free time. Living in Trujillo is pretty laid-back, though the city is large enough to offer whatever services you may need, and the beach (Huanchaco) is only 25 minutes away. My only regret is that I didn’t stay longer! Also, let David win at air-hockey!”

    Elizabeth Meadows, USA

  • “My experience at Espaanglisch was a perfect mixture between teaching, developing lessons, promoting the school and painting a school. This combined with lovely students, loads of fun, inspiring chats, pie de manzana and dancing salsa in the kitchen of David’s aunt. For me, this project contained the depth I was looking for during my travels. Getting to know a country and its culture by living and working there is better than just travelling through. Contributing something to the society there, getting to know my students through a window in their everyday life, culture, and dreams were precious gifts.”

    Annick Oerlemans, The Netherlands

  • “My volunteer experience as an English teacher with Espaanglisch Peru was, without exaggeration, five of the greatest weeks of my life. I absolutely loved teaching the students. They are bright, engaged and grateful for being given the opportunity to learn English. David Mercedes, the creator of the program, is friendly and engaging. The people I met from all around the world will remain my friends forever. I learned so much about myself and the world during my time at Espaanglisch, and definitely recommend participating in the program.”

    Michelle Stoner, USA

Can’t make it to Peru? Volunteer with us online

We sometimes have a need for volunteers to lead virtual conversation classes. If you’re interested, please contact us for more information at: contact@espaanglisch.org