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Protection and development for girls from difficult backgrounds

Internship und Volunteering Possible
 
The organization Mosoj Yan, which means "New Way" in the Quechua language, is committed to the protection and positive development of girls from difficult backgrounds. We can arrange volunteer placements supporting the organisation's education and prevention programs. In addition, internships are possible for students of social work and psychology.
 

What is your placement organisation doing?

 
In Bolivia, a combination of poverty and cultural factors leads to a high percentage of domestic violence, decay of family structures and alcohol and drug abuse. Especially girls suffer from this situation and are in danger of social decline. To help these girls, Mosoj Yan follows an all-encompassing model of prevention, intervention, rehabilitation and socio-familial reintegration.
 
One target group are girls who need to provide financial support to their families through small-scale jobs such as selling goods on the street. They spend many hours each day on the streets and therefore lack the time to attend school or learn for school. In addition, through their long time on the street, they are exposed to dangers such as criminal gangs, drugs, sexual abuse and violence.
 
For these girls, Mosoj Yan runs a youth club on several afternoons/evenings per week, offering educational support, courses in craft skills, and group counselling sessions by a psychologist.
 
Many children who were initially on the street selling goods, when they are from broken family relationships and experience physical and/or sexual violence at home, decide at a certain moment not to deliver the money earned to their parents, but better to live on the street. Many of them are single mothers who live on the streets with their children, consuming alcohol and drugs. In Bolivia these are known as "Cleferos" (glue sniffers). The goal of Mosoj Yan is to discourage them from drug use and to change their attitude and behavior for the better. This is done through the intervention of social workers and psychologists at places where the girls can usually be found, such as markets, bridges and public squares, and there are programs of individual and group psychotherapy, training and strengthening of the mother's sense of responsibility towards her child, and occupational therapy.
 
For girls aged 10 to 18 years who are living on the street, Mosoj Yan runs a residential home. The girls are mostly victims of physical, sexual or psychological abuse and are not in contact with their families. Many of them already have children on their own who are living with them at the residential home. The facility is trying to prepare the girls to be able to live their own lives, offering vocational training, especially in the areas of cooking, baking and tailoring, as well as assistance in finding a job, health care, psychotherapeutic support with the aim of improving the emotional and personal development of girls, and teaching Christian values.
 
In addition, Mosoj Yan is involved in preventive measures against violence: In Bolivia, the number of violent acts against children, adolescents and women is very high. Domestic violence is common, but often a taboo topic to speak about. Violence increases the social risks for those affected: families can break, addiction, prostitution and a life on the street can be the consequences. Mosoj Yan implements various sensitization and awareness-raising activities. The organization collaborates with secondary schools and provides information on topics such as violence, bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, HIV/AIDS. Mosoj Yan also works with churches and other actors in society to draw attention to the issue of violence and effectively address it.
 

How can you get involved?

 
  • Teaching and supporting the girls' learning outcome at the youth club through innovative and creative methods
  • Implementation of workshops to promote physical, mental and emotional stability
  • Development and implementation of activities in the fields of arts, music, theater, or similar to build self-confidence and to develop and express oneself
  • Implementation and transfer of skills such as cooking, baking, handcrafts
  • Teaching social skills
  • Looking after the children of the girls living at the residential home while the girls attend educational programs and group therapy
  • Assisting the organization with administrative tasks
  • Public relations to raise awareness in society and raise funds for the continuation of the programs (carrying out local events, managing social media)
  • Creating informational materials (flyers, videos, etc.)
 
Students of social work and psychology can do an internship which is supervised by the psychologist. They will accompany and support the work of the psychologist of Mosoj Yan at all activities described above. Please note that the psychologist is involved in many tasks which are not strictly related to psychology, and because of a lack of time, no one-to-one psychotherapy sessions are offered, but only group sessions. Also please note that at the residential home for girls, only placements for female volunteers and interns are possible. 
 
 
Pack for a Purpose
 
You can also support this project through Pack for a Purpose that we are proud members of. Pack for a Purpose is an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and bring supplies for area schools or medical clinics in need, you'll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families. Please click here to see what supplies are needed for our project/projects.
 
Info Box
General
Location: Cochabamba, Bolivia
Availability: All year, Start date flexible
Minimum Duration: 4 weeks
Maximum Duration: 1 Year
Language Requirements: Upper-intermediate Spanish
Accommodation:
Shared apartment, host family, hostel
Internship
Supervision Possible: Yes
Qualification Of Supervisor: Psychologist
Minimum Qualification Of Intern:
None
Further Contribution To Project: None
Volunteering
Volunteering Possible: Ja
Required Qualification For Volunteer: None
Further Contribution To Project: None
Expectations:
Intercultural sensitivity, motivation, tolerance, respect, Do you have the "right" attitude?
 
 
 

Accommodation in Cochabamba

 

mostpopular

Shared Accommodation:

 
Shared House
 
The shared house in the center of Cochabamba offers seven rooms, a fully equipped kitchen with the necessary cooking utensils and electrical appliances as well as two bathrooms, shared by the residents. There is also a washing machine and WiFi. Both kitchen and one of the bathrooms are on the ground floor, next to the office of the owner. The owners organise and conduct outdoor extreme sports activities.
 
The price of the room, which include daily expenses such as water, electricity, weekly cleaning of common rooms, linen and internet, varies according to size of the room. For room reservation, a deposit must be paid (one month's rent), which will be refunded when you move out.
 
Hostel at Plaza Colón
 
 

The Hostel is located in front of Plaza Colón in central Cochabamba. On two floors, the inn has four rooms for individuals or couples and two more beds for six and seven people with shared bathrooms. There are several areas for social gatherings and a furnished terrace with beautiful views over the city. Food can be cooked in one of the two fully equipped kitchens. Wifi is available at no cost; there laundry service at an extra charge.
 

Host Family:

Rooms of Average Standards with Host Families
 
A stay with a Bolivian family gives insight into their life and creates the opportunity to practice and expand your Spanish language skills. The rooms usually have a bed with bedside table and lamp, a storage space for clothes and a desk with chair. The family serves three meals a day (breakfast, lunch - the main meal in Bolivia, dinner), cleans the rooms and does laundry. WiFi is not available at every host family. <
 
 

I. World Unite! Service Package

Mobile/Cell Phone Users: If you don't see the rates for your desired duration of stay, hide other (shorter) durations of stay.
  up to 31 Days
32-60 Days
61-90 Days
91-120 Days
5 Months or longer
 wu servicepackage
1 Person
450 EUR 600 EUR 700 EUR 750 EUR 850 EUR
2-4 Persons
(Rate per Person)
400 EUR 500 EUR 600 EUR 650 EUR 700 EUR
 
Convert rates to USD, GBP, CAD, AUD and other currencies
 

The World Unite! Service Package includes:

 
  • Individual Consultation and Preparation prior to your arrival
  • Access to the World Unite! Online Resource Centre which has Preparation Materials including Intercultural Preparation, compiled particularly for your destination (PDFs, Videos)
  • Preparation Session via Skype, together with further participants
  • Assistance with visa extension in Bolivia or arrangement of visa (depending on duration of stay) and other official permits (if required), but not the official government fees for it/them
  • Pick-up and Transfers from/to Cochabamba Airport (CBB) on arrival and departure
  • Assistance with the booking of domestic connection flights within Bolivia if you arrive in La Paz or ViruViru
  • Personal support staff at your location and at our international office
  • Orientation and Introduction in Cochabamba
  • Accompanying you to your placement on your first day
  • 24 Hours emergency support by local support team
  • 50 USD Contribution to your project
  • Local SIM Card with 60 Bs. air time
  • Issuance of Confirmations/Certificates for your university, scholarship, insurance, etc. and filling out/signing Internship Contracts for your university
  • Costs for 10 seedlings of indigenous trees that we plant on the slopes of Kilimanjaro
 

The Rates do NOT include:

 
  • Accommodation and Meals (see below)
  • Travel to/from Bolivia (you book it on your own; we can assist you)
  • Official fees for Visa (see below)
  • Insurance (Travel Health Insurance, Liability Insurance, Travel Cancellation insurance; you book it on your own, we can assist you)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Vaccinations
  • Local Transport (Estimated amounts see below)
  • Please note that for supervised/mentored internships, some organizations charge further contributions. You find this information in the "Info Box" below the respective internship description.
 

II. Accommodation Costs

 
You can choose between the following options:
Mobile/Cell Phone Users: If you don't see the rates for your desired duration of stay, hide other (shorter) durations of stay.
Rates in US-Dollar!
Convert Currency
 Short-time stay
(1-31 Days)
Long-time stay
(32-365 Days)
(You pay proportionally per day)
Shared House or Hostel   
mostpopular2
House shared with other participants
1 Person
(Single Room)
8 USD/Day
200-250 USD/Month
2 Persons p.p.
(Double/Twin Room)
8 USD/Day
120-140 USD/Month
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Hostel at Plaza Colon, Dorm bed
per person 8 USD/Day 240 USD/Month
       
Host Family
     
mostpopular2
Host Family of Middle Standard
on Full Board
1 Person
(Single Room)
15 USD/Day 15 USD/Day
2 Persons p.p.
(Double/Twin Room)
15 USD/Day 15 USD/Day
 
For incomplete months you will pay the exact amount proportionally per day.
In case of 3-4 person: Same rate as in case of 2 Persons. 5 or more persons: Contact us for group rates.
 

Overview of other costs:

 
  • For most citizens except US Citizens, no Visa fee for a stay of a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. Any time you stay in excess of 90 days within a calendar year, 20 Bs. fee per day. US Citizens pay currentyl 135 USD Visa fee.
  • If meals are not included: around 70-150 EUR /100-180 USD)/month
  • Small local expenses (e.g. Internet, local transport): around 30-50 USD/Month (Estimate)
  • Insurances around 30-50 USD/Month

 

How do I pay?

 
Once all your questions have been answered and you confirm that you want to participate, we will email you an invoice. You can pay it via bank transfer, credit card or via Paypal. You will pay a deposit of 200 EUR / 250 USD when the invoice is issued. One months prior to your arrival you will pay the remainder for your Service Package.
 
The payment modalities for rent and possible further costs (e.g. internship supervision fees, as stated in info box of the respective project description) depend on your host country and placement. We will inform you beforehand. In many cases these costs are paid on site, but for some countries and placements they need to be paid partially or fully in advance.
 
 
 

Other Projects That Might Interest You:

 
 
These projects are suggestions for alternatives that may interest you or those that could be chosen as COMBINATIONS. The combination of projects in different organizations is often possible and usually cheaper than two individual bookings. Please contact us to know more! Check out our other listings in the areas of "World Learner" and "Active Travel" at your travel destination to make your stay even more interesting.
 

Spanish language or indigenous language lessons

 
Cochabamba Language SchoolIn Cochabamba, you can attend Spanish language lessons at a language school. The school has been teaching for more than 20 years, using the communicative method. The teaching is active and requires intensive participation. The language is taught at all levels, from beginner to advanced, with all intermediate stages.
 
The school also offers instruction in the indigenous languages, ​​Quechua and Aymara. For volunteering and internships in rural areas of Bolivia with indigenous communities, knowledge of the respective language is of great advantage.
 
For 40 hours of private lessons: 330 EUR.
 
In the registration form, tick "Language Training Required" and the required number of hours (minimum 40 hours).
 

Travel Health Insurance

 
We recommend the following travel insurance that is meant specifically for participants of internships, volunteering, language study, working holiday, and courses abroad. It is available for travelers of all nationalities and usable for all countries, except your home country. You can also add a journey liability insurance.
 
Just click on the link, fill in the form and you will get a confirmation email.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With 700,000 inhabitants, Cochabamba is Bolivia's fourth largest city. Today, it merges in the west with Quillacollo, which itself has some 150,000 people. Both cities are nested in the densely populated Valley of Cochabamba, at an altitude of around 2560 meters (8700 feet) above sea level. The fertile valley has a flat bottom, expanding around 25x10 km (15x6 miles), while the framing mountains reach heights of some 5000 meters (16,400 feet). The Valley of Cochabamba enjoys a protected, sunny and moderate climate. The daytime maximums during the whole year are around 23-26 degrees C (73-79 degrees F), while the nighttime minimum oscillates between 13 degrees from October to March and 3 degrees in June and July. Rainy season is from December to March, whereas, there is almost no rain during the rest of the year.
 
Cochabamba is a city with a lot of youth. In downtown Cochabamba, you find the "Prado", "Plaza Colon" and the botanical garden, modern, green and clean. Cochabamba is home to "La Cancha", one of the largest markets in South America and is overlooked by the "Cristo de la Concordia", the second highest statue of Christ in the world.
 
Due to its central location in Bolivia, Cochabamba itself is a convenient destination for excursions into the country.
 

Coordinator in Cochabamba

 
Our supervisor in Cochabamba is Mauge. Mauge comes from Cochabamba, is an intercultural trainer, and has studied in the US. She speaks fluent English and Spanish.
 

Recreational Activities in Cochabamba

 
In Cochabamba, there is an active youth life with bars, clubs, cinemas, etc. because of the 14 universities present.
 
The city of Oruro can be relatively easily reached by bus. You can visit Oruro's historic mines and the city's famous Carnival, every year in February. During the whole year, there are numerous Christian and indigenous festivals in many villages and cities that you can visit, such as Intiwatana on the 21st of June (Andean midwinter) and Urqupiña in August.
 
From Cochabamba, we arrange affordable small group excursions, including:
 
* Day trip to Tunari Nationalpark and climbing Cerro Tunari (5035 m/16,500 feet).
* Day visit of the Inca ruins at Incallajta
* Day trekking trip in the subtropical misty forest of Incachaca
* 3 day trip to Catavi mining area (has socio-historical importance) on the Altiplano highland
* 3 day trip to Chapare into the tropical lowland of Cochabamba - swimming in rivers and hiking in the rain forest
* 3 day trip to Torotoro Nationalpark, including a visit to the Inca ruins and climbing Cerro Tunari
 
 

Getting To Cochabamba

bolivia map
 
You fly to Cochabamba (CBB), where you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation. Often, there are cheaper international flights to Santa Cruz de la Sierra (ViruViru Airport, VVI) or to La Paz El Alto (LPB). In that case, you can fly there and then take a connecting flight to Cochabamba, booking separately with Aerosur or BoA. The tickets between these cities are quite low (30-50 EUR / 38-63 USD), but you cannot pay by credit card from overseas. We can buy you a ticket in Bolivia. 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 
Are there fixed start dates for the project, which I must adhere to?
No, you can arrive at any date and you can hence, plan your trip according to your availability and the prices of flights. We can pick you up from the Cochabamba airport at any time. Certain projects cannot be started during holidays, of which we will inform you in advance.
Can I stay longer at my accommodation after my volunteering/internship or arrive earlier?
Yes, this is possible and we will give you our best rates. Just let us know when you arrive and leave and we will let you know the costs.
During my stay, can I travel around the country?
Of course, you can do this - most of our participants do so. However, when the travel destination is too far away, it may not be possible over a weekend; these, we would recommend you keep for before the projects begins or after the completion. You could even plan these out during holidays (e.g. Semana Santa). We will notify you of the destinations and the recommended time to visit.
Is it safe to travel in Nicaragua alone as a single female traveller?
About 80 percent of our participants are women and many of them 18 to 24 years old. Not a single instance of any serious security issue has been reported. Our supervisors on site will advise you on how you should conduct yourself in order to avoid problems - issues such as clothing style, carrying valuables, and in dealing with machismo and patriarchal societies. Our preparation material brings attention to these issues. It is very important to follow these basic rules, that are just as applicable to many other places, in order to reduce risk as much as possible.
Will I be the only volunteer/intern in the project or in Bolivia?
The total number of participants that participate simultaneously with an organization depends on the size and activity of the organization and responsibilities of volunteers/interns. We try to avoid too many volunteers/interns in an organization at the same time. It may be that you are alone in your work site, but usually there are, throughout the year, other participants in Cochabamba, who you can meet in your spare time, if you desire so. In addition, there are also many tourists on the road, whom you can easily meet at bars, shops, etc. Cochabamba being a University town, it it easy to meet Bolivian and foreign students there too.
What vaccinations do I need?
Our Info - PDF that you get as a participant, gives detailed information on health care. Also refer to Recommended Vaccinations
Where will I live?
In the tab "Accommodation", you will see the various accommodation options.
Can I choose the accommodation myself?
Please share us with your request, so that we can organize your accommodation accordingly. Some organizations offer accommodation themselves. In such cases, that is the only accommodation option you have.
How free or bound am I in my accommodation with the host family?
While you will have your privacy, in Bolivia, it is customary to let your host family know when you will leave or return to the house so that the doors can be unlocked, due to safety reasons. It is unacceptable to have casual acquaintances visit you. The level of closeness or privacy with the family can differ.
Does my accommodation have internet facilities?
The shared accommodations in Cochabamba and in Sopocachi/La Paz have internet, as does the hostel in Cochabamba. As for the host families, Internet is not always available, and the same applies to the lodgings that are rented for some projects/internships. You can find information about the availability in the tabs "Accommodation". If there is no wifi internet, you can buy yourself a stick or surf the Internet with your smartphone.
How can I do my laundry?
In general, clothes are hand washed in Bolivia. Many households have someone employed for the purpose, while others have washing machines. There are also laundromats.
Can I cook in the accommodation ?
Yes, the families allow the use of the kitchen, but may charge a small monthly fee for additional consumption of electricity and gas. The families also offer meals for you, if you want to eat with them. This, you can decide when you arrive. Details are in the tab "Accommodation".
I am a vegetarian. Can I get vegetarian food?
Yes, host families are familiar with vegetarian meals and allergies or food intolerances can be considered. It is also possible to buy vegetarian food.
What language skills do I need?
In Bolivia, Spanish, as well as indigenous languages ​​such as Aymara or Quechua are spoken. If you have little or no knowledge of Spanish, we recommend that you begin your stay with a Spanish language course. We can also organize Skype Spanish lessons with a Bolivian language teacher. The majority of the volunteering/ internships expect basic to medium level of Spanish at the start of the activity. That is, you should be able to communicate and express yourself during your stay, at a basic level. Please let us know what you level of knowledge of Spanish is, so that we make sure we organise your stay/project accordingly.
 
 
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