This program offers three volunteer placement options: medical, healthcare and dental. See Requirements below for each placement.
Medical Placement
Medical volunteers are placed in national clinics or assisted living facilities, depending on seasonal needs and project availability. Roles vary and may not always include direct patient care. Volunteers contribute based on their skills, training, and the project’s requirements, which may involve administrative tasks, patient interaction, or assisting medical professionals. Flexibility and realistic expectations are key.
Example of volunteer Tasks:
- Shadow medical professionals during consultations
- Assist with triage, wound care, blood samples, sutures, and injections
- Provide companionship and basic care, including feeding and bathing patients
- Distribute or organize medication and educate patients on its use
- Clean and prepare medical equipment and change beds
- Support with administrative tasks, such as data recording and filing
Healthcare Placement
Healthcare volunteers are typically placed in assisted living facilities for the elderly or schools for children with disabilities, with specific placements available for those with Physical Therapy training. While preferences are considered, placements are subject to seasonal needs and availability. Volunteers focus on providing general care and companionship, directly supporting project staff in daily tasks.
Volunteer task examples at Adult Assisted Living Facilities:
- Organize arts and crafts, engage in conversation, or conduct talk therapy
- Accompany patients on walks
- Sort and distribute medication
- Change beds and assist with feeding and bathing patients
- Monitor patients’ well-being
- Support with administrative tasks, such as filing
Volunteer task examples at Facilities for Children with Disabilities
- Act as a classroom assistant and help run activities
- Provide additional attention and care to the children
- Work consistently with one classroom or area of the school throughout your program
- Organize arts and crafts, play with the children, and assist with physical therapy sessions
- Support the children during mealtimes
Dental Placement
Dental volunteers are typically placed in dental or general health clinics offering dental services in Cusco. Volunteers assist with daily clinic operations while gaining exposure to dental practices and the Peruvian healthcare system. Tasks and responsibilities vary based on the needs of the project and the volunteer’s qualifications.
Example of volunteer Tasks:
- Assist with reception duties, including appointments and paperwork
- Support teeth cleaning and check-ups
- Shadow dentists or hygienists
- Educate patients on basic dental hygiene and healthy habits
- Clean and prepare dental materials
Important Note: Volunteer independence and roles depend on their training, Spanish proficiency, program duration, and initiative. While direct patient care may not always be possible, the experience provides meaningful opportunities to contribute. Volunteers should be prepared to collaborate with Spanish-speaking staff and work independently, with ongoing support from in-country coordinators when needed.
Typical Schedule: Volunteers will work 3-4 hours per day, either a morning or afternoon shift, Monday-Friday. Schedules are subject to change depending on the current needs of the program.
Holidays: The project operates year-round, but volunteer schedules may vary during holidays. Please consult with our placement coordinators following registration for specific holiday dates. Note that our institutes are closed on December 25th and January 1st, with no project placements available on these days. Volunteer programs during these weeks will run for four days instead of the usual five.
