Frequently Asked Questions:

1.   Q: What do I need to do in preparation for my trip?
2.   Q: What vaccinations will I need?
3.   Q: What is the weather like in Peru?
4.   Q: Will I have any free time?
5.   Q: How does Peru 109 find its host families?
6.   Q: Will I share a host family with another volunteer?
7.   Q: Do Peruvian families have animals at home?
8.   Q: Should I bring gifts to my host family? What kind?
9.   Q: What is the voltage used for electronics in Peru?
10.    Q: Can I bring my laptop and/or other valuables?
11.    Q: Will I have internet access?
12.    Q: Can I receive mail while in Peru?
13.    Q: What is a "typical" Peruvian meal?
14.    Q: What if I am a vegetarian? Vegan?)
15.    Q: How do I access money while in Peru? (exchanging money, ATM, credit cards)

1.   Q: What do I need to do in preparation for my trip? -TOP-

APPLICATION: You need to complete your Peru 109 application and the following Peru 109 forms: Host Home Survey, Reference Form, Release, and Emergency Info Sheet.

PASSPORT: Make sure that you have a passport that is valid past the date of your program. Before leaving the US, you'll send a color copy of the first page of your passport to Anne and Juan Carlos. We also recommendation that you make another copy to leave with a friend or familymember in the US.

FLIGHT: Triple check your program dates as you make your international flight reservations. All international flights to Peru arrive in the capital city of Lima. If you are with a Peru 109 group program, your arriving flight should be scheduled to land in Lima between 9pm and midnight, and similarly, your departing flight should be scheduled to leave Lima between 9pm and midnight. Forward us a copy of your flight itinerary as soon as you receive a flight confirmation, and keep us updated in case of any flight schedule changes.

HEALTH: Check below for the list of required vaccinations for Peru 109 locations. As soon as you receive your vaccinations, send a copy of the doctor's verification to Peru 109. Before you travel, we also ask that you send us a copy of your health insurance card and/or travel insurance information.

MONEY: Make sure to check your bank accounts before you travel to avoid any frustrating surprises during your trip. Let all of your debit and credit card companies know that you will be traveling in Peru so that any international charges will not be considered a reason to temporarily disactivate your accounts.

02.  Q: What vaccinations will I need?  -TOP-

The following inmunizations are required for your trip to Peru:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus - Diphtheria
• Measles

All vaccines are your responsibility, and these costs are separate from the Peru 109 program's cost. Check with your health insurance provider about your policy's coverage of these vaccinations.

For more detailed information about health and travel, consult the CDC web site www.cdc.gov under the heading "travel health".

03.  Q: What is the weather like in Peru?  -TOP-

Peru is home to three distinct geographic regions: rainforest, coast, and mountains. Each region is unique in its weather patterns.

Chimbote and Trujillo, on the Northern coast of Peru, has its winter, or overcast season, from about May through August. The summer, or sunny season, is from about November through mid-March. The remaining months are considered to be either spring or fall, in which there is variable sun and clouds. It rains only a few times a year in these cities,and thunder/lightning are almost unheard of!

Cusco, in the Andes mountains, has its winter, or dry season, from about May through August. During this "dry" season, most days are clear and sunny and in the 60s and near 70s. However, at night, the temperature can drop to below freezing. The summer, or rainy season, is from about November through mid-March. During this "rainy" season, the temperature is warmer than during the winter, but you need to dress and pack for the chance of short or long periods of rain each day. The remaining months are considered to be either spring or fall, in which there is variable sun and clouds.

04.  Q: Will I have any free time?  -TOP-

Most projects include about 5 hours a day of direct service work, Monday through Friday. You will have plenty of free time to do your laundry, go to Spanish classes, blog on the internet, join salsa lessons, shop in town, get to know the city better, call home, or just relax. On Saturdays and Sundays you will have time to explore neighboring villages, visit local museums or impressive ruins, take advantage of outdoor activities unique to your location, meet with other volunteers or travelers, or enjoy some down time with your host family.

05.  Q: How does Peru 109 find its host families?  -TOP-

Typically, Peru 109 host families are recommended by a school or nonprofit organization in the program city. Juan Carlos then interviews each family, during which he talks with them about the number of people in the home, the ages of the family members, location of the home, host family expectations, and the volunteer that will be arriving. The head of each family is required to complete a government-issued background check.

During your program, Anne and Juan Carlos visit each host home at least once a week. Host families often offer their homes for group meetings and social get-togethers, and since all volunteers are placed with host families within walking distance from each other, there is an easy network of neighbors.

Most Peru 109 host families have hosted our volunteers before, and so are familiar with our program. At the end of their Peru 109 program, each volunteer completes a evaluation form regarding their host home. We take the recommendations of our volunteers very seriously, and their evaluations are important indicators for future placements.

Even with best intentions, sometimes the host family and volunteer do not make the best match. If that should occur, Anne and Juan Carlos will work with you to find a more comfortable placement and help explain the situation to the host families. At times there are unintentional miscommunications between volunteer and host family, so it is important to let Anne or Juan Carlos know about any host family questions or concerns so that we can help you address them.

06.  Q: Will I share a host family with another volunteer?  -TOP-

For programs longer than 2 weeks, we recommend that you stay individually with host families. In terms of developing your Spanish or Quechua skills, this is by far the best way to go! Also, we feel strongly in the importance of building a personal relationship with your host family, one in which you have maximum opportunity to share and interact with your host family members.

For our shorter programs, those that are less than 2 weeks or less in duration, you will likely be placed as a pair with your host family. Staying with a co-volunteer during a shorter trip can help you acclimate to your new environment, particularly if you are a beginner level Spanish speaker. Also, sharing a host home will allow you to get to make connections with your volunteer team more quickly, which can facilitate your community project.

07.  Q: Do Peruvian families have animals at home?  -TOP-

Yes, they do. Peruvian families typically have a dog, cat, or parakeet, although these pets often do not live indoors. It's pretty common to see animals on the roofs in Peru, since animals are often not allowed to stay inside the house. Some families may have hens, ducks, or guinea pigs at home -- however, these animals are not considered to be "pets", but rather, appreciated for their nutritional value.

08.  Q: Should I bring gifts to my host family? What kind?  -TOP-

The families are not expecting you to bring a gift. They are very happy to have your company, and appreciative of the economic support that offering their home brings. Expensive or large gifts are not appropriate, but we DO encourage volunteers to travel with items to share with their host family, such as a magazine, brochure, or pictures of your hometown and family. Favorite recipes or music also make great gifts.

Peruvian dishes typically do contain a type of meat (chicken, beef, pork, seafood, etc). When eating in restaurants, it is ok to ask for a typical dish minus the meat, or to see if they have some kind of vegetal or bean that they can substitute for the meat. We encourage volunteers to share favorite recipes with their host families. The exchange of recipes and food traditions benefits both you and your host community -- and can be a lot of fun besides!

09.  Q: What is the voltage used for electronics in Peru?  -TOP-

Peru uses 220 volt, 60 cycle electricity. We suggest purchasing a voltage converter when in Peru for any of your 110 volt devices. Wall outlets are typically the 2 pronged flat and round type found in the US.

10.  Q: Can I bring my laptop and/or other valuables?  -TOP-

Yes, you can bring your laptop.

Having said the that, you must think consider the reality that you will be doing a lot of traveling -- by bus, taxi, airplane, van, and foot -- and that creates more risk in terms of carrying a laptop or other valuables. Please note: PERU 109 IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS OR THEFT OF ANY PERSONAL BELONGINGS. So please travel safely and wisely!

11.  Q: Will I have internet access?  -TOP-

Wireless internet is not common in Peru, and most host homes do not have internet access. (You can ask Anne and Juan Carlos about your specific placement site.) Wherever you travel, there will be quite a few options of public internet "cabinas" where you can pay to use a computer with internet by the hour. This is the simplest and most affordable way to stay in touch with friends and family at home, share photos, blog, etc. If you choose to travel with your laptop, many public places will let you use the internet with your laptop.

12.  Q: Can I receive mail while in Peru?  -TOP-

Sure! We will give you a mailing address that you can use for the duration of your stay prior to your trip. Please note that packages that arrive in Peru that weigh over 3 pounds will need to be picked up from the local post office, and may have their contents checked by the postal staff. Generally speaking, it takes regular mail about one week to travel from the US to Peru, and about two weeks for regular mail to travel from Peru to the US.

13.  Q: What is a "typical" peruvian meal?  -TOP-

Although some of the definition of a "regular" meal in Peru depends on your specific location (especially with regards to coast, highlands, or rainforest), there are some characteristics of meals that you will find throughout the country. Potatoes, rice and corn are also frequently used. Here are some examples of different foods that you might find in Peru:

Breakfast Items:

• Fresh rolls with cheese, butter or jam
• Fried or scrambled eggs
• Fried fish and white rice
• Chicken and rice soup
• Tamales

Common Lunch Items:

• Soup with chicken or beef
• Potatoes with cream sauce
• Ceviche
• Lentils and rice
• French Fries or boiled potatoes
• Chicken, beef, pork, or lamb in a spicy sauce
• Fried eggs and plantains with rice
• Pasta with pesto or tomato sauce

Common Dinner Items:

• Fresh rolls with cheese, butter, or jam
• Leftovers from lunch
• (take-out) Hamburgers
• (take-out) Pizza
• (take-out) Roasted chicken
• Chicken, beef, pork, or lamb in a spicy sauce
• Apple or lemon meringue pie
• Tamales

14.  Q: What if I am a vegetarian? Vegan?  -TOP-

In Peru you will find a wide variety of the freshest fruits and vegetables at extremely affordable prices. At the markets, you will find other vegan friendly foods such as white rice, nuts, various types of beans, and pasta. Fresh eggs and cheese are also easy to find. Vegetarian/vegan "meats" and tofu can be found in some cities in Peru, as well as restaurants that cater to non-meat eaters.

Peruvian dishes typically do contain a type of meat (chicken, beef, pork, seafood, etc). When eating in restaurants, it is ok to ask for a typical dish minus the meat, or to see if they have some kind of vegetable or bean that they can substitute for the meat. We encourage volunteers to share favorite recipes with their host families. The exchange of recipes and food traditions benefits both you and your host community -- and can be a lot of fun besides!

15.  Q: How do I access money while in Peru? (exchanging money, ATM, credit cards)  -TOP-
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You will be able to change money from dollars to Peruvian "soles" in the Lima airport upon your arrival, and will also have frequent opportunities to change money as needed throughout your trip. (We always include time in the schedule during your first day in Lima to change money as well.)

You will have access to ATMs in your host city, from which you can choose to withdraw dollars or soles. Check with your bank about any fees for use of your ATM card overseas.

The ability to pay by credit card and/or use traveler's checks varies greatly by location. In the larger cities such as Lima, Cusco, Trujillo, etc. some restaurants, hotels, and stores will accept major credit cards and it will not be difficult to locate a bank to exchange traveler's checks. However, in those cities, day to day purchases in stores such as a pharmacy or corner market need to be paid for in cash. In most other areas, only cash is accepted.