Volunteer vacations

[rebecp]

Has anyone ever done a volunteer vacation abroad? I'm currently researching a volunteer opportunity in a local Andean Village in Peru. The volunteer program lasts a week so I guess my main question is how much you get out of it after a week. Seems like an inexpensive way to contribute and really experience the local culture.

Also, have any of you been to Peru? If I do go, I'll be traveling solo since DH doesn't have an interest in going.