VOLUNTEER & INTERN
Volunteer & Internships
Sacred Valley Project seeks volunteers who are outgoing, professional and dedicated to education, development and women’s issues. We are always looking for responsible individuals who are interested in bringing their individuality and ideas into a small grassroots non-profit. Whether you’re a gap year student, a recent university graduate, a professional or retiree, there’s always a way in which you can lend a hand in the U.S. and Peru.
Volunteer opportunities are listed on our Idealist page.
We are selective with our volunteers, as they build close relationships with the young women of the dormitory, and expect our volunteers to be professional, honest and positive. Our volunteers must be at least 21 years old, speak an intermediate to advanced level of Spanish and have experience volunteering in a similar setting. In addition, we require a commitment of at least 3 months, with volunteers working at least 15 hours a week. For additional information on living in Ollantaytambo, the volunteer positions available and what we look for in our volunteers, please check out our Volunteer Handbook.
Volunteers can help SVP in the following ways:
After school tutoring in subjects such as Algebra, Chemistry, Biology, English and Spanish reading & writing (must be fluent in Spanish/3 month minimum time commitment)
After school program development & implementation of extracurricular classes
Developing and implementing sustainable programs to maintain the dormitory
Photographic documentation & website development
Fundraising and event planning
Administrative and financial management
Grant writing
Costs, accommodation & Spanish classes!
As we value long-term relationships with our volunteers we require no additional volunteer fee!
There are several options for accommodation in Ollantaytambo, and we are able to help our volunteers to find a private room to rent or arrange a more traditional home stay. Staying with a family in Ollantaytambo is a great way to learn about local culture, try traditional cuisine and practice your Spanish. For more information on what to expect from a home stay, please feel free to read over our Volunteer Handbook or be in touch with us directly.
Additionally, we are able to provide information on taking Spanish classes in the Sacred Valley. If you are interested in studying Spanish during your stay, please let us know so that we can forward options for private tutors and/or language schools in the region.
How to Apply
Volunteers are an essential part of our organization, and we value the diversity and vision that volunteers bring to our project. Volunteers need be over the age of 21, be committed to volunteering for at least 3 months, have a clean criminal history, exhibit an interest in education and women’s issues. Spanish fluency and experience working with youth are a plus, but not necessary to volunteering with the Sacred Valley Project.
If interested in volunteering, please fill out our Volunteer Application Form below.
Other Ways to Get Involved!
As a small nonprofit, we appreciate all the help that friends, family, schools and community members are able to provide. We value every individual’s collaboration and interest in the project, and acknowledge that without our volunteers, donors and fundraisers, we would not be able to provide the young women of the Sacred Valley with educational support.
If you want to positively affect the lives of young women from indigenous communities, have a fulfilling experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life or explore the multifaceted aspects of running a non-profit, the Sacred Valley Project is happy to have you join our team!
“Hi! My name is Gaby, and I studied abroad in Peru for the last four months [summer 2010]. By far the best part of my experience was volunteering at the Sacred Valley Project’s dormitory and working with the six incredibly intelligent and unique girls who live there.
My primary responsibility at the dorm was helping the students with their homework. I really enjoyed this activity because I was able to work with the girls one on one and get to know them. I was glad that by offering them homework help, I was able to give them something in return for generously welcoming me into their home.
I feel so fortunate to have been welcomed into the dorm, and I would highly recommend volunteering with the Sacred Valley Project to everyone. I wish that I could have volunteered for much longer in order to continue building relationships and trust with the students, and I hope to return soon. I will never forget the dance party that the girls, Bianca, and I had the last night I was at the dorm. The girls taught me how to dance to huaynos, and we laughed so hard we fell on the floor multiple times. I am so glad to have experienced Yanet’s shy smile, Jessica’s hard working nature, Katy’s friendliness, Nohemi’s bubbly nature, Maria Elena’s uniqueness, and Dina’s incredible maturity and kindness.
-Gaby Sloss, Tufts University, Class of 2011
Become an intern
Intern with us!
For Credit Internship Opportunities with the Sacred Valley Project
If you are interested in interning with the Sacred Valley Project for credit at your school or university, please be in touch with us directly for more information.
