On the Challenges Abroad Peru Amazon Sustainability Challenge, you will head into the Amazon rainforest to explore and learn about sustainability and conservation before volunteering with the local community in the Sacred Valley. You'll be challenged to step out of your comfort zone and think creatively as you work with the local community to raise awareness about key environmental issues.

Experience

You will spend your first week in the Amazon Rainforest visiting one of the most protected natural areas in all of South America. You will learn about environmental sustainability and protection from conservation experts and indigenous communities as you visit the Manu National Park, Wayquecha Biological Station, the Santa Rosa de Huacaria community and the Villa Carmen Biological Station. You'll explore canopy walkways, bamboo forests, countless waterfalls, orchid fields and native birds in an unforgettable week!

In the second week you'll be volunteering in the Sacred Valley, based at one of our partner schools in Urubamba. You'll be working on our environmental education program, teaching workshops that will raise awareness of environmental issues within the community, equipped with your knowledge from your week in the Amazon! We encourage our volunteers to be creative and teach fun workshops that will both engage children and allow them to learn in a hands-on manner.

You can find out more about the Amazon Sustainability Challenge program by visiting the Challenges Abroad website. 

Eligibility and application

All applicants must meet the standard UQ Abroad Student Eligibility Criteria and any eligibility criteria set by Challenges Abroad. 

Apply to UQ Abroad  Apply to host

 

Costs

The program fee is $2,350 AUD. More information regarding program fees can be found on the Challenges Abroad website. 

Applicants may also be eligible for UQ-specific funding. Applicants will be notified by mid-May if they are eligible for travel grants and scholarships awarded by the Global Experiences Team. Please do not rely on this funding to support your global experience.

Accommodation

Accommodation is included in the program cost. For more information regarding accommodation, please see the Challenges Abroad website.

Key Dates

Application Deadlines

UQ: 10 March 2020
Host: 16 May 2020

Program Dates

Start: 27 June 2020
End: 11 July 2020

Fast Facts

Type: Volunteering
Mode: Study abroad
Location: Peru
Credit: Not-for-credit only
Cohort: Undergraduate, Postgraduate

Global Experiences Information Sessions

Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the short-term application process, eligibility criteria, funding etc.​

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