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To apply Contact APECA by e-mail, fax or telephone for the Application Form and the Liability Waiver. The Liability Waiver must be presented in person upon arrival to Peru. Applications are reviewed a soon as all necessary information is received. The APECA Student Coordinator will review the application and consider placement according to qualification requirements and appropriate time available on the calendar. Application deadline Eight weeks prior to proposed starting date. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of APECA PERU with prior arrangement. Duration All participant stays are self-scheduled. Opportunities may vary from one week to a year however shorter and longer visits may be arranged at APECA's discretion. APECA may suggest starting dates that coincide with the starting dates of other visitors. Undergraduate and graduate students may wish to apply for semester internships to coincide with their college semester schedules to maintain academic continuity. Medical Qualifications/Concerns Because medical services are not readily available in the rainforest, no person should apply for this program who has a condition that might require treatment (cannot be self-medicated) during the proposed stay. Each participant must consult his or her personal physician to determine the recommended immunizations and vaccinations for travelers to Peru. Participants must have medical insurance in order to participate and may be asked to provide proof of coverage. At Tamshiyacu, the Peruvian Ministry of Health operates a health center where first aid and simple medical procedures are available. In case of serious illness or emergency, APECA will arrange to transport participants to a hospital in Iquitos. Transportation to Iquitos may take several hours. Activities
Our participants may pursue academic, professional, or personal interests, or a combination or these (for example: botany, malaria prevention, and/or photography). The center allows individuals to live and work in the Peruvian rainforest while taking an active role in helping to implement activities such as:
APECA offers faculty support and library resources to undergraduate and graduate students working in a variety of fields. Fields of discipline include but are not limited to:
Experience the wonder of the rainforest while living, learning, and working in a natural environment. Help to solve problems facing the rainforest people. Help devise and implement solutions that reduce, repair, or prevent rainforest destruction. Gain cross-cultural experience working with the people of rainforest villages. Make a much-appreciated difference in the lives of others. Find inner peace through meditation and reflection in a peaceful setting. Weather Average rainfall exceeds 2,540 mm (100 in.) a year. Daily temperatures typically average 29°C (85°F). Biological Diversity The Amazon rainforest is home to more than 2,000,000 species of insects, 2,000 species of fish, approximately 600 species of mammals and 100,000 species of plants. Wild animals at El Fundo include pygmy marmosets, parrots, turtles and a great variety of insects. What you should bring:
Participants should bring all needed personal prescription medications, to include those recommended for travelers to Peru. Include: flashlight/extra batteries; padlock for your luggage; insect repellent; sunscreen and personal toiletries, including antibacterial soap. A 1/2-liter wide-mouth bottle for drinking water is very handy. Lightweight clothing is advised, as daytime high temperatures may exceed 32°C (90°F); a T-shirt and shorts (or, even better, thin cotton long pants) are standard attire. Relative humidity is very high and rainfall is frequent (several times a day). For that reason we recommend that you bring waterproof sandals and an old pair of sneakers or hiking boots for walking in the mud. Small binoculars might be useful. Do not forget camera and film. Developing service is available in Iquitos. Access to Iquitos Transportation, Telephone, Fax and Post Office Rapid express boats run between Tamshiyacu and Iquitos once or twice daily, the ticket cost is about US$ 10.00 each way and the ride takes about an hour and a half. Slower boat transportation is also available for about US$ 2.00, but the ride takes about six hours. In Iquitos, APECA participants have access to a phone and fax machine. APECA's has a post office box is in Iquitos. There is no phone or postal service in Tamshiyacu or at El Fundo. The University at Iquitos With advance notice, participants may use the library resources at the University in Iquitos which is in session from April to February. Participants should be aware, however, that the official languages of Peru are Spanish and Quechua. Students wishing to use the library resources should have a good command of the Spanish language. Depending on the field of study, students may also be able to work with or seek guidance from University staff from April to February. APECA cannot guarantee such arrangements, but will try to facilitate them. Students who seek university assistance must so indicate on the APECA application. If assistance is not possible, APECA will communicate with the participant prior to his/her acceptance into the program. As with use of library resources, participants must have a good command of the Spanish language with faculty and staff members. |
"El Fundo", our study site, is nestled in the rainforest near the town of Tamshiyacu. From El Fundo, APECA provides services to the people
living in the District of Fernando Lores, communities on the Amazon River
and several tributaries.
