Testimonial 1               Tatiana Kaptan Bard College at Simons Rock "It was the most memorable travel experience I’ve ever had. I loved being part of the community and a member of a family instead of just a tourist. I will very much miss walking out the door in the morning and having 5 or 6 children run over to kiss me". Q:What surprised you about your time here? How quickly my time in Peru went by!

Testimonial 2               Connie Yee Wellesley College "Peru 109 offers a truly immersive experience. The welcoming host families, incredible volunteers, and exciting out-of-school activities exceeded my expectations for any volunteer-based program" Q:What will you remember most about your host city? The people and the constant whistling. Everyone was so welcoming! Q:Would you recommend your Host Home for future Peru 109 volunteers? I would definitely recommend my host home to other volunteers. I always was comfortable and the food was delicious!

Testimonial 3               Irem Yoruk Wellesley College "It was a unique, very different experience and it was soooo worth it. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun". Q:Would you recommend your Host Home for future Peru 109 volunteers? They were the cutest family ever trying to make everything I wanted possible. I would definitely recommend my family to anyone.

Testimonial 4               Gale Stafford Bennington College "It was incredible, the program was well-designed in that it is simultaneously a volunteer project and a vacation, and this is a wonderful balance". Q:What impression do you think you left those you got to know more closely? That gringas are not necessarily exciting because we are gringas, but also we're not that different.

Testimonial 5               Judy Dewitt Wellesley College "Peru 109 taught me how big this life is. Through volunteering with kids, going on day trips to beautiful places, and meeting wonderful people, I am strong physically, mentally, and emotionally". Q:What surprised you about your time here? How much I grew as a person, friend, and daughter

Testimonial 6               Rachel Zwell Bard College Q:What will you remember most about your host city? The people, the relaxed atmosphere…and cuy. And sandboarding. And the amazing children. Q:What surprised you about your time here? I’m very surprised by how well I can converse in Spanish, and by how quickly my time passed.

Testimonial 7               Andrea Chu Wellesley College "Peru is a beautiful country with lots to offer, but what I found most endearing were the people. My family and the kids are amazing and I’ll never forget them" Q:What surprised you about your time here?)? How close I got to the host family.

More Testimonials


EUGINA HUANG
Washington and Lee University

"Peru 109 gave me the opportunity to design and implement my own service project--a dynamic experience unique from many others! While volunteering at Hogar de la Nina, I decided to coordinate a book drive in efforts to help improve resources and infrastructure at this home for abandoned and orphaned girls. This project allowed me to gain an understanding of conducting a service project abroad and to meet local college students who were eager to help."



NORA SANDERS
Bard College at Simon's Rock

"Being in Peru was a completely new experience for me. Working with local kids was amazing. I felt like I was actually doing something important there, working for a greater good. I can't say that it was easy, but I can say that it was definitely worth it."




JESSICA LEE
Bard College at Simon's Rock

"Peru 109 gave me the opportunity to engage with different cultures, and to communicate and converse in a different language. I made great connections and friends from the our experiences together and from our communal efforts. I can't wait to go back to Peru"



PHYLLIS SAROFF (student's parent)
Annapolis, MD

"Thank you for taking the time to organize the trip to Peru. My son has shared many things about the trip with us, from how brilliant the stars were at night on the hike to the live turkey on a crowded bus. I am so happy he likes to travel; it makes him more mature and aware of more than just the small corner of the world that he comes from. I hope he represented American youth well, and was good to his host family and you."



George & Maureen Penny (student's parents)
New Jersey


My husband and I would like to express our sincere thanks, to the both of you for giving our daughter, the wonderful opportunity and experience of visiting Peru. Visiting Peru has been a life enhancing experience that Tara will always look back on with fond memories. As parents, we were apprehensive, when Tara first mentioned that she was interested in a six week school trip to Peru. However, our apprehensions faded, after meeting with you personally, in order to address all our concerns. After our talk, we felt confident that you were fully aware of all the responsibilities involved with being chaperones to young students, some who have never traveled abroad before. We also felt that the trip would be well supervised and that you would do all that was necessary to see that all the students in your care would be safe and comfortable during their trip to Peru. The fact that you Carlos was originally from Peru and that Anne was very familiar with Peru herself, indicated to us that you were both thoroughly knowledgeable on all the aspects of the trip and as a result would be able to plan and execute the trip in the most efficient and safe matter as possible. One of the main features of your trip that appealed to us as parents was that it was not only an educational trip, but that it included opportunities for volunteer work and many fun culturally enlightening experiences. It was also quite evident that the many fun activities included were planned especially with the students in mind. We fully appreciate all the planning involved in making the trip a well balanced program of education, cultural and fun activities. Tara's excited animated recollections of her trip to Peru reaffirmed that we made the right decision in allowing her to go. Tara often relates the many new and wonderful experiences she had on her trip to Peru. She has also mentioned how different Peru was from the US. Traveling to Peru has added to Tara's understanding of a different culture and environment which has broaden her understanding of world we live in today and can only be an advantage to her in the future. She enjoyed living with her host family, who were very friendly and caring. Tara felt very fortunate that she was able to study a new language while experiencing the culture and people first hand. She had also mentioned how comfortable she felt with the both of you, during the trip. I'm sure this led to her further enjoyment of the trip, feeling completely secure in your help and guidance, in any matters that might arise. Tara has mentioned that the one personal achievement that she was most proud of was her determination despite some physical difficulty in reaching the top of the trail to see Machu Picchu. This achievement has provided Tara with a new sense of self-confidence and strength that will greatly benefit her in her future endeavors. The greatest testimony to the fact that we made the right decision in allowing Tara to accompany you on your trip to Peru is that on several occasions she has mentioned a desire to visit Peru again in the future. This trip was a great opportunity for Tara, to experience a foreign country that has a wonderful ancient civilization, long before ours. Having you Anne and Juan Carlos to guide her was one of the best parts of the trip. We like to thank you once more for giving our daughter this lifetime memory and experience that she will always look back on with fondness. With lots and lots of Appreciation, George & Maureen.