Working in Ayacucho

Working in Ayacucho

Applying to be a Mission Volunteer

We select volunteers in a competitive application process.  Details on applying can be found in the Apply to Volunteer section.

Volunteering for the Mission is a life-changing learning experience that involves very long, and challenging days, problem-solving, and an opportunity to enjoy the gift of giving.  We hope you will consider joining us.

Proficiency in Spanish is preferred, but not required. We find ways for volunteers of all backgrounds, disciplines, and levels of language proficiency to contribute to our goals.

Application Deadlines

For Licensed Clinical volunteers (MD, RN, PharmD, etc.): the application deadline is March 1.

For unlicensed volunteers (translators and other helpers): the application deadline is March 31.

Making Travel Arrangements

Each volunteer is responsible for making their own travel arrangements to reach Ayacucho, Peru. 

Volunteers will be notified of the arrival and departure dates for the mission based on their Volunteer status. Usually, Clinical Volunteers will arrive into Lima on Tuesday and we depart to Ayacucho on Wednesday morning as a group. The surgical team and nursing will arrive into Lima on Friday and depart to Ayacucho on Saturday.

 All volunteers fund their own travel and lodging expenses, including their international flights to Peru, and any domestic transportation to get to Ayacucho.

The Mission organizers make reservations at a hotel for all volunteers to keep the group together.

Vaccinations & Safety

Vaccinations:

The following vaccinations are required for volunteers

  1. Hepatitis A

  2. Hepatitis B (this is a series of 3 vaccines which should be started now if you have not been previously vaccinated)

  3. Tetanus

If you are traveling to the Amazon you should discuss taking anti-malarial medication with your MD and yellow fever vaccines is also recommended.  If you are traveling to Costa Rica from Peru you must show proof of the yellow fever vaccine.

Altitude:

We are at a high altitude (around 8,000 feet above sea level).  Bring sunscreen and apply it daily.   Drink plenty of water, and avoid carbonated beverages. Your first day in Ayacucho should not be active so you can adjust to the climate and avoid altitude sickness.

Food and Water:

Although food-borne illnesses and traveler's diarrhea are somewhat common among visitors to Ayacucho, the food there is very good and you can eat at any restaurant. We will direct you to the most popular ones. Do not eat from vendors cooking on the street. Avoid eating fresh vegetables (salads) and fruit you cannot peel. Bottled water is available at many stores. Avoid drinking non-bottled water.  

Safety:

Although the city is mostly safe, it is important to take precautions to avoid trouble.  Keep a close eye on valuables.  We recommend that you carry money and passports in a money belt.  When walking around town, always walk with a buddy and be in the hotel in time for curfew.  Occasionally there are strikes and protests in the streets and squares, some of which represent groups with anti-American sentiments.  It is best to keep a safe distance from such events as there have been instances in which the groups clash with police or each other.

In the event that a volunteer becomes ill or injured, mission doctors are able to provide immediate care and arrangements for transportation back to Lima can be made.  

Each volunteer is responsible for purchasing travel insurance before your trip.

Expenses & Logistics

The Mission Coordinators and experienced volunteers are always available to help you find your way around the city.  Because volunteers pay their own way at the mission, the following budget estimates may be helpful to individuals planning to join us.  Note that none of these costs are paid out of donated funds, but by the volunteers themselves.

 

Hotel:        Approximately $25.00 per person, per night (breakfast is included)

Tips:          Optional to hotel staff

Food:        Meals in Ayacucho are inexpensive depending on how much you like to eat

                       and drink. You can estimate around $5.00 per meal

Dinners:    We usually have a welcome dinner or a farewell dinner. The cost is                         

                       approximately $20.00 per person/per event.

Airfare:      Individual cost per person

 

Apply to Volunteer

To apply to join us, just follow  3 easy steps.


1. Read the Information Packet

  • This contains information about the mission, the application process, travel arrangements and Code of Conduct for the mission. All participants in the mission must read and pledge to abide by the Code of Conduct to ensure our patients are treated with professionalism and dignity, and that we represent ourselves well in the community we are serving.

  • If you have not already done so, please join the Ayacucho Mission email list to ensure you receive all the most current information about the mission and our activities.


2. Submit an Application Form 

  • Fields on the form marked by a red star are required. If the form does not submit properly, go back and make sure all the starred blanks are filled in.

  • Once you have completed the entire form, you must click the "SUBMIT" button at the bottom of the form. You will receive a short message on the screen confirming that your application was received.

3. Send in your application fee

  • All application fees go directly to supporting the missionary work in Peru, and are a very important part in making our mission possible.

    • Your application fees are tax deductible, and are as follows:

      • For Physicians: $100.00

      • For Nurses and other adult volunteers: $50.00

      • For full-time Students: $25.00

Submit your application fee

  • To send a check, please make it out to "PAMS MISSION AYACUCHO", and mail it to:

    • Ayacucho Mission
      5457 S. Palm Ave.
      Whittier, CA 90601

Application forms and all application fees must be submitted by the deadline

to be considered for a position with this year's mission.

For Licensed Clinical volunteers (MD, RN, PharmD, etc.): the application deadline is March 1.

For unlicensed volunteers (translators and other helpers): the application deadline is March 31. 

Selection Process and Notification of Acceptance

The number of General Volunteers and Med Students that will be selected is based on the number of Physicians and Nurses who sign up for the mission.  Please do not make travel arrangements until you have been notified that you have been selected for this year’s mission. 

Applications will be reviewed and the first round of selections will be announced by April 15th.  Applicants who are not selected in the first round will be notified that they will be considered as alternates who may be selected to join the mission if (1) the number of physicians or nurses who commit to the mission increases or (2) other selected volunteers indicate that they will not join the mission after all.  Selected applicants will be provided additional information on the specifics of making travel and lodging arrangements.

Several organizational meetings, along with other social and fundraising activities, will be held in the months prior to the mission.  Please be sure you are a member of the email list and check the website regularly to ensure you have the most current information.

The people of Ayacucho are grateful for your interest in making a difference in their community.  We are always looking for new ways to help, and welcome your ideas and energy year-round.

Questions about using the online forms or payment?  Please contact us at main@ayacuchomission.org.