College application season might be winding down for current seniors as deadlines pass, but that means younger students are one year closer to going through the process themselves. While test scores are important, college are increasingly looking at other factors, such as whether an applicant has shown leadership capabilities or challenged themselves. However, it can be difficult to find opportunities to experience that kind of growth and independence in your high school.
United Planet’s Leadership Through Service Quest in Peru is the perfect chance for you to push your personal boundaries and expand your perspective of the world, as you participate in a service trip that includes team building and leadership training with other teens. For three weeks this summer, from July 9 to July 30, you and a group of fellow 15-17 year olds will be immersed in the vibrant culture of Cusco as you volunteer in the community and live with host families. You’ll also participate in excursions to famous landmarks such as Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley to explore the picturesque country on the weekends. Spanish lessons will provide the confidence to interact and communicate with the locals that you meet.
Now, this may sound exciting yet daunting and intimidating, particularly if you have never traveled outside of the United States before. But whether you are already a seasoned traveler or it will be your first time in a plane, this program is unique because it is specifically designed with high-schoolers in mind. You will be supported every step of the way, ensuring an incredible and memorable trip.
Before embarking on your journey, your group will participate in a leadership workshop in New Hampshire led by United Planet staff. The training activities are interactive and varied, 
covering relevant topics such as cross-cultural communication, how to utilize life transitions for your personal growth, an in-depth introduction to life in Peru, and more. Then the true adventure begins.
Living with a host family means you’ll get an authentic taste of daily life. Take it from Julianna Martinez, a previous United Planet volunteer. “The members of my host family were all such amazing people; they opened their home to me and welcomed me as soon as I arrived.”
For many, the highlight of the trip is the volunteer portion – working with a non-profit that focuses on children’s development. Students not only support the staff in the daily activities, but additionally create their own fun learning activities for the children.
The Leadership Through Service Quest is an unforgettable experience. “Between the beauty of Peru and the kindness of the people both in the United Planet program and in my project, I cannot truly state one single thing that was the best part of my Quest,” said Emily Scott-Cruz, a former United Planet volunteer. “I think that is because United Planet gave me the opportunity to find a home away from home in Cusco, working with children and meeting people through my Spanish school.”
Are you interested in the Peru Leadership Through Service program, but still have a couple questions? Check out the itinerary here, and click the button below to contact us. Or perhaps as you were reading, a teen you know came to mind. Use the buttons below to share this with them, so they don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity.
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
