I spent the majority of my summer vacation living and volunteering in Cusco, Peru with   A Broader View Volunteers, a nonprofit, international volunteer organization. During my time in Cusco, nearly two months, I was fortunate to have lived with an incredible, large host family, partner with two local nonprofits, and explore the natural beauty and history of Peru itself. My typical routine consisted of volunteering eight hours a day Monday through Friday and taking part in cultural excursions on the weekends. During the week, I was working in a local preschool, conveniently located near my homestay, in the morning. I was specifically partnered with a four-year-old classroom where I acted as a general teacher’s assistant as well as occasionally assisted in providing basic English language education. Working in a school setting provided me a host of benefits as a future educator, as well as challenged me academically as I was constantly communicating, planning, and instructing in a language different than my own. After a busy morning volunteering at the preschool and eating a delicious, traditional lunch prepared by my wonderful host mom, I would then spend the remainder of the day volunteering at home run by Catholic nuns for adults and children with disabilities. I generally worked in the children’s wing at Madre Teresa Calcuta. The children’s department housed roughly fifteen boys and girls under the age of eighteen who generally had very severe physical and cognitive disabilities – many of the children were nonverbal. Typical daily activities at the home included providing assistance during meal times as well as assisting the therapists and nurses with their daily routines. During my time in Peru, I was able to experience a different culture, receive real world experience working in the nonprofit sector, and actively challenge myself daily. I could not be happier with my summer of service experience and hope to return to Peru in the near future.