On this page we address the most typically asked questions we receive through the email. Hope this fills in some of the gaps! Of course, if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to email us at davidmercedes@espaanglisch.com. It should be pointed out that a former volunteer (Cheyne Bull) has written this page, so questions here are answered from a volunteer’s point of view.
Do I need a visa or immunizations to visit Peru?
For most people, no visa is necessary. As long as you arrive with a valid passport you will be fine. Currently, you can get up to six months on your tourist visa, so you should ask for the full six months when you arrive. It is easier not to mention anything about volunteering, as they may think you are here for paid work. Just let Customs know you are here to travel. Once here, it is also possible to extend your visa by exiting and reentering the country.
In terms of immunizations, it is best to seek advice from your local doctor before you leave.
Does Espaanglisch charge fees to volunteer?
Espaanglisch charges volunteers a 100 Nuevos Soles (approx. $30 US) administration fee. This money is used for costs associated with materials, photocopying, rent, electricity, and advertising (to name a few). Beginning in January 2011, this fee will be increased to 150 Nuevos Soles (approx. $50 US). Additionally, volunteers will be asked for a 100 Nuevos Soles deposit upon arrival. Volunteers will get this deposit back in full upon successful completion of their previously established time of service. Should a volunteer decide to leave early or not complete his/her time with Espaanglisch, he/she will forfeit this deposit (unless extenuating circumstances such as an emergency are the reason for departure).
How much money do I need for my stay?
Life is cheap here, particularly if you arriving from Europe or the U.S.A – or even for that matter, from other parts of South America. It is your responsibility to pay for ALL of your living expenses. Accommodation is around $30US a week, a typical main meal around $2, a big beer around $1.50, and a bottle of water around 30 cents. How much you spend really depends on you – it could be as little as $300US a month- or much much more depending on your lifestyle.
Do you help us find accommodation?
We have accommodation available on site and indeed prefer volunteers to stay on site, as quite often classes are early morning and late evening. However if you prefer to stay elsewhere (for example, Huanchaco) we can make some recommendendations for you.
How many other volunteers are there?
We are a small organization, so there is on average around 2-3 volunteers at any given time. This can be good as there is not an overwhelming number of people around. However if you are interested in meeting other like minded foreigners, there are plenty around in Huanchaco (the seaside town 30 minutes away).
How long do volunteers stay?
Volunteers need to stay a minimum of one calendar month. This is to ensure a high quality of teaching provided, which would be impossible if teachers were changing every few weeks. Previous volunteers recommend a stay of at least two months to ensure a more rewarding experience.
Is Trujillo a safe place? Is it safe to travel to Peru alone?
Trujillo is a middle sized city and it has the same problems and dangers as any other city around the world. Similarly, the same precautions are required. You should always keep track of your belongings when traveling on buses, in busy places etc; use a bag/purse that crosses over your body; use licensed taxis and avoid traveling in taxis alone at night, where possible.
Most volunteers that come here are traveling alone and do not have any problems. It is very common (AND SAFE!) for females to travel alone through Peru and South America. Single females will find themselves popular with local men, however it is easy enough to discourage such attention depending on the clothes you wear and the manner you adopt. Email us or join our Facebook group to speak to volunteers who have lived here before.
What is Trujillo like? The weather, nightlife, etc?
Trujillo is the third largest city in Peru. It is known as the ‘city of eternal spring’ due to its pleasant weather all year round. In reality, in the winter months (June-Aug) the weather does get cooler here and we don’t get a lot of sun. For the rest of the year, the weather is very pleasant.
There is plenty to do both in and around Trujillo, in terms of tourist attractions and things to do. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trujillo,_Peru and also our website http://www.espaanglisch.com/sunandfun for more info.
In terms of nightlife, Trujillo has its share of bars and clubs. The most popular music here is salsa, cumbia and reggaeton. You will also find live rock and reggae music. Going out can be great fun with friendly locals always happy to teach you dance moves.
What can you tell me about Huanchaco?
Approximately 30 minutes away by local bus is the seaside town of Huanchaco, which is famous for surfing, and the traditional fishing boats ‘caballitos de totora’. Huanchaco is popular both with Peruvian and foreign tourists. For more info, see http://www.huanchacovivo.com/English/indexLowEn.html
How much Spanish do I need to know?
The more Spanish you have, the better! We robustly encourage all individuals who are thinking of coming to South America to learn as much Spanish as possible before they arrive. The difference in the experience is sizeable. However, having said that, plenty of people do come with only a minimum level of Spanish and still have a great time.
In order to volunteer for our Basic English Classes (for both adults and children), at least some Spanish is necessary. You don’t have to be fluent, but you must understand questions and be able to explain, even if you don’t sound like a professional or a fluent speaker. It’s okay if your Spanish is far from perfect as long as you have the ability to relax and communicate.
If you don't speak any Spanish, it is still possible to volunteer for our Adult Conversation Classes as these students typically have at least an Intermediate level of English and only English is spoken during class. Click here for more information.
How do I get to Trujillo and to Espaanglisch?
Traveling around Peru is cheap and easy. See our contacts page for directions.
http://www.espaanglisch.com/contact