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U.S. PEACE CORPS | PERU
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DESTINATION: PERU



FOR PARENTS
Is your child leaving for 2 years? Learn how to cope with the "Empty Nest" syndrome.

THE TOUGHEST JOB YOU'LL EVER LOVE

Welcome to the Peru Desk. Volunteers in this region work in agriculture, education, and community development.

Geography & Climate

Peru is located in western South America. It features the Andes mountains, the Amazon jungle, and coastal deserts. Volunteers must be prepared for high altitudes and rustic living conditions.

[Image of Map of Peru]
Fig 1. Area of Operations
DID YOU KNOW?
Volunteers often live without electricity or running water. This helps build character and distracts them from missing American holidays like Christmas.

Packing List (Recommended)

  • Sturdy Boots: For hiking the Andes.
  • Water Purification Tablets: Essential.
  • Spanish/Quechua Dictionary: Communication is key.
  • Poncho: It gets cold at night.
  • PROHIBITED: Cell phones, hair dryers, and Hickory Honey Hams (Customs will seize meat products).

Travel & Visitation Policy

We strongly discourage volunteers from returning home during their first 6 months of service. It disrupts the immersion process.

HOWEVER: If a volunteer decides to surprise their parents for the holidays, please ensure the parents have not:

  1. Booked a cruise to the Caribbean.
  2. Tanned themselves orange.
  3. Removed all decorations from their house.

(Ref: The "Krank" Incident of 2004)


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Last Updated: November 12, 2004