Medical Volunteering
Medical Volunteering in Cusco
Medical volunteering in Cusco offers a meaningful way to support underserved communities while gaining international experience in healthcare settings. At Proyecto Peru Centre, our medical volunteering opportunities are designed to be ethical, community led, and appropriate to each volunteer’s qualifications and experience.
We work closely with local partners to ensure that all medical support provided through our programmes complements existing services rather than replacing local professionals. Our focus is on sustainability, cultural respect, and responsible engagement.
At present, we offer one medical volunteering programme: Healthcare Support. Additional medical projects may be added in the future and will appear on this page.
My time at proyecto peru was really enjoyable. The house is nice and clean. I did the medical project and it was well organized.
Who Who Medical Volunteering Is For
Medical volunteering with Proyecto Peru Centre is suitable for:
• Medical students and healthcare students
• Qualified doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals
• Public health professionals
• Volunteers with relevant healthcare training and experience
All volunteers must work strictly within their level of training and competence. We do not place volunteers in roles that require independent clinical decision making unless they are appropriately qualified and licensed.
If you are unsure whether your background is suitable, we strongly recommend contacting us at info@proyectoperu.org before applying.
Why Volunteer with Proyecto Peru Centre
We prioritise responsible medical volunteering and long term community impact. Our approach ensures that:
• Volunteers do not displace local healthcare workers
• Communities define their own needs
• Placements are ethical and well supervised
• Cultural exchange and learning are central to the experience
We provide in country support, orientation, and guidance to ensure volunteers feel prepared and supported throughout their placement.
Projects
Healthcare Support at a Clinic
Project description:
Within the Healthcare support project you will be placed in a clinic. You get the opportunity to shadow doctors and nurses, observe activities and working methods, and get an idea of the Peruvian healthcare system.
You will primarily support the nurses in preparing materials and measuring patients. Moreover, you will help the clinic in administrative work, from the admission of incoming patients to patients history reports.
Please note that the amount of work and the level of responsibility you get is very dependent on your Spanish level and attitude. Especially in a medical environment, it is essential to first gain some trust with the doctors and nurses, so being able to communicate properly in Spanish will help you gain their trust and confidence. Being proactive and taking initiative is also highly appreciated.
We highly recommend taking Spanish Immersion or Medical Spanish classes alongside this placement.
Project Profile
- Location: Cusco or Sacred Valley
- Minimum stay: 3 weeks
- Working hours: Monday to Friday from 8am until 1pm/2pm
- Spanish: Basic/Intermediate
- Donation: from $60 ($15 per week)
Good to know
A genuine interest in the medical field and basic medical knowledge is required.
Work gear
Make sure to pack your scrubs!
Tasks
- Shadow doctors and nurses
- Observe the clinic, its activities, and working methods
- Support administrative work
- Support nurses in measuring patients (length, weight, etc.)
- Prepare materials for nurses
- Support the admission of incoming patients
- Support compiling patient's history reports
Accommodation
In Cusco you can choose between an homestay family or volunteer house.
If you choose a placement in the Sacred Valley, you will stay with a host family in Urubamba. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will have the opportunity to discover a small Peruvian town and the beautiful mountains that surround it.
All homestays offer an authentic Peruvian experience with three Peruvian meals a day and a friendly family to practice Spanish with and share your cultures.
