Pre-Departure Packet PERU - Project Huancayo OVERVIEW
Congratulations! You have completed all FIMRC pre-trip requirements and are now cleared for travel. It is time to prepare for your volunteer experience in Peru! In the following packet, you will find a wealth of information from packing tips, contact information, to arrival logistics and more! Please read all information carefully and, of course, we are always here to answer any questions you may have.
A LETTER FROM FIMRC HEADQUARTERS CONTENTS
The Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) is pleased 3 Meet the Team to welcome you to the FIMRC Family. We are looking forward to your service in Huancayo and hope that you are too. This amazing experience will allow you to 4 Get To Know Huancayo immerse yourself in a different culture while providing unique opportunities to get to 5 Know Before You Go know a community in the developing world. 6 Packing Guide This packet contains useful information for your trip and will answer many of the 7 Packing Guide cont. questions that you may have. Included is packing advice, arrival and housing logistics and an emergency contact list among other things. We hope that you will 8 Arrival Process take a moment to familiarize yourself with the content so that you can confidently 9 Lima travel to our site in Huancayo. We would like to make your volunteer mission as 10 Lima con’t. comfortable as possible, so if you have any further questions after reading through this packet, please feel free to contact us. 11 Homestay Families 12 Your Volunteer Mission As a volunteer with FIMRC you will carry out vital tasks in support of our mission to provide quality health care to children who are underprivileged and underserved. 13 Staying Healthy FIMRC realizes that to truly change the health care conditions of places like 14 Additional Info Huancayo on-site medical attention is only one piece of the puzzle. Diligence in spreading the word about our mission so that everyone is aware that there are 15 FAQs children who do not receive the medical care that they deserve is also necessary. 16 Stay Involved Your impact on the community in Huancayo can be felt long after you board the plane home simply by sharing stories of your volunteer mission to friends and family. We are so excited to welcome you to our FIMRC team and are proud that you have decided to join the effort to create a world in which every child has an equal opportunity to benefit from modern medicine.
On behalf of the entire FIMRC team, we thank you for your support and hope your experience is nothing short of extraordinary!
Vikram Bahkru, MD Meredith Welsh Founder and Chairman Chief Executive Officer
Zane Randell Global Health Volunteer Program Manager
2 MEET THE TEAM
MANOUCHE DUMONCEAU, Field Operations Manager (Huancayo) Manouche Dumonceau is a dynamic and creative young Belgian woman. She has traveled to various countries in Africa & Latina America where she has worked in several NGOs in the area of Health and Education. Those fulfilling experiences led to develop a passion about multicultural relationships and community empowerment. During her studies, she developed a strong interest in psychotrauma and wrote a thesis about building resilience through educational projects. She spent several years working in different NGOs in Nicaragua and had the opportunity to put her experience about resilience and education into practice. She joined the FIMRC family in Peru in September 2017 and is very thrilled to learn from the different programs and to contribute to their development. Luis Carranza,Transprotation Coordinator (Lima)
Luis joined the FIMRC team in early 2015. As our Transportation Coordinator in Lima, Luis manages all airport arrivals, departures, and other transport needs during a volunteer’s stay in Lima.
Manouche and will be your primary contact prior to and during your volunteer experience in Peru. You will also work alongside FIMRC’s amazing team of Field Officers. You can read more about each team member via the link below.
CONTACT INFORMATION Peru FIMRC HQ, Philadelphia Manouche Dumonceau, Field Operations Manager Zane Randell, GHVP Manager +51 988-669-903 (mobile) 888-211-8575 ext 2 (mobile) [email protected] [email protected] Luis Martín Azaña Carranza, Lima Transport Meredith Welsh, Chief Executive Officer 943-483-752 and 41-350-9556 267-290-8151 (mobile) Huancayo FIMRC Office Landline FIMRC HQ Office +51 (064) 212-360 888-211-8575 • ext. 1 (Main Office : Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm EST) • ext. 5 (24/7 Emergency Line) Local Emergency Number: 105 When calling the US from Peru, dial 001 then the number. For all landline calls within Peru, the city code is required if you are calling from another city, otherwise the city code can be dropped. The city code for Huancayo and La Merced is (64). When calling Peru from the US, dial 011 then the Peru country code (51).
WhatsApp We encourage all volunteers to download WhatsApp in order to easily communicate with in- country staff as well as friends and family. WhatsApp uses your phone’s Internet connection, instead of your cell data, to send text messages and to make voice calls. The app is a free download for iPhone, Android, and Windows phones. All FIMRC team members (both in Peru and the US) can be reached via WhatsApp.
2 3 GET TO KNOW HUANCAYO
Project Huancayo is located in Peru’s central highlands nearly eight hours from the capital of Lima. Serving as home base in the area, FIMRC maintains it’s office and close partnerships ties in the city center of Huancayo and then extends its reach beyond the city and into more remote communities in the surrounding area. FIMRC’s mission is to increase access to basic health knowledge, raise awareness of the area’s most pressing health issues, and to increase access to healthcare resources.
BACKGROUND Setting: Urban Highlands Population Size: 364,725 Climate: Dry & Cool Communities Served: 14
CLINICAL CARE Partner Facilities: Hospital Carrion, Sapallanga Health Post, Huancan Health Post, Cocharcas Health Post FIMRC Mobile Health Campaigns: 2 - 10 monthly Clinical Services: • Support partner medical facilities • Free health screenings during mobile health campaigns in Huancayo and surrounding rural communities • Fluoride treatments and dental health education
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Health Education Programs: • Cuy / Nutrition and Anemia Project in rural community • Dale La Mano Orphange Education Program at Sicaya Orphanage, Gelicich Orphange, and Castilla y Leon Children’s Home • Health education activities at Teen Moms Home • Monthly health campaigns with education opportunities on topics such as handwashing and reproductive health • Portawawa mother and newborn health program
4 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
CURRENCY BUDGET TIPS
Exchanging Money & ATMs Volunteers generally incur costs during their trip for activities Peruvian currency is the Nuevo Sol, or “soles” (plural). not included in the daily volunteering program. The following We recommend storing extra cash in a safe, concealed is a list of common weekly expenses: place. As a general precaution, do not carry more money than is needed for the day. Please visit www.xe.com/ucc • Spending money: $150+ (dependent upon spending for the most current exchange rates. You are welcome to preferences and interest in excursions) exchnage money at the airport or through your bank, if • Laundry: $3 (per kilo to wash and dry) you wish, however there are many reliable ATMs in Lima and Huancayo that offer a favorable exchange when You should not tip taxi drivers as that is not the custom in withdrawing cash. Peru. Additionally, most Peruvians do not tip at restaurants. However, if you receive great service at a restaurant or are Notifying your Bank eating at an up-scale establishment then you should leave a Before travel, you should notify your bank or credit provider tip of 10-15%. Volunteers have the option to hand wash and that you will be traveling abroad, as unusual credit card use hang dry clothing during their time on-site. However, local may trigger fraud protection and freeze your account. laundromats are available.
VACCINATIONS
No vaccinations are required by law when traveling to TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Huancayo from the U.S., but we recommend consulting your doctor, as well as www.cdc.gov/travel, for the most You must possess a passport and a return ticket in order up-to-date vaccination recommendations. The Yellow Fever to travel. It is your responsibility to have a passport that is vaccine may be recommended if planning to travel to jungle valid for at least six months beyond the date of your trip. areas. Volunteers who are not U.S. citizens must check with their consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available OFFICE ADDRESS at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional passport agencies. For more information, visit the government FIMRC’s Huancayo Office is located at Calle Calcuta 220, El website at travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Tambo, Huancayo
ELECTRICITY & INTERNET
The voltage used in Peru is 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. Two- pin plugs are standard (equal sized pin sockets only). The U.S. uses 120 volts; you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120 volt appliances. Most laptop and cell phones can be plugged SAFETY & STEP directly into outlets in Peru, however it is advised that you FIMRC is committed to volunteer safety, purchase a three-prong to two-prong adapter, as most security, and health. Upon your arrival, our outlets in Peru are two-pronged. Some older places still have team will give you a detaiiled orientation, the two-round prongs. Wifi is available at most homestays which will include details on how to stay safe and and is easily accessed via local internet cafes as well. healthy during your volutneer experience.
You may also register for the US State Department’s EVACUATION INSURANCE Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive FIMRC requires all volunteers to possess emergency medical information from the US Embassy in Peru. You are evacuation coverage for the duration of the mission trip. If encouraged to save the Embassy’s contact information your current health insurance does not provide this coverage, prior to travel, which can be found here: pe.usembassy. we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Please contact gov. us if you would like assistance in purchasing coverage through FIMRC’s partner, Worldwide Risk Management.
4 5 PACKING GUIDE
It’s time to start packing! Below we have compiled a list of most commonly needed items. We ask that you be culturally sensitive and professional when choosing clothes to bring on your trip; low-cut tops, short shorts and other revealing clothing should not be worn to the clinic, in the city, or during other activities. You should limit your luggage to one suitcase plus one small backpack for your carry-on and daily use. Make sure you have luggage tags for each suitcase.
CLOTHING & SHOES
LONG PANTS SNEAKERS & FLIP FLOPS COLD WEATHER GEAR Light-weight and loose-fitting work Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes It gets cold at night! Be prepared for attire such as scrub bottoms and jeans. are a must for working in the clinic and cooler temperatures with items such It is a great idea to pack items you community! It’s a great idea to pack flip as: a sweatshirt, fleece jacket, gloves, don’t mind getting dirty! flops if you wish to have shower shoes. scarf, and ear muffs (espepecially if Don’t forget your socks! hiking the glacier!).
SHIRTS SLEEPWEAR RAIN GEAR Short and long-sleeved shirts. T-shirts Don’t forget your comfy PJs for the end Traveling during rainy season? Pack a are just fine for working in the of the day. T-shirts, leggings, and sweat lightweight rain jacket or poncho and community! pants are perfect for lounging at the rainboots or shoes that you don’t mind end of the day. getting wet.
MEDICAL SCRUBS (required) NICE OUTFIT FIMRC APPAREL A minimum of two pairs of scrubs are You may visit local museums, markets, While not required, you can order required for hospital shadowing. Scrubs or go out to dinner. If so, you may want FIMRC gear at www.fimrc.org/gear. should be solid in color or FIMRC to have a nice outfit on hand. Scrubs are not available for purchase scrubs. in Peru.
TOILETRIES
TOILET PAPER SUNSCREEN HAND SANITIZER Toilet paper is not always available in Pay attention to the SPF! It may be cool Personal sized hand sanitizer is great public places or on the bus between outside, but the sun is strong so be to have while working in the clinic and Lima and Huancayo. prepared if you are prone to sunburn. community. Wipes are also great to toss in your bag!
TOOTHBRUSH & TOOTHPASTE MEDICATIONS PERSONAL ITEMS We are pretty passionate about dental Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal, Do not forget shampoo, soap, personal care! Don’t forget your floss! altitude sickness, and anti-constipation hygiene items, etc. These are not medications are recommended for provided. travelers. If you are prone to motion sicknesses, prepare accordingly. Pack all medications in original labeled containers.
WEATHER IN PERU Clothing for your trip should accommodate the diversity in weather and working environments that you will experience in Peru. Huancayo has a cooler climate than the coast, especially in the summer and can get very cold with frost in the mornings. During November to April strong thunder storms are common, so come prepared. Pack a lightweight, versatile jacket, rain gear and warm clothing. Layers are the best option as it is warm in the day and cold at night. Forecasts can be accessed at www.weather.com.
6 7 PACKING GUIDE
SUPPLIES & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
WATER BOTTLE LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK PLASTIC BAGS Filtered safe drinking water will be Basic backpack to carry to the clinic Grocery bags, small garbage bags, and provided for the duration of your stay. each day that will hold your water ziploc are all great for organizing and Be sure to bring a sturdy reusable bottle and other small necessities. If its storing dirty laundry.. water bottle. It is important to stay waterproof - even better! hydrated at such a high elevation!
TOWEL/WASHCLOTH GLASSES PEN & NOTEPAD (required) Bath towels are not provided by your Prescription glasses should be brought A pen and notebook are required homestay. as a back up to contacts due to the for taking notes during time at the dusty environment. Don’t forget your hospital. contact solution!
ELECTRONICS SNACKS SPANISH/ENGLISH Laptop, camera, smart phone, etc. Peanut butter, protein bars or any other DICTIONARY Not required but great for keeping in special snack / treat you can’t easily Practice practice practice! A dictionary touch with friends and family. FIMRC get in Peru! :) as well as a small journal are great for is not responsible for lost or damaged learning new Spanish vocabulary! electronics.
PASSPORT & LICENSE PHOTOCOPIES CONTACT INFORMATION Make sure your passport is valid for Make photocopies of all travel Please store all staff member contact six months after your travel dates. You documents and store them separately information in your phone and print a should also carry your driver’s license from the originals in case they are lost. hard copy to carry with you. or other form of photo ID.
LOST LUGGAGE It is useful to pack one change of clothes and essential toiletries in your carry-on in case of baggage delay. You must report any lost or damaged luggage at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from a local authority. If you have travel insurance, you will need to submit this report to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form must be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. In the case that your luggage is lost, contact Luis to inform him that you have been delayed. Luis will wait for you while you file your claim.
FIMRC is not responsible for lost or damaged luggage.
7 ARRIVAL PROCESS
The following information pertains to your arrival at the Lima airport. Upon arrival, if you are unable to locate our driver, have lost your luggage, or need to contact FIMRC staff for any reason, please use the phone numbers provided for Peru staff in the contact section of this packet.
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Airport Arrival Keep your seatbelt fastened until the plane has come to a complete stop and the captain has turned off the fasten seatbelt sign. Be sure to have your customs form filled out before leaving the plane and follow the masses to the immigration lines.
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Immigration The first checkpoint is migration and passport control. A visa is not requied for US citizens staying in Peru for less than 90 days. Two paper slips (Immigration Form and Customs Form) will be given to you during your arriving flight or they can be picked up at the airport. Be sure to have all your paperwork filled in or else you are likely to cause and experience some delay. At this point you may be asked for the Andean Immigration Card (TAM). If you are required to fill out a TAM, please be sure to keep the slip.
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Baggage Claim Luggage claim lines are located immediately after passing through passport control, and they are numerated with a screen indicating the flight they are serving. After picking up your luggage, you should head towards customs. You will see one line forming right in front of what is the only exit gate to the arrival area.
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Customs Hand your customs form to the customs agent. Place your baggage on the x-ray belt and proceed to the other side to recover the bag. If an officer calls you to the side to search your bag, do so and remain calm. Generally they are looking for contraband and if not found will let you go. After your baggage scan, proceed to the exit to meet your driver. 5
Meet FIMRC’s Driver The exit area of the Lima airport can be a bit crowded so be patient as you wait for your driver. He/She will be holding a FIMRC sign. If you do not see a staff member, please wait by the escalator near customer service. If you face any problems, call the in-country contacts provided in this packet. Your first point of contact should be our Lima Transportation Coordinator, Luis.
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Travel to Huancayo You will stay overnight in Lima. You will be taken directly to your hotel where you will stay the nigth and will receive transport to the bus station the following morning. Our Field Staff will contact you with your specific arrival plans prior to travel so you will know exactly what to expect from the moment you arrive in Peru.
8 LIMA
First step accomplished: you made it! What is going to happen now? Due to the travel time between Lima and Huancayo, volunteers spend the night of arrival in Lima before making the trip to Huancayo. Below you will find additional information about what to expect during your time in Lima.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
During your time in Lima at the beginning and end of your trip, you will stay at a FIMRC approved hotel located in the popular neighborhood of Miraflores, Lima. Your hotel reservations will be made for you prior to your arrival, and this cost is included in the program fee paid to FIMRC. Details for FIMRC’s partner hotel can be found below:
La Casa de la Nonna
Calle San Fernando 494, Miraflores, Lima, Peru Phone: +51 981 260 057
The hotel has wifi, breakfast (depending on your departure time), hot showers, and a 24-hour reception.
TRANSPORTATION
Your transportation fee covers all transportation directly related to your volunteer mission and includes the following:
• Transportation from the airport to the hotel in Lima • Bus between Lima and Huancayo • Daily transportation to volunteer activities • Transportation to the airport for your return flight.
All Lima transportation is organized by Luis Carranza (pictured at right). Luis manages all airport arrivals, departures, and other transport needs during a volunteer’s stay in Lima. Luis’ wife frequently accompanies him during pick ups and they both speak English.
Transport to Huancayo is provided in a comfortable coach bus. Buses to Huancayo run both overnight and during the day. The exact timing of your bus trips will depend on a number of factors, including our staff’s schedule and the timing of other groups’ arrivals and departures. If you are prone to motion sickness, please take appropriate medication. It takes about 8-9 hours to reach Huancayo. There is a restroom on board and a small snack is provided on the journey. You are encouraged to pack snacks and water for the trip. On the bus to Huancayo you can take small carry-on items with you, like backpacks, purses, and bags. Larger roller bags are placed under the bus. It is recommended that bags weigh no more than 44lbs.
8 9 LIMA con’t.
Depending on your flight times, you may have the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Lima. You are also responsible for the purchase of all meals while in Lima. Below you can find additional information about grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, and more! Information is broken down by neighborhood.
MIRAFLORES SAN ISIDRO
Groceries One of the trendiest barrios in Lima. • Metro (24-Hour Grocery Store) - Located on the left side • Segundo Muelle Av. Conquistadores 490, for fantastic of Schell St. crossing Larco Ave walking away from Che ceviche and other seafood dishes. Lagarto Hostel • Great shopping (guys and girls): Av. Conquistadores, Av. • Vivanda Grocery - At intersection of Benavides and Santa Lucia Alcanfores - rivals an American Whole Foods. Beautifully • Michelle Belau (a Peruvian designer) Av. Jorge Basadre prepared foods at fair prices #396, San Isidro, beautiful reasonably priced clothing for females Restaurants & Nightlife • Parque Kennedy (Miraflores Central Parque) - Great nightlife, tons of cafes MAP VIEW • Pizza Street – A street right off the park with nothing but Your hotel is located in the neighborhood of Miraflores and pizzerias (a little touristy) many of these places are within walking distance. You can • Larcomar - Shopping center with restaurants and clubs, view a map of the top volunteer spots via the button below. right on the ocean • Restaurant Huaca Pucllana – A delicious restaurant in front of massive ruins that are lit up at night • Rosa Nautica – restaurant on a pier, extending into the ocean. Fantastic for a nice dinner. VIEW MAP • Cala – On the water, near Rosa Nautica. Great atmosphere, beautiful view.
BARRANCO • Beaches – there are many in the area, but be sure not to LIMA REMINDERS go after sunset • Barranco Plaza – bars, clubs, and restaurants • Always negotiate with the cab drivers • Recommended upscale restaurant: BEFORE you get in their cab. Prices are • Chala – fantastic restaurant in Barranco, great food, negotiable. Look for cabs marked with the insignia great atmosphere – pricey but worth the splurge or number of a company.
DOWNTOWN LIMA • Many shops and restaurants accept credit cards.
• La Plaza de Armas & La Plaza Mayor - beautiful and • As in all cities, be smart with your personal definitely worth seeing belongings and wary of pick pockets. • Magic Water Tour (El Ciruito Mágico del Agua) at the Parque de la Reserva is a pretty spectacular show of dancing water fountains that won a Guiness World • Go to an official exchange place or withdraw Record. There are nightly shows with lasers and music directly from an ATM in the local currency Nuevos Soles. If you must change on the street use one of *Don’t eat food sold in the street as it is not hygienic the official vendors in the blue vests. *Don’t go walking in downtown at night, alone or in groups, travel in groups during the day
10 11 HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE
When you join us here at Project Huancayo, we believe that you will have the most fulfilling experience by living with a local family. The families that we work with love hosting volunteers. It is a safe environment and will give you a true Peruvian experience! Upon arrival on site, staff will provide you with your homestay assignment. In the meantime, you can read more about our two primary homestay families below.
Morales Family Elena Morales: (064) 364-435 Homestay Address: 275 Brasilia por San Carlos, Huancayo, Junín, Peru
Elena is an amazing chef, so get ready for some delicious meals! Her entire family lives together in one “compound,” within which you’ll have your own living area. Elena doesn’t speak English but has gotten very good with gestures to communicate with our volunteers! She’s a bit shy at first, but a lovely person to chat with!
Guest House ZALEMA Phone: 964 313 621 Homestay Address: Jr. Amazonas #461 Huancayo, Junín, Peru.
The guest house Zalema offers excellent food and a pleasant atmosphere. It is owned by MICHI, a dynamic young Peruvian man that is always happy to have volunteers around. Michi is passionate about rock climbing and knows the area very well. He can definitely give you good recommendations to organize outdoors activities during your free time.
ACCOMMODATIONS MEALS
All homes feature standard modern amenities including, Three home-cooked meals per day are included on-site in running water, plumbing, showers, bedding, and electricity. Huancayo. If for some reason you cannot attend one of Hot water can be unreliable, so flexibility is key. The the planned meals, please be considerate of the family and homestays are centrally located so that volunteers are able notify them and FIMRC staff prior to the meal. There is no to explore during their free time, or take a short taxi ride to adjustment in your housing fee for missed meals. All meals local tourist attractions such as the river or artisan markets. at the homestay are covered by your fees paid to FIMRC, but you are responsible for covering the cost of all meals Laundry purchased in Lima. Vegetarian or lactose intolerant diets Volunteers have the option to hand wash and hang can easily be accommodated; be sure to inform FIMRC staff dry clothing during their time on-site. However, local and your host family of any allergies or dietary restrictions laundromats are available. you may have. Safe drinking water will be provided for the duration of your stay. Internet Wifi is available at your homestay and at the FIMRC Office. Wifi can be slow in your homestay.
10 11 YOUR VOLUNTEER MISSION
Every week here is different and plans change quickly so flexibility is key! To ensure that all volunteers have a sustainable impact that is relevant to community needs, your itinerary will reflect projects and activities created in response to current site needs and issues. It is our goal to have volunteers partake in all FIMRC programs during their stay. Below is a list of activities that commonly take place each week. Your specific itinerary will be reviewed with you during on-site orientation on your first day of volunteering.
MONDAY - FRIDAY Morning Afternoon Wake up, eat breakfast, and be ready to get picked up at After we finish our delicious lunch we typically head out 8AM by one of our local drivers. Mornings in Huancayo are for communitiy outreach and health education activities. generally spent in the clinical setting. From 8am to noon We typically finish around 5pm so that you can go home each work day, volunteers rotate through FIMRC’s partner and enjoy the evening, possibly visit local markets, sight facilities or assist with a health campaign. You will return to see, or have a delicious dinner and relaxing evening at your your homestay at noon for lunch. homestay.
Clinical Activities Community Activities • Observe surgergies in the Hospital Carrion Operating Room • Lead Dale La Mano health education activity at one of • Attend a suturing class led by Peruvian medical students FIMRC’s orphange partner locations • Go on rounds through Hospital Carrion departments such • Conduct nutrition session in Aco community as internal medicine and pediatrics • Lead activity session at Teen Moms Home • Assist with patient intake and developmental exams at one • Continue health campaign if it is scheduled to take place of FIMRC’s partner rural health posts for the full day
SUPPLY DONATIONS While not required, volunteers are more than welcome to bring donations for the project site. Below, you will find the most up to date list of items that are needed in Peru. All donations must be in good condition with an expiration date no sooner than 12 months from the date of their arrival into Peru. Medicines, bandages, medical equipment, children’s clothes, toys, school supplies, vitamins and textbooks are all welcome donations. Donations will be put to great use at health campaigns and in support of our health education programming.
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12 STAYING HEALTHY
International volunteer experiences are often a time of reflection and internal change. Because you are often forced to deal with new and old situations, without their normal surroundings and support networks, it is important for you to monitor your own emotional and physical well-being.
TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY
Upon arrival in Peru, you will receive a thorough orientation that will include tips on staying safe and healthy during your volunteer experience. Below you will find a few tips to begin considering before your volunteer experience.
• Stay in good physical condition – eat well, sleep, relax, • Find a comfortable way to share your feelings. Keeping avoid lots of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and sugar. your feelings inside will not make them go away. (You are strongly encouraged to talk to FIMRC staff if you’re • Stay hydrated! Do not drink large amounts of alcohol experiencing difficulties.) or caffeinated beverages when you suspect yourself to be dehydrated. Filitered water is provided for you for the • Use the support system of the program (friends, fellow duration of your volunteer experience. As Huancayo is volunteers, FIMRC staff). located in mountainous regions, we suggest that volunteers avoid any alcohol consumption and stay hydrated as they • Maintain a positive mental attitude and sense of humor. travel to the area to diminish developing altitude sickness. If you have any concerns about altitude sickness, we suggest • Practice stress-reduction habits (take time alone, write in consulting your physician for their recommendation of any your journal, read a book, listen to music, etc.). medications. • Know that anything you are feeling is okay. Being in a new • If you take any kind of medicine on a regular basis, you setting can bring issues to the surface; this is normal. should bring with you a more-than-enough supply to last you for the duration of your volunteer experience. You should have this medicine in its own “official” medicine bottle and pack it in your carry-on luggage. You must inform staff immediately if something should happen to your medication (such as losing it) so that all efforts can be made FIMRC STAFF SUPPORT to remedy the situation. If you are not feeling well - tell us! FIMRC staff are there to assist with issues that affect your health, safety, and well- being during the course of your volunteer experience. Please keep FIMRC staff informed of any situations.
MEDICAL HISTORY
It is imperative that you are as honest as possible in the medical history section of your volunteer profile. Indicating past or present illnesses does not automatically disqualify you from volunteering, rather it ensures we are able to accommodate any special needs you may have during your stay.
MEDICAL CARE
If you require medical attention while in Huancayo, you will be taken to Clínica Cayetano Heredia.
Address: Av. Huancavelica. #745, Huancayo, Peru Phone: (064) 252-998 Website: www.clinicacayetanoheredia.com
12 13 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Your volunteer experience has ended and you are just about to head home or onto your next adventure! The day and time of your flight will change how and when you leave us and head back to Lima. See below for more details on excursion options, the return trip to Lima and more. We hope you will join us again one day soon!
DEPARTURE FROM HUANCAYO Similar to arrival process, volunteers generally return to Lima the day prior to their departure flight. You will take the same bus back to Lima where you will be greeted by our driver who will then take you to your hotel. You will be picked up and transported to the airport the following day based on your departure flight time. Again, all transport needs and hotel arrangements are taken care of by FIMRC and are included in your trip cost.
EXCURSIONS
You will have the opportunity, depending of the length of your trip, to take excursions elsewhere in the country. While the fees associated with these trips will not be covered by your FIMRC trip costs, we encourage you to maximize your opportunities to explore Peru. Your Excursion Guide can be downloaded on the Pre-departure Information Page.
Please note, many volunteer groups express interest in visiting the tourist destination of Machu Picchu; as FIMRC is not involved in tourism, those who wish to visit Machu Picchu must book any needed tours and corresponding transportation independently. Because Machu Picchu is DUOLINGO a popular tourism destination, FIMRC suggests that trips Spanish is the primary language in to Machu Picchu are planned prior to departure, as they Peru. We strongly encourage you to generally take several days and require prior reservations. practice common Spanish phrases, greetings, and Please see the the excursion guide for tips on planning your vocabulary that may be useful in the homestay Machu Picchu trip. and clinical setting. The more you are able to communicate the more you will gain from your experience. Many volunteers have found the PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY free language learning app Duolingo helpful. We encourage you to download the app and Privacy and patient confidentiality are essential to FIMRC’s start practicing as soon as possible! Duolingo is mission and continued operations. Information relating to available via the App Store, Windows Store, and patients and their treatment is confidential and must not be Google Play. distributed or disclosed in any way. It is especially important for all volunteers to exercise caution when using the Internet or social media outlets, so as not to communicate any sensitive or confidential information or images.
14 FAQs
Below, we’ve prepared a list of common questions that we receive to help you further prepare for your volunteer experience in Nicaragua. After reading the FAQs, if you still have questions, send us an email at [email protected]. We are always happy to help!
What if I miss my flight or am delayed during travel? Am I required to wear scrubs in the hospital?
Please contact Manouche. Manouche’s contact Yes. Scrubs are required in the clinical setting. Casual information can be found in this packet and she is attire is acceptable for community outreach activities. easily reached via WhatsApp. A white coat and vest will be provded on site.
Will I have a toilet and shower? Can I drink the water?
You will! Every homestay has western style showers Volunteers should not drink any tap water in Peru. and plumbing. The toilets are the same as they are in We recommend bringing a water bottle to fill up with the US, but you can’t throw toilet paper in it. purified water that is provided by your homestay. Also bottled water is very cheap and accessible.
Will I receive a detailed itinerary prior to travel? Will I have internet access?
Because of the ever-changing nature of the Global Wifi is easily accessible in your hotel in Lima, homestay Health Volunteer Program and the facilities we serve, in Huancayo, at the FIMRC office, and in numerous we cannot provide you with an advance itinerary internet cafes in the city. specific to your trip. While we strive to create a mix that balances the volunteers’ desires with the needs of the community, daily schedules are determined by What is an acceptable gift for my homestay? factors as diverse as the needs of the communities Although gifts are completely optional, here are a we serve and the time of year. All volunteers will few recommendations: chocolates or small candies, divide their time between the medical facilities and decorative kitchen utensils, photo frames, and the community activities. It is important to remember mementos from your hometown or university. You that you are entering another culture that is not bound could also purchase a small gift for your family while by tight schedules as in the United States. We hope in Peru after your volunteer week as a token of your that you will embrace this opportunity to immerse appreciation for your stay. Gifts for children that yourself in a lifestyle that is unlike your own and truly participate in our programs are not advised. experience Peru.
14 15 STAY INVOLVED
You’ve traveled to Project Huancayo and seen our work first hand, now what? Whether your are looking to join a university chapter, interested in donating towards on-site projects, or simply want to keep in touch, there are many ways to stay involved with FIMRC after your volunteer experience. A few of our alumni resources are below.
ALUMNI PROGRAM ADOPT-A-PROJECT
All volunteers are invited to join over 4,000 volunteers in the Our Adopt-a-Project program is a way for FIMRC Alumni Program! In 2015, we began our Alumni Program volunteers to stay connected to our project sites to connect past volunteers with one another and with staff at our through fundraising for special on-site initiatives. project sites in hopes that you will continue to promote our mission Click below to access this year’s current projects in your own community. By joining the Alumni Program, you will and to see how you can continue to contribute to gain access to exclusive updates, travel discounts, and more! Visit the success of Project Huancayo! www.fimrc.org/alumnifor more information.
CHAPTERSHIP PROGRAM
A chapter is made up of individuals committed to serving as FIMRC’s voice in their community. FIMRC chapters play a number of vital roles including raising funds for special medical projects, coordinating volunteer groups to travel to our sites, and providing service in their own communities. If you want to know if your university or community has a FIMRC chapter or if you’re interested in starting one, e-mail [email protected].
CONNECT WITH US!
www.facebook.com/officialfimrcpage username: fimrc www.instagram.com/fimrc
Exclusive Facebook Page for Peru Alumni www.vimeo.com/fimrc www.twitter.com/fimrc https://www.facebook.com/fimrcperu
16 Have a wonderful trip!
Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children www.fimrc.org 1518 Walnut Street Suite 1504 Philadelphia, PA 19102 888.211.8575 ext. 1
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