Dental Volunteer Program in Peru - Cusco

I have done two volunteer program with IVHQ, and most recently the Amazon Jungle Conservation program in Peru. I felt very prepared by the guidance and resources provided by IVHQ. They gave me all the information I needed but was happy I could also ask questions if needed. The jungle conservation changed my life, opened my eyes to a new way of living and provided me a new set of skills.

If you are hesitant, look at reviews on different sites, but I can fully say that I would 100% do a third program and have recommended several people to IVHQ as it is a safe and reliable company.

The preparation details from IVHQ were easy to follow and I was well prepared when I got to my destination. It was a good feeling renovating the recreation center everyday and knowing the space will be used to help members of the community. Do it! Its life changing!

I gained a strong sense of purpose, which had been lacking for me since I retired from teaching. Although I dislike having to rise early, I did so easily, had my breakfast (sometimes with freshly squeezed orange juice!), walked a mile to the zoo, where ultimately I took on the job of gardener. Then I walked another mile to the school, where I had daily, hour long Spanish lessons, one on one with a number of professors, all of them great. Then I took the Batman bus back to the apartment, where I did a lot of reading and interacting with mi familia.

I also enjoyed extra activities each weekend, including, visiting Machu Picchu, horseback riding in the mountains, zip lining (at age 70!) and also exploring an Alpaca farm and various archaeological sights. Lucky for me, the prices of these activities were most reasonable and the guides that I had were warm and wonderful. I am still in touch with my family and the women who run the zoo. I've shared dozens of photos with them.

I learned a lot from this experience especially I developed a greater passion for dentistry and now I am more clear that this is the job I want to do. I was able to see how much it helps change people’s lives and health. I also loved getting to learn more about myself by learning from a different culture and developing a new sense of confidence.

I would highly recommend this to someone and say that sometimes putting yourself in an uncomfortable or scary position is where you can develop the most and become the person that you want to become.

I'm really glad I joined this experience! Being there and seeing the patients and the treatments offered was a great educational experience for me. I feel my lack of knowledge in Spanish limited what I was able to help with, but the overall experience was amazing. Staying at the host family's house was a fantastic immersion experience and I met so many amazing people who were on the same wavelength as me. It was such a wholesome experience - IVHQ and the local team were friendly, approachable and efficient in providing support.

IVHQ and the local team were excellent! This experience was life changing, I would recommend everyone do this at least once in their life. I grew personally and professionally every day I was here. I gained a new perspective and fell in love with a new culture. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from this experience. My accommodation was excellent, my host and the meals he provided were amazing.