Waterloo/Solidarity in Action Inc. (SIA) Peru Program

Program details

The University of Waterloo and SIA have partnered to provide a service learning trip aimed towards social justice, spirituality, and community development projects in the developing country of Peru. SIA is an international Canadian based not-for-profit social justice organization. Peru has been chosen for the development of this program because of the social contrasts within the country.

The program includes community development work in the shantytowns located in San Juan de Miraflores and San Genero, in the southern part of Lima. Students will be able to use their practical skills acquired in university and will interact directly with children and adults from the communities of focus in Lima, Peru. This experience allows for the exploration of social justice issues through day to day interaction and cultural activities, including language classes, lectures and discussions.

Dates: July 26 to August 8, 2012

What to expect:

Intense and challenging two week program, broadening horizons to a new culture, new experiences, and new friendships that will truly result in a life changing experience!

Sample itinerary (subject to minor changes depending on the dates of travel)

Volunteer placements:

The primary focus of this program includes volunteer placements improving community development in the shantytowns of San Juan de Miraflores and San Genero, in the southern part of Lima. Volunteer placements will be provided in areas such as:

• Healthcare
• Maternity ward
• Daycares and schools
• Working with children with special needs
• Construction
• Sustainability projects
• Health campaigns
• Teaching English

Students will have an opportunity to select their preferred volunteer placement(s) upon arrival in Peru. Further information about the volunteer placements is available in the frequently asked questions section.

Cultural activities:

The cultural component of the program helps students gain a better understanding of the history and culture of Peru as well as an opportunity to reflect on their volunteer experience. The cultural visits and excursions include:

• Historic Lima Downtown and Lima by Night
• El Parque del Amor (beautiful park that provides a magnificent view of the coast)
• Lurin and tour of the historic Pachacámac (one of the most important archaeological sites along the coast of central Peru)
• Incan Handcraft Market
• Larcomar (outdoor shopping mall in one of the wealthiest areas of Lima)
• Barranco (beautiful district of Lima located on a cliff, along a section of the coastline)
• Cuzco and Machu Picchu (one of the Seven Wonders of the World)

Spanish classes:

Spanish language proficiency is not required for this program. While students will be exposed to more than 160 hours of contact to the local language and culture, they will also receive Spanish language classes. These classes include four to five hours of in-country language lessons and provide the basic skills necessary for introducing oneself, playing with children and volunteering. The language training is provided by a teacher with expertise in Spanish. These language classes are not transferable for Waterloo course credits.

Costs:

CAD $2,800 all-inclusive (subject to minor changes)
(includes air-tickets, accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, pre-departure orientation materials, visits, administration fees, Spanish classes in-country, etc.)

Possible extra costs include: vaccinations, visas, some meals in Cuzco (approximately $30US), spending money. Canadian citizens do not need an entrance visa to Peru.

Insurance:

Insurance coverage is mandatory for the Waterloo/SIA Peru Program. It is included in the cost of the trip. Insurance is generally provided by TIC Insurance. TIC covers trip cancellation and interruption, delayed baggage (up to $200), accidental death and dismemberment (up to $10,000), air flight accident (up to $50,000), lost baggage (up to $500), and emergency excess hospital and medical expense (up to $2 million).

Waterloo students are also encouraged to maintain their university health insurance coverage through the Federation of Students (FEDS)/Graduate Student Association (GSA) Health & Dental Plan.

Accommodation and meals:

In Lima, El Chalet provides clean, comfortable, and easily accessible accommodation located in the district of Chorrillos. It is only a short drive away from the volunteer placements and provides a secure environment with enclosed entrances and exits. Students are located five minutes from access to internet, phone, supermarkets and laundry facilities. Food is carefully and well prepared three times a day with special food concerns considered, such as vegetarian diets and other special diets. Water throughout Lima is not recommended for consumption, as a result bottled water is always provided.

In Cuzco, the Santa Rosa de Lima allows for easy access to the main square of Cuzco. It is comfortable, clean, and safe. Breakfast is provided every morning and most cultural destinations in the city are within a short walk from the accommodation.

Applications/payment

Solidarity in Action Inc. Application (pdf) and a $500 non-refundable deposit must be submitted by November 4, 2011 to

Andreea Ciucurita, Study Abroad Manager

Note: If you are not selected to participate in the program, the $500 deposit will be returned to you.

The next payment installments will be due as follows:

Installment 1 - $1,000 due on January 10, 2012
Installment 2 - $1,300 due on March 9, 2012

Payments should be made by cheque, payable to Solidarity In Action Inc. Credit card, debit, or cash payments are not accepted.

Applicants will be interviewed between November 21-25, 2012. Participants will be selected on November 25, 2012.

All participants are required to attend the SIA pre-departure session on April 1, 2012 (location to be confirmed) as well as a University of Waterloo pre-departure session. The Waterloo pre-departure sessions are offered every term; students may choose to attend either the December, April, or July session (view dates/location).

Note: any staff/faculty members who are interested in this program are welcome to contact the Study Abroad Manager for more information.

Donation campaigns

Each traveller is able to check-in two pieces of luggage (50 lbs each). Baggage restrictions may change depending on the airline. Students are asked to use one suitcase for their own personal use and the other for the carrying of donations to be given to the communities where the volunteer work takes place. For example, school supplies, health products, dental hygiene, sports equipment, children's clothing/shoes, toys, etc. The collection of donations is an important pre-departure activity for each participant and will be discussed in further detail during the pre-departure session. In order to decrease the chance of problems with customs, each participant receives a letter to be given to customs officials for situations in which any questions may arise.

Students are encouraged to seek donations from their local communities/businesses, family, friends, etc. 100% of the donations will go directly to the program. All financial donations (towards the cost of the program) are eligible to receive a tax deductible charitable receipt from Solidarity In Action Inc.

Frequently asked questions

If the information above did not answer all of your questions, please visit the frequently asked questions page. If your questions are not addressed on the frequently asked questions page, you may contact Andreea Ciucurita, Study Abroad Manager.