Mark Sylvain: NGO Internship ProPeru

I wanted to do something completely unrelated to my previous career so I chose to work on a project installing clean burning stoves in rural Andean villages. It was uncomplicated and after a while I managed to find that, despite being 50, I could participate in many of the activities the rest of the team were involved in.

The project (building the stoves), led by local ProWorld staff member Javier, was terrific. He had unbounded enthusiasm and was an extremely hard worker. The deep concern that was shown for the plight of the local people made it all worthwhile.

Besides the project, living with the Peruvian family and the Spanish classes were all way better than I expected. My family was lovely. They clearly really care for the volunteers they take in, whatever their age; it isn't just for the extra income it provides. I really enjoyed getting to know them.

One-to-one tuition for the Spanish lessons was unexpected and a real treat. In all, about 32 hours of private Spanish lessons while being immersed in a Spanish milieu was incredible value, alone worth the ProWorld fee!

On top of everything else the cultural experience was fantastic. There was always a festival or celebration going on in Urubamba or the neighbouring towns. And getting around by collectivo, or flagging down a bus anywhere on the road, essentially living like the locals do, was great it really put my newly acquired Spanish to the test!

Taking a career break was a great experience. I learnt so much. Most surprising was that even at 50, how easy it was to adapt to vastly different circumstances than those you're accustomed to, and fun actually!

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