The Foundation welcomes applications from students at colleges and universities as well as non-students interested in assisting communities in the Andes.

Volunteer work:

Most volunteers teach English to adults and school children for approximately one or two hours a day. This is valuable for residents in areas receiving or planning to receive tourists to boost family incomes and for village youth planning to continue their education at the university level. Some volunteers may also teach classes in basic computer skills.

The Foundation is actively involved in eight communities supporting projects in agriculture, artisan development, community history, conservation, potable water systems, and health promotion. We work with volunteers to assign them to projects where their skills can be utilized. Volunteer initiative and ingenuity are encouraged, and our volunteers have been highly successful and creative in working with villagers to develop useful programs.

Research possibilities;

Some volunteers may wish to combine volunteer work and research. We encourage research that contributes to the success of the Foundation's projects.

In the past volunteers have done research on tourism, milk production, and local history, and others have carried out documentary video projects.

Dates:

May 25 through July 1, 2012 (individually tailored options may be available)

Application process:

There are no fixed deadlines, but applicants are accepted on a first-come basis. Placement cannot be guaranteed for applications received after March 20. The application consists of:

1. A two-page application form providing basic information
2. Personal health information form
3. Form that releases The Chijnaya Foundation and our collaborators from liability in the event of health or other problems a volunteer could experience.

Program fee:
Volunteers pay for their own round-trip air transportation to Juliaca, Peru where the group will assemble. The cost to participate in this program is $1,250. The fee includes room and board with a village family, lodging in Puno during orientation and high-altitude adaptation, and transportation from there to the volunteer's community.
 
For more information contact Ralph Bolton:
Phone: 505-690-2594 (cell) or 760-320-5969 (home)
ProfessorBolton@aol.com