All the services we provide to support our volunteers:
Before Arrival
- Correspond via e-mail to answer all initial questions and inquiries prior to arrival
- Review applications, resumes and desired project placements
- Secure project placements that best fit volunteer interests and expertise
- Secure housing/ accommodations during volunteer placements
- Skype meetings available for volunteers interesting in speaking with us face to face prior to arrival
- Safe and reliable taxi pickups from Lima airport to casa Ana´s for those staying at least one night in Lima
- Safe and comfortable housing in Lima with one of our partner hostels
- Support purchasing bus tickets from Lima to Huanchaco
Upon Arrival
- A big welcome and safe pickup from Trujillo to Huanchaco
- Welcome induction meeting and walking tour of Huanchaco
- Map of Huanchaco and guide on health, safety and emergency procedures
- Escort to your project if you are volunteering in or around the Huanchaco/Trujillo area or support with travel arrangements if you are going to a distant project
- Weekly volunteer lunches are organized to bring everyone together
- Weekly newsletter e-mailed to all volunteers every week; with updates on new arrivals, departures, upcoming events and everything we have happening each week
- Biweekly supervision with interns and monthly supervision with volunteers
- Volunteer drop-in office hours every Thursday from 2 to 4pm
- Availability to schedule meetings with volunteer coordinator or office staff
- 24 hour emergency support
- Contacts of good doctors and dentists, so volunteers can always come to us if you are sick or need dental care
- Free WiFi internet available at the volunteer house for all volunteers who bring their laptops, tablets, iPads or iPhones.
- A beautiful garden area that is open to all volunteers for relaxation and enjoyment
Prior to Departure
- Exit interview and evaluation
- You will be given the opportunity to keep in touch after you leave by joining our mailing list, following us on Facebook and/or on Twitter
What we do NOT do for our volunteers:
We do not:
- Purchase plane tickets
- Pay for the taxi pickup from Lima airport
- Pay for the bus transportation from Lima to Trujillo
- Pay for volunteer housing/accommodations or food
- Pay for the volunteer lunches we organize each week
- Organize travel arrangements or accommodations for volunteer vacations/holidays
What we expect from our volunteers
- Flexibility and adaptability, an open mind and patience!
- Pro-active and a positive attitude
- Respect of local culture and local staff and fellow volunteers
- Commitment to projects and working hours
- Prompt payment of any monies owing
- Be communicative – please keep us updated on your volunteer work and life during your stay with us. You can email us, call us, or visit us during the office hours (Mon – Fri from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm with appointments)
- Active participation in volunteer activities (volunteer lunch and project tours, etc), evaluations and online social networks
Please share your special and unique volunteer experience with fellow volunteers and friends of Otra Cosa Network – send us your pictures and your stories for our Facebook photo albums, or share your experiences at your local college or university!
