Working with Nexos Voluntarios did not only allow me to grow as a professional during my internship, it also gave me the most amazing experiences that have transformed my life forever. As a CIDA volunteer I was able to get involved with all of NeVo ´s projects. I worked with the community of Urubamba and the surrounding communities as well. This is an organization that loves to receive the expertize of its volunteers as well as create an environment for growth for every individual that enters it´s programs. Every volunteer that comes here will learn just as much as they give. My most frequent saying while here "I love my Life".
Jennifer, Queen's University School of Medicine, Canada
Field Experiences, UNFPA Reproductive Health Program 2008 & 2010
"Two years ago I was an undergraduate student looking for something exciting to do for a rural health practicum. I was lucky enough to contact Nexos Voluntarios and find that they had an absolutely incredible opportunity that perfectly aligned itself with the intent of the practicum; they were looking for someone to help design a reproductive health campaign in a rural community in the Andes. It is a testament to how much I enjoyed that six-week placement, to how much it meant to me, to how much I respect the work that Nexos does and the extent to which they support their volunteers that I chose to return for my critical enquiry project… ".
Joshua,
University of Oregon School of Law, U.S.A.
Field Experiences, Environmental Project with the Municipality of Urubamba 2010
"I came to Peru chasing a life-changing experience. Specifically, I aspired to have a positive impact on the lives of the people of a nation I have always desired to visit. What I was given by Nexos Voluntarios surpassed all of my expectations. In addition to the supportive staff at my site, I had the pleasure of living with wonderful volunteers from all walks of life who not only inspired people through their projects, but also inspired me through their companionship. Additionally, I was given a project tailored to my field of study that provided me with a venue to gain valuable experience in my field.
During my time in Peru, I had the privilege of working with the Department of Health and the Environment in the town of Urubamba. As a law student learning to use his skills in a new environment and in a foreign legal system, I was faced with unique challenges. Still, NeVo put me in an environment that allowed me to thrive from the beginning. My colleagues helped me become a productive member of the staff immediately and helped me learn through practical experience. While forming lasting friendships, I discovered how to work within the Peruvian political and legal system to affect real change. My coworkers at the Municipality of Urubamba offered helpful guidance and were extremely receptive to all of my contributions. "
Mariajosé,
McGill University, Canada,
Field Experiences Partnering Program, Integral Community Development Project with Media Luna
2009
"It was in one of my political science classes at McGill University that I first learned about an NGO called Nexos Voluntarios in Peru. I was interested in doing an internship during the summer of 2009 and this opportunity seemed like a perfect fit. I ended up being accepted into the Media Luna community development project. Along with another McGill volunteer, Igor, I was asked to conduct questionnaire with families in the community in order to assess which development issues were inhibiting quality of life in Media Luna. The experience proved to be invaluable as a complement to my studies in International Development and Economics. We got to know the families in Media Luna on a personal level as they invited us into their homes with our survey. Furthermore, we were able to identify areas of struggle that future volunteers could focus their own projects on improving.".
Luke,
University of Western Ontario, Group Project,
2008
When I made the decision to travel down to Peru and work with Nexos I entered with a completely open mind and was anxious for the opportunity ahead of me. At the conclusion of my trip my mind was filled with memories and ideas, and I had arguably become even more anxious to create a positive change for others as well as myself. There is no denying that I learned more within that week than I ever could have imagined.
Over the last three days I have seen things I could have never imagined. . . I have seen the common goal of reconstructing a house destroy language barriers and leave little noise outside of progress and laughter. I have seen music become the common voice of all people, and the sounds of joy can never be lost in translation.
Natalie,
University of Western Ontario, Group Project,
2008
In Peru, I felt many different emotions; sad at how poor some of the living conditions were, sorry that I couldn’t do more, happy to be able to spend time with the people there, grateful that I was able to experience a culture that many people will never get the chance to.
The whole time I was always looking forward to what I was going to do next. We were always going somewhere, doing something and you didn’t have any time to get nervous or apprehensive. With so many things going on around you that you have never seen or heard before, it was very overwhelming to the senses.
I had never felt so loved and appreciated by complete strangers and I remember saying to my roommates “I have never been kissed and hugged so many times before in one day!” I felt like we accomplished something…even if sometimes there wasn’t much to show for it, the smiles on the peoples’ faces were enough.
Peru showed me a different way of living. It is a complete contrast to North American culture and the materialism which I see here everyday. The people in Peru were very generous and loving and I wish I could bring that culture home with me. I know I am a better person for having been a part of it. Even though it was only a week, it has changed the way I look at life: we are all on this journey together and you should do whatever you can to help others get the most enjoyment out of their lives, because that is also how you get the most out of yours.
Jeff,
University of Texas at Austin, USA, Knowledge Sharing and Field Experience, 2008.
The best way I can succinctly describe my experience with Nexos Voluntarios is to say that whatever I have given the people in Perú in terms of time and effort, they have paid me back ten-fold with a cultural enrichment that will affect me in every aspect of my life for years to come. It is true to say that Perú is in dire need of help in a lot of areas; political strife is ever-present, and the level of poverty is at times, overwhelming. However, this does not mean that change is impossible. The people of Perú do not lack in insight and ability; rather they lack opportunity.
As a volunteer at Nexos, we are given the chance to empower people with opportunity; in the process of sharing knowledge and effort, we share hope, and seeing this hope in Peruvians eyes has generated one of the more powerful feelings I have ever experienced. In reality, one must keep everything in perspective. Are you going to come and change the way Perú operates? No. However, you will leave with a much greater appreciation and understanding for how Perú operates socially, politically, and economically. It is with this knowledge and understanding we hope to hone in our home countries, with the hope that one day we may be able to come back and give in an even more meaningful way, or impact someone’s life for the better, either at home or abroad anywhere in the world. Nexos Voluntarios supports this goal, and through the most compassionate, knowledgeable, and helpful staff, real change in people’s lives can be made.
Ankura, McGill University, Canada, Field Experience, 2007.
“I have learned a great deal about the types of challenges that NGOs here face, and the strategies that are used to achieve their goals. . . .I hope to continue with this type of work in the future for longer time periods.”
Brian, University of Denver, USA,
Field Experience, 2007
"NexosVoluntarios has exceeded my expectations in creating a complete volunteer experience and making me feel at home in Lima.”
Esther, Yale University, USA, Field Experience, 2007.
“Making friends and sharing Peruvian experiences is an essential part of traveling and the activities that Nexos planned made this easy and fun. The excursion to Caral was unforgettable “
Kelsey,
Northwestern University, USA,
Field Experience, 2007
“. . . cultural excursions, a wonderful homestay and a volunteer position where I have substantial responsibility to make a difference during my year in Perú, things couldn´t be better!.”
Matthias,
ISM Dortmund Business School, Germany,
Field Experience 2007
“I have been able to understand the satisfaction and motivation this kind of work can offer a person like me…”.
Audrey Sherman,
MSSW in Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin
BA in Spanish and Sociology, The University of Texas at Austin
“I have been able to understand the satisfaction and motivation this kind of work can offer a person like me…”.
