But that's what media studies student Francesca Gamble found when she went to Lima to film a documentary.
The Ratcliffe College teenager produced the film as part of her coursework after hearing on the radio about international development agency Everychild's work in South America.
She was assisted by cameraman and fellow student James Ridings and tutor Peter Banks.
As part of its work Everychild is trying to improve living conditions and, in turn, the health of shanty town children and their parents. But, in spite of their problems, Francesca says the Peruvian children are cheerful and she and her colleagues got a warm welcome.
"One thing I did notice about the children was they are all extremely happy, even given their situation. They were lovely.
"They would just flock to you and they all wanted their photograph taken. A lot of them took to me quite quickly. One little girl, who was about 18 months, took my hand and just kept stroking my skin and gazing at me."
The trip was a real culture shock for Francesca as she took in the sight of wooden homes which looked as though they wouldn't stand up to the winter.
"It was a real eye-opener. We just couldn't believe it. Basically the central city of Lima is the rich part with Government buildings but if you drive just 15 minutes out you are into the shanty towns.
"From Lima you can see the

shanty towns covering the hills.
"It was a shock. I have never been exposed to anything like that. I know it sounds a cliche but it really made me appreciate my life. We stayed in a hotel and were in and out of the shanty towns each day, which I found quite hard.
"Their lives were carrying on and when we sat eating dinner it just felt like we were unappreciative of it all. Every day we moan about not having this, that or the other but these things are only a tiny bit of life, there is so much more to the world," she said.
The shanty towns have poor sanitary and health conditions, which prevents a lot of children getting a full education.
When their parents get ill the youngsters, who are usually part of a large family, are forced to take over the role of looking after siblings and the house.
Although the team got a friendly reception from those they were trying to help, gang violence in the Peruvian capital meant they had to be accompanied at all times.
Peruvian representatives of Everychild acted as guides and a translator helped the film crew overcome the language barrier as none spoke Spanish.
"We were quite restricted in the shanty towns as to how long we could stay and what we could do. It's dangerous and we weren't allowed to be out on our own."
The South American country is recovering from civil war between the Government and left-wing guerillas. Unemployment is high and basic services, such as health and education, are lacking.
But Francesca says there is a real sense of community spirit. "They all seem to work together and pull together quite a bit, I think because of the circumstances they are in.
"I couldn't believe the impact that Everychild has on children's lives out there. One morning we went to the shanty town, we saw them actually building steps over the rough terrain.
"We saw the part Everychild plays – they provide the materials to make them and the people build it. It's good because it provides them with a community feeling and it's a nice ethos," she said.
The trip has made up Francesca's (right)mind to become a producer.
The DVD she and the crew made will be used as promotional material for Everychild and will be shown to school- children throughout the country.
mel.cooper@meltontimes.co.uk