Peru Encompassed is the ultimate gap year experience. Peru is a truly majestic country, rich in ancient history and beautiful scenery. You will learn conversational Spanish, teach English to underprivileged children and trek to Machu Picchu: from the peaks of Salkantay, meaning "Savage Mountains", to the underbelly of the high forest and the ruins of Machu Picchu. 

Peru faces many social and economic issues and children often do not receive the education that they need. This project involves teaching English to children of all ages. Children in Peru attend school in the mornings and are often left alone for the rest of the day while their parents work. The children themselves are often sent to work on the streets. This project is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of underprivileged children while you have an amazing and action-packed gap year.

Your gap year experience:

Week 1: In your first week you will take part in our orientation week. During this time you will: be immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the Sacred Valley; introduced to the country staff including your Spanish teachers; most importantly, you will take part in 20 hours of Spanish lessons, making sure you have everything you need for the most incredible Peruvian experience.

Week 2-5: Your volunteer placement aims at improving the conversational English skills of young Peruvian children. While teaching experience is useful, all we ask is that you bring your unique skills, enthusiasm and personality to this rewarding project that can make a real difference to the social mobility of children in the Sacred Valley. This is also the most incredible opportunity to develop your own Spanish speaking skills while working with the local staff.

Week 6: Finally, spend 5 days on the fabulous Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek is very popular among gappers and far less trodden than the Inca Trail. This trek allows you to discover hidden Peru: from the Andes to the jungle floor and all the way to the ruins of Machu Picchu.

In addition to the satisfaction of making a difference to the lives of less privileged children, many volunteers feel they gain enormously themselves from their placements. You will witness the full beauty of Peru and develop your Spanish speaking skills on this incredibly rewarding project.

Working with children always means that you need bundles of energy! You will be teaching in a school of mixed ages and abilities for about 3-5 hours a day for around 20 hours a week. You will work alongside local teachers as a teaching assistant, helping the children to learn conversational English and developing your own Spanish speaking skills.