Where to Intern in South America

South America is home to 12 countries – from Brazil and Argentina to Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname – each with its own culture and industries. The region has a ton to offer, and even if you don’t speak Spanish or Portuguese, there is still something for you here. 

Interning in South America lets you fuse travel and career growth. You could be spending weekends exploring rainforests or ancient ruins and weekdays gaining real-world experience. 

South America’s landscapes range from Andes peaks to Amazon jungles, offering unique work environments. For example, Peru is rich in history (think Machu Picchu and Inca temples) and ecosystems; you might intern in archaeology, tourism, or jungle conservation there. 

Colombia is famous for its coffee and vibrant culture, but it also has a booming tech scene. With projections above $35 billion by 2027, internships at tech giants like Rappi and Bancolombia give hands-on experience in fintech, AI, and cybersecurity.

Brazil – the continent’s largest economy – offers roles in business, environmental science, or urban sustainability. Argentina (Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and vineyards) and Ecuador (Galápagos, Amazon rainforest, and ecotourism) likewise provide opportunities in industries from agribusiness to renewable energy.

Top Internship Providers & Programs

Several providers offer paid internships in South America (fees include accommodation and support).

These well-known organizations simplify placements and provide resources so you can focus on the experience:

Maximo Nivel

Embark on a transformative internship in Cusco with Maximo Nivel! A top-rated program for Latin America internships. They focus on Spanish immersion and meaningful travel. 

Nestled in the historic Plaza de Armas district, the Maximo Nivel base in Peru places you steps from Inca ruins and colonial streets. Choose from diverse placements — education, healthcare, human rights, hospitality, micro-business, veterinary science, and more — tailored to your goals and offering six to eight hours of hands-on work daily. 

Enjoy host-family stays with private rooms, breakfast and dinner, daily Spanish classes, and 24/7 support as you gain real-world experience and professional connections in Peru’s booming economy.

Intern Abroad HQ

Intern Abroad HQ offers exciting and immersive internships in South America. With placements in two incredible South American locations — Cordoba, Argentina, and Cusco, Peru — you can enhance your resume, grow your global network, and create unforgettable memories.

In Cordoba, Argentina’s vibrant second-largest city, interns can choose from a variety of dynamic programs, including Global Health, Law & Governance, NGO Support, Business Development, Veterinary Medicine & Animal Care, and Arts & Culture. 

Internship fields in Cusco, Peru include Psychology, Physical Therapy, Dentistry, Midwifery, Youth Development & Education, Marketing & Communications, and more!

Each internship includes essential Spanish language lessons to help interns connect more deeply with local communities and build meaningful relationships. Programs are flexible, with durations ranging from four to 24 weeks. Intern Abroad HQ ensures a smooth transition by arranging your internship placement, airport pickup, orientation, homestay accommodation with meals, and round-the-clock local support. 

Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad is a global internship provider—offering placements across South America and beyond—with a strong focus on professional development. Interns gain hands-on practical experience in their chosen field while sharpening essential skills like communication and organization.

In Ecuador, their Social Work Internship on San Cristóbal (Galápagos) immerses you in early childhood development with disadvantaged and special-needs children at a local kindergarten. 

Argentina hosts Equine Therapy and Radio Journalism placements. Work with therapy horses or join community radio stations; perfect if you already have an intermediate proficiency in Spanish.

In Peru, gain Nutrition experience by raising malnutrition awareness, or shadow nurses in public hospitals through a Nursing Internship. All placements require intermediate Spanish and include host-family or shared housing, 24/7 support, meals, and flexible start dates. 

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) 

Involvement Volunteers International’s Hospitality & Tourism Internship in Cusco offers hands-on placements with hotels, hostels, tour operators, and restaurants. 

Spend four to six hours per day assisting sales, reservations, pre-arrival services, daily operations, and client services; promoting businesses via community outreach and updated materials; and supporting online marketing through website, social media, and review sites, plus a one-hour daily Spanish class. 

Placements match your goals, and in-country coordinators provide 24/7 support. Ideal for proactive volunteers aged 19+, no Spanish required.

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) offers top-rated medical and health internships worldwide. Open to students aged 18 and up, their programs provide hands-on clinical experience in hospitals and clinics, complete with accommodation and local orientation.

In Peru, dental students can join a Dental Elective Internship tailored to their expertise. You’ll assist with procedures, sterilize instruments, and lead oral hygiene campaigns at medical camps. You’ll also visit schools for check-ups and fun dental workshops, and work on real Periodontology cases. 

Interns average four to five work hours per day, enjoy homestay meals, and have free weekends to explore Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Intermediate Spanish, a clean background check, and personal dental kits are required.

Global Vision International (GVI)

Global Vision International is an award-winning organization offering conservation and development internships worldwide. In South America, GVI’s Amazon Rainforest Internship in Peru provides immersive two to 24-week placements at a jungle research station near Puerto Maldonado.

Interns receive mentoring, advanced training, career coaching, and accredited courses to enhance their CV, while working on real research projects that build leadership skills and a global network. Under expert guidance, you’ll design and lead a personal conservation project and engage in primate behavioural studies, camera trapping, mammal transects, vegetation surveys, climate monitoring, phenology research, trail maintenance, and timber surveillance. 

Accommodation in shared bungalows, meals, airport transfers, orientation, and 24/7 support are included. Free weekends let you explore river excursions, local culture, and the Sacred Valley  — breathe life into your conservation career with GVI!

Transform Your Future with a South American Internship

Interning in South America blends professional growth with cultural immersion. One month you could be honing clinical skills alongside experts in Peru’s vibrant healthcare sector, the next you might support sustainable development projects in Argentina’s agricultural heartland, or teach English to children on Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands while practicing your Spanish each weekend. 

Leading organizations — such as Maximo Nivel, Intern Abroad HQ, and GoEco — handle all logistics and place you with vetted local partners. With flexible durations, affordable fees, and tailored placements, these programs deliver expert guidance, in-country support, and unforgettable experiences. 

Whether you’re looking to boost your resume or step beyond your comfort zone, internships in Peru, Argentina, and Ecuador offer the perfect mix of career-building opportunity and adventure. Choose your path, pack your bags, and get ready for a work-travel journey you’ll never forget.