Teach Huaraz Peru Don't be just a tourist... get involved!

Here are a few comments from some of our past volunteers. References about Teach Huaraz Peru from previous volunteers are available upon request.

When you get through customs in the Lima airport, having waited in the same lines, watched the same movies, and breathed the same recycled air as the group of your fellow travelers who flew in the same airplane from the northern hemisphere, you are suddenly confronted by a mass of strangers yelling out "Taxi," "Taxi," holding up scores of signs for their business partners to find them, and blurting out names of their family relatives. As it is likely night when you arrive and as you likely slept little in your cramped airplane seat, it is more than a little bit disorienting.

So it was for me, at least at first. But by the time I had made it to Huaraz and spend just a few days there, I already had felt not just oriented, but at home. Over the course of the two months I spent at the Delgado house in Huaraz, Haydee's meals, Essy's games, and the town of Huaraz itself became something I'd miss. I came, of course, to teach English, and though I didn't do as much of that as I'd expected - the government shut down all schools, public and private, for multiple weeks just in the middle of my stay due to fears of the spread of swine flue - I had the opportunity to travel both around Peru (to Cuzco and Machu Picchu for example) and around Huaraz (trekking in the Cordillera Blanca, visiting the Pastoruri glacier, the Llanganuco glacial lakes, the archeological site of Wilcawain, the solemn, modern ruin of Yungay, and more). But just a walk from the Delgado house is the marketplace (vibrant and a little bit crazy), the cathedral (under construction for multiple decades), and innumerable restaurants, clubs, and stores.

I taught mostly older kids and teens before the schools closed due to the flu, and older teens and young adults as they began to open again. I'm not sure which I liked the best - the older groups are more open to learning English in a structural way, which makes it easier to see their progress, while the younger kids are looser and end up playing more games and activities, which are fun but can seem less directly helpful. Students of all ages, however, were incredible enthusiastic both about learning English and having a native speaker in the classroom, and I have to say, the thanks they gave me as I was set to return to the United States so effusive as to be almost embarrassing.

I didn't know what to expect at first from Teach Huaraz, seeing as it is a small program in a city I hadn't even heard of before applying. But if the organization is small, it is also intimate, and waking up everyday with the most extraordinary mountains I had ever seen soar right above the valley spoiled me as much as anything from my stay this past summer. I came to improve my Spanish, have something to put on a resume, and help some students in a way that I - an English major at college - presumably could. But what will stay with me is the city of Huaraz itself and its surroundings, the extraordinary scenery throughout the Callejón de Huaylas valley, and the hospitality of the Delgado family.
Isaac
USA

"Volunteering with Teach Huaraz Peru was a fantastic way to spend my time in Huaraz. I instantly felt right at home, and it really gives you a chance to get to know Peruvian culture in a very personal way, which makes the experience very unique in that regard. Also while volunteering you really get to make a connection with the people of Huaraz, and get more out of the experience other than just being a tourist. The saying is true 'the more you give the more you get." –
Joe
USA

I have to say that although our stay has been short ( 4 weeks) I feel like I really had the opportunity to get to know the city’s culture. “ Teach Huaraz Peru” allowed me to become completely immersed in the daily routine of Peruvian life… it was fantastic!
Thank you for setting up our volunteer placement at the elementary school. The days I did spend there were fun and enriching. Thank you Haydee, for your wonderful stories, helping us out with our laundry and your delicious meals!
Many thanks!

Katherine
London Ontario Canada

I can’t even begin to thank you for everything you have done for my friend Katherine and I. As two young females you made us feel very comfortable and safe. Thank you so much for arranging a place for us to stay in Lima when we got in so late. I was also pleased with our accommodation at your house. I truly enjoyed our dinner table conversations, they informed me a lot about Peru and its culture. We enjoyed the time we spent at school with the kids.

Thank-you, thank-you

Ashlee Young
Canada

As an older volunteer of 48 I was concerned with some of the aspects of this volunteer experience. I shouldn’t have spent any time on these worries as everything turned out fine.

I volunteered at Robert Smith School teaching 1st, 2nd and 11th grades. The sponsor teacher, Doris Foster, was wonderful. I truly enjoyed the children, the school and the fact that I may have helped them learn better English! The 11th grade students made me a list of sites not to miss!.

During my time in Huaraz I visited the springs at Monterrey which were amazing! Chavin, which truly was one of the highlights of my trip, glacier lakes, Yungay and the pottery shops by Robert Smith School. I walked into town daily and became a part of everyday life in Huaraz.

Thank you Luis, for arranging my visit to Huaraz. Haydee, thank you for the delicious meals and for having patience with my lack of Spanish. Sindy and Essy, thank you also, for allowing me to be a part of your family. I enjoyed eating meals with you and being a part of the conversation.

I hope to return to Huaraz in the future. Teach Huaraz Peru is an honest, organized, safe organization and I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to volunteer in Peru.

Tammy Harris
Liverpool, NY
United States 13090

I volunteered with Teach Huaraz Peru for the month of October. Since I had never taught English before, I had wanted to try out a number of different things, and Luis was more than willing and helpful to arrange these experiences for me. I volunteered with grades 2 and 3 at the Robert M Smith (private) school in Tarica as well as at an advanced conversational English class (for adults) at the Centro de Idioma. That class was the most fun because my students were very keen to practice their English in preparation for their English equivalency test in December as part of their Fulbright Scholarship requirements. (They have since passed this test and are now on their way to the USA to study at their chosen Universities.) They were also very excited to be working with a native English teacher and were full of questions about my experiences in Peru, Canada and other countries I have travelled and worked in.

I found Luis to be extremely professional, courteous, enthusiastic and very accommodating from the initial email exchange, right through to our goodbyes in Huaraz. In addition to the volunteer work, Luis also arranged for me to have pottery lessons with don Pablo in Tarica and sculpting lessons from a local sculptor (which unfortunately I was not able to do due to lack of time).

I have been to Peru and Huaraz many times in the past, so I chose not to stay with the Delgados. If you are willing or wanting to be perhaps a bit more adventurous, you can chose to stay elsewhere. I'm sure Luis would be able to provide some accommodation options. I chose to stay with friends, which allowed me a bit more freedom to come and go as I pleased, to eat at a number of restaurants (tourist and local) and try many different foods, as well as hang out near the centre of town (where something always seems to be happening). Even though I chose not to stay with the Delgados, Luis always kept in touch to ensure my volunteering was going well and that I was doing OK. And I was always welcomed into their home.

Huaraz is an adventure paradise and you will not be lacking for things to keep you occupied in your free time. I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with both Maree and Caroline, and we enjoyed mountain biking, ice climbing, rock climbing, trekking, bridge jumping and Friday mornings at the Thermal Springs in Monterrey! I was even able to lend a hand by providing editorial and site review for the THP website redesign.

Go to Huaraz, Volunteer with THP. You will not be disappointed! And who knows, maybe Peru will get in your blood and you will never want to leave!!

Lillian
Canada

I think the most unique thing about Teach Huaraz Peru is how very personalized it is. During my 6-week stay in Huaraz, I mentioned to Luis that I could teach computers as well as English. The next thing I knew, I was teaching a week-long web programming class and redesigning the THP website. Both were great experiences! Later I mentioned to Luis that I wanted to learn to spin wool, so his mother-in-law stopped by the house to teach me. Fantastic!

In addition to teaching computers and working on the website, I taught English at a nearby secondary school and participated in many of the fantastic outdoor activities that Huaraz has to offer (rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain biking, trekking, lounging in hot springs...). Huaraz is a true outdoors paradise, and the balance of living with the Delgados, teaching, and playing in the mountains on weekends was just perfect for me. Perhaps it'll be perfect for you too!

Caroline
USA

I volunteered with Teach Huaraz Peru for 6 weeks in September/October 2008 and thoroughly enjoyed my time. I found the organization to be professional, well organized and easily able to create a placement program that suited my requests. I volunteered with 3 different classes at the Universidad Nacional Santiago Antunez de Mayolo and with all grades at the secondary school Alfred Nobel de Carhuaz. The uni students were really enthusiastic and so excited to work with a native English speaker and the secondary students were such fun with oodles of energy and personality that made acting in particular a delight in the classroom! I also had the pleasure of doing some voluntary work behind the scenes with Teach Huaraz Peru, completing a full review and update of the website content to better reflect the range of opportunities and experiences available through this unique organization.

I lived with Luis Delgado and his family and was truly welcomed into their home. I felt privileged to really experience Peruvian life and found the whole family to be so supportive during my stay.

I was rather ignorant about all there is to see and do around Huaraz before I arrived but soon found myself filling weekends with a myriad of outdoor activities in the Cordillera Blanco, visits to a number of historical sights and regular swims in the beautiful hot springs of Monterrey.

My whole experience of volunteering in Huaraz was really enjoyable and rewarding and I would recommend this organization to any prospective volunteer.

Maree
Australia

I enjoyed a fantastic 4 weeks in Huaraz. I decided to spend my time with the children of INABIF. The staff and particularly the children were very friendly and helpful. I had just enough Spanish to survive the onslaught of questions and avoid some of the talk that obviously went on about me! Although after 4 weeks I had learnt a lot more. It is possible to work with all ages at INABIF and teach English games, make food and even be a climbing frame! I stayed with the Delgado family who really made it easy for me to become part of the family. Special mention must go to Haydee though for her delicious cooking! My time in Huaraz will stay with me forever I think, and I am pretty sure will contribute to shaping what I want to do in the future.

Dave
England

The Delgado family really made me feel like part of the family; their kindness made Peru feel like home. I enjoyed my time at Santa Rosa school – the children were so affectionate and eager to learn. And I hope they did learn a few things! I know I did. That’s the beauty of volunteering I think, you get so much more out of it than you could ever put in.

Jill
USA

My 4 month stay high in the Peruvian Andes was ‘estupendo’. None of it would have been possible without the Delgado family. I cannot thank them enough for everything they did for me. Myself and many others have been blown away by their warmth and generosity. I am probably most grateful for the time Luis and Sindy gave me to help my Spanish improve. It is fair to say I arrived as probably one of the worst Spanish speakers of the organization’s history with my extended knowledge existing of roughly 6 or 7 words. I became a very good actor and listener in my first few weeks! Leaving the mighty Andes was tough - I became quite attached to the incredible view of the 22,000 ft snow capped peaks of Huascaran.

Dan
England

My 11 year old daughter Lauren and I spent 5 months in the Delgado household and it really felt like we became part of the furniture. As a teacher Peru afforded me the opportunity to offer something back to the world, as well as providing me with some wonderful strategies to employ in returning to my classes in Australia. Lauren attended school in Huaraz and we certainly enjoyed the broad experiences we gained. Huaraz is great; the mountains are spectacular and the people are lovely.

Leoni
Australia

I’d like to thank the Delgado family for organizing all my placements and fabulous homestay accommodation. INABIF was a fantastic place to work. I was with the 5 year olds and learned all their names and little characters so saying goodbye proved really hard. It was also fun at the Language Center. My 9 months stay in Huaraz is something I’ll never forget.

Emma
England

Hola! I was a volunteer in Huaraz for two months in April/May 2007. I had a fantastic time and cannot wait to return. Firstly, the hospitality and warmth of Luis and his family was fantastic, and I felt settled very quickly. The town/city is great: a fantastic market, surprisingly amazing nightlife, wonderful people and loads to explore all around. As for the teaching, I was working in the Primary section of the Fe y Alegria school where I taught Basic English with Luis' daughter Sindy or by myself.

The best part of this has to be the children - they were so bright and full of joy. I also worked in the University Language Centre downtown 3 nights a week, which I really enjoyed, as I met lots of people of around my age.

When I went to Huaraz I had already studied Spanish in Guatemala and in the UK, but I was also very pleased that after just two months I felt very confident using Spanish in all situations. I thoroughly recommend Teach Huaraz Peru and hope to return myself as soon as possible.

Mark
England

I enjoyed a really wonderful 4 months with Teach Huaraz Peru and greatly appreciated the hospitality I was shown by the Delgado family throughout my stay. Teaching at Santa Rosa was an enriching experience. Everyone there was really kind, welcoming and grateful. The experience overall helped me as both a teacher and a person. I hope it does the same for any future volunteers.

Colleen
USA

I had such a good time the first time I decided to come back! Huaraz is a very small, safe and welcoming city where it is very easy to make friendships and really experience Peruvian life. I also feel that teach Huaraz Peru offers a very well organized and varied service. It is a very flexible organization with possibilities to work in many different environments. After finishing the trinity TEFL course Teach Peru gave me the opportunity to teach English to a very wide age group and students from very different economical backgrounds. I believe that this program would benefit people of all ages. Having prior knowledge of Spanish does help but other volunteers that have come with no Spanish at all have all really enjoyed themselves and picked up some Spanish on the way.

Jeff
England

My stay in Huaraz was only for a short 3 weeks but nonetheless was filled with so much! Huaraz is such a beautiful city that is filled with many surprises. Teaching in both Santa Rosa and INABIF was truly memorable. But the most significant thing from my time in both Huaraz and Peru was the unwavering generosity and warmth I received from all the Peruvians I met.

Amy
England

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in beautiful Huaraz and teaching was a truly amazing and memorable experience. The Delgado family made me feel so welcome in their home and treated me as their own daughter and sister during the 3 weeks of my placement. I look forward to the day when we can all meet again – hopefully soon!

Bridget
Scotland

The great American puppeteer Jim Henson had his principle character say something profound:

“There isn’t a word yet
For old friends you’ve just met.”

My wife Deborah and I were welcomed into the Delgado casa with such warmth we were able to relax completely. Many thanks go to Luis for all the sympathetic little things he did to make possible the work we managed to do in Huaraz. You’ve been a true brother; we’ll see each other again!

Roberto
USA

My husband Roberto and I were very satisfied with our experience in Huaraz. I hope that we helped the English speaking teachers as we really learned so much from them.

Thank you Luis for your patience, curiosity and time spent to arrange our voluntary work. We thoroughly enjoyed our time living with you and your family. We treasure many memories of long talks, delicious food and the daily life of such a close family. And Haydee what would we have done without you; your nurturing and guidance – how we were so spoiled by you!

We feel blessed to know that our lives have touched others and we’re richer for it.

Deborah
USA

Huaraz is such a beautiful city and everyone made me feel incredibly welcome during my 3 week stay. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching at both Santa Rosa and INABIF and found the children to be very warm, appreciative and affectionate. I certainly recommend this organization to anyone interested in volunteering in Peru.

Julia
England

When I decided to volunteer in Peru I searched long and hard for the perfect organisation who could help. Tucked away in a corner of the web I found them.

Away from the smog of Lima and the tourism of Cuzco, Huaraz is a small city in the Andes where you can feel comfortable and at home. Luis Delgado and his family welcome volunteers of all ages, nationalities and hairstyles into their home - here you really will become part of the family, however long you stay for.

Luis has the experience and contacts to arrange tailor-made volunteer placements in all sorts of settings. But THP is also small and family-run, which means it’s able to give everyone individual care and attention. From my collection at Lima airport by Sindy, to my departure when I was escorted to the bus depot by Haydee, I never once felt unwelcome or unsafe in the capable hands of the Delgado family.

Luis (a remarkable man by anyone’s standards) arranged volunteer work for me with INABIF and the Language Centre, which was a perfect combination - so rewarding and interesting, and I hope I was able to help and make a small difference during my time with the children.

Memories? The stunning beauty of the Cordillera Blanca in the bright morning sunshine. The kids in my English class singing their version of Billy Jean. My 49th birthday tea and the giant birthday cake Essy made (and ate almost single-handedly). Seeing Sport Ancash score a goal against the mighty Allianza Lima. Being walked home from INABIF every day by a group of kids trying to teach me Spanish. Weekends visiting Wilkawain, Lake Llanganuco, Yungay, and the astonishing Chavin de Huantar. The cappucino at Cafe Andino.

Anyone thinking about volunteering in South America should certainly get in touch with Luis. And I really hope that from that first e-mail, you will begin your journey to the wonderful Peruvian Andes, where the Delgado family will welcome you as one of their own, and life will never be quite the same again.

Tom Clapton
UK

What I am most grateful for from my time with THP is the sense of personal direction I discovered through teaching. After abandoning work and other responsibilities at home in New York, I headed nervously down to Peru to try for the first time teaching English. I had no idea what to expect and I'm glad I didn't. Huaraz quickly stole my heart. The advantages of living with a family while working abroad - especially a family as kind as the Delgados - are numerous. Luis answered any questions I could have had and personally insured that every part of the process run smoothly. The accomodation, meals and experience are all exactly as advertised and more than I could have asked for. After my first week there, I was sure I had made the right choice in coming down.
After adjusting to the role of a teacher (and finally to the altitude), I started to realize what it was that made me abandon my life in New York and get on the plane in the first place. The desire to learn. I never imagined how much I could personally learn from teaching. I took pride in seeing the students comprehend what I had explained, shared lots of laughs as I often attempted to say too much in my somewhat limited Spanish, and started to discover that this had been my true ambition all along.
The Peruvian people - in and out of class - were friendly, generous and had a great sense of humor. I never once encountered any problems being a foreigner in Peru and was everyday blown away by the beauty of the surrounding snow-covered mountains and the relaxed lifestyle of the Peruvian people. I can't recommend this program enough. Huaraz is definitely a special place and the Delgado household is the perfect place to experience it. I already miss my short two months there and hope to return someday soon. If you have questions about anything, feel free to contact me.

Tristan
USA
tristanfranznyc@gmail.com
347 523 2309.