Volunteer Abroad Profile: Jesuit Volunteer Corps
What if you could do meaningful work abroad and not have to worry about money? In our series of Live Abroad Profiles, we share stories and examples of great opportunities and the people who are pursuing them.
Today’s profile features our friend (and former student leader from our University Student Life days): Theresa, who served in Peru with Jesuit Volunteer Corps International.
We’ll let her tell you about that…
Updated: 2023. Originally published: July 2015.
Introducing Theresa of Jesuit Volunteer Corps International in Peru
My name is Theresa Cutter. I joined JVC after graduating from the University of Portland in 2012. I began my two year commitment in November of that year and have since added on another year to my service time, ending in December of 2015.
I live in Andahuaylillas, Peru, a small, Andean town located about an hour southeast of Cusco. It is a quiet town, but grows alive on important saints’ feast days.
The culture and language of this region of Peru is strongly influenced by the presence of the indigenous language, Quechua.
Volunteers typically serve in the primary or secondary school or in the local parishes of Andahuaylillas and neighboring towns at the libraries, computer rooms, and daily hot lunch programs for students.
For the past two and half years, I have been teaching a number of different subjects to middle/high school-age students.
JVC emphasizes the importance of presence and accompaniment rather than enforcing changes (which could end up hurting more than helping); therefore most of our weekly activities focus on building relationships with the local community.
Each Monday I visit a more isolated community where I play soccer and prepare kids and teens for their 1st Communion and Confirmation.
Thursday evenings are spent celebrating Mass in our house or Sister Rosario’s house with the local Jesuit, Father Calilo. Weekends are filled with pastoral activities. One of our favorite ways to exchange culture is around the table.
Our most recent success was over 4th of July where we invited friends over to try weird “gringo” food, in this case chili, and played board games.
About Jesuit Volunteer Corps International Volunteer Opportunities
The following information has been updated as of 2023.
What is Jesuit Volunteer Corps (International)?
JVC is a Catholic affiliated organization that collaborates with the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and works with local organizations to provide direct service to the poor and marginalized. Its mission is based on four core values:
JVC’s hope is that “the experience opens the JV [Jesuit Volunteer] to be conscious of the poor, attuned to the causes of social injustice, and dedicated to service informed by faith.”
Jesuit Volunteer Corps Vision:
“Grounded in the core values of spirituality, simple living, community and social justice, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps envisions a just, inclusive, and equitable world that honors the dignity and diversity of all.”
Jesuit Volunteer Corps Mission:
“The Jesuit Volunteer Corps, through solidarity and service with local communities, fosters the formation of young people dedicated to a faith that promotes justice.”
Requirements and Benefits of Jesuit Volunteer Corps International
Who Can Volunteer with Jesuit Volunteer Corps
- Single men and women
- 21-25 years old
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience
- Willing to fully commit to a year (for the domestic program) or two years (for the international program) living out JVC’s four values
There are no requirements that volunteers identify as Catholic, however, attending Mass once a week is requested. Mass is often an important time to deepen relationships with community members, co-workers, and friends as many of the areas where international JVs live are predominantly Catholic.
Jesuit Volunteer Corps Types of Assignments
JVC International serves in 6 different countries around the world: Belize, Nicaragua, Peru, Chile, Tanzania, and Micronesia. 5 of the 6 countries have more than one JV community.
JV work placements fall within three categories:
- teaching
- social work
- pastoral work
Jesuit Volunteer Corps Living Conditions/Arrangements
Volunteers live in intentional communities of 2-7 members. Some houses are shared volunteer houses which include volunteers from other countries and other programs.
JVs share a household budget and commit to weekly community and spirituality nights as well as community dinners.
Benefits of Jesuit Volunteer Corps
JVs fundraise prior to departure. These funds ultimately cover:
- travel expense to/from country (at the beginning and end of service commitment)
- healthcare
- dental
- vision (new or serious problems)
- room and board
- retreat expenses
- a small personal stipend to be used at each JV’s own discretion
Volunteers in teaching positions vacation on school breaks. Those in social work and pastoral positions speak with their supervisor to request time off for vacations.
Jesuit Volunteer Corps Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Catholic to be a Jesuit Volunteer? No. Being a Catholic is not required. However, attending Mass once a week is requested.
What are the Living Conditions/Arrangements of Jesuit Volunteers? Volunteers live in a co-ed Jesuit Volunteer (JV) Home shared with 3-7 other people. Housing is simple and located in a lower-income neighborhood.
This provide opportunities for the volunteers to live in solidarity with the people they serve.
Does a Jesuit Volunteer have a salary or stipend? A modest monthly personal stipend and a modest relocation stipend at the end of the term of service are provided.
How long is my commitment as a Jesuit Volunteer? One-year commitment is required to serve as a Jesuit Volunteer in the U.S., while a two-year commitment is required to serve as a Jesuit Volunteer overseas.
Can Jesuit Volunteers take a vacation? Jesuit Volunteers serving in the U.S. have 10 vacation days in addition to federal holidays and retreats.
Jesuit Volunteers serving overseas must arrange their vacation time directly with their agency placement. Usually, vacation time follow a school’s vacation schedule.
Can family and friends visit me during ? Yes. However, it is discouraged within the first half term of service.
Does Jesuit Volunteers have health insurance? JVC health insurance is available for U.S. based Jesuit Volunteers. International-based volunteers are required to join JVC’s health insurance plan.
Is it required to fundraise prior to starting JVC? Yes. Jesuit Volunteers are required to undertake fundraising after committing to the program.
To learn more about JVC opportunities, visit their Become a JV page.
For further reading about Volunteer Abroad:
– 5 Reasons to Try Volunteering Abroad
– Best Videos by Peace Corps Volunteers Around the World
– Volunteer Abroad Profile: Maryknoll Lay Missioners
– Volunteer Abroad Profile: MCC International
You might also like these posts about Peru:
– How To Hike The Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru
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