How to Find Internships in Peru

Are you dreaming of gaining work experience in a country rich in culture and history? Peru offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern conveniences, making it an ideal destination for interns from all over the world. Whether you’re a student or a recent graduate, finding an internship in Peru can be an exciting journey. Here’s your go-to guide on how to land the perfect internship in this beautiful South American country.

Why Choose Peru for Your Internship?

Peru is more than just its breathtaking landscapes and the famous Machu Picchu. It’s a hub for various industries such as tourism, archaeology, business, and environmental conservation. Internships in Peru offer a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture while gaining valuable work experience. 

Visa Requirements to Intern in Peru

Individuals from abroad aiming to engage in academic pursuits or undertake unpaid internships or apprenticeships at Peruvian institutions or businesses can seek a student visa. This visa allows them to live in Peru legally while they are learning or training. 

Temporary Student Visa: If your internship in Peru is going to be less than 12 months. It’s usually given for 90 or 180 days at first, but you can apply for extensions.

Resident Student Visa: If you’re going to be interning in Peru for more than 12 months, you’ll get this visa. It lasts for one year but can be renewed each year if you need more time to finish your studies.

If you’re only going to Peru for a short program, you might not need a student visa. You could stay just on a tourist visa instead. Citizens of certain countries can receive a tourist visa on arrival. This depends on your specific situation, so it’s a good idea to talk to the people running your study program, or the nearest Peruvian consulate to see if you need a student visa.

Finding Internship Opportunities in Peru

Follow these steps to get yourself an internship in Peru!

1. Start with Research

The first step is to dive into some serious research. Look for internships in Peru by exploring online job boards, university career centers, and professional networks. Don’t forget to check out social media groups and forums dedicated to expats in Peru, as they can be goldmines of information and advice.

2. Contact Educational Institutions and Organizations

Many universities and colleges in Peru offer internship programs to both local and international students. Reach out to them directly to inquire about any available positions. Additionally, numerous NGOs and international organizations operate in Peru, especially in Lima, providing opportunities in various sectors.

3. Use Specialized Platforms

There are platforms and agencies that specialize in connecting students and graduates with internships in Peru and other parts of the country. These platforms can offer personalized support and help you find a placement that matches your career goals.

4. Networking

Never underestimate the power of networking. Connect with professionals and former interns in Peru through LinkedIn or alumni networks. Their insights and contacts could lead you to your next internship opportunity.

Tailoring Your Application for Peru

When applying for internships in Peru, it’s important to customize your resume and cover letter to suit the local job market. Highlight any Spanish language skills, as this can be a significant advantage, even if the workplace is bilingual. Show your enthusiasm for the culture and your willingness to adapt to a new working environment.

Explore Internship Programs in Peru

Take your pick amongst these great internships by reputable providers in Peru!

Maximo Nivel

Maximo Nivel offers dynamic and immersive internship programs in Peru, centered in the historic city of Cusco, once the heart of the Inca Empire and now a premier destination for those seeking a blend of ancient and modern experiences. 

The Maximo Nivel campus is ideally located in Cusco’s historical center, close to significant landmarks like the Plaza de Armas and the Q’oricancha— the revered ‘Temple of the Sun.’ The institute’s diverse environment includes international and local students.

Maximo Nivel offers placements in:

• Dental
• Education
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Human Rights
• Medical
• Micro-Business
• Special Education
• Veterinary Science

Each internship placement is designed to provide hands-on experience, mentoring, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to local communities and professional settings. 

Prospective interns should be at least 19 years of age, and program fees are structured by duration, with options for 4-week and 8-week internships, and the possibility to extend weekly. These fees cover accommodation, meals, Spanish classes, and the comprehensive support system that Maximo Nivel is known for. 

Furthermore, interns seeking academic credit for their experience abroad can work with Maximo Nivel’s School of Record for official transcripts and credit recognition.

Intern Abroad HQ 

Intern Abroad HQ internships in Cusco, Peru are ideal for students, graduates, career changers, and those on a gap year, offering a variety of short-term internship programs across diverse fields.

With affordable and comprehensive packages that include a fully hosted experience with homestay accommodations and meals, internship periods range from two to 24 weeks. Additionally, participants can earn academic or course credit. The program also offers Spanish language lessons, part of an experiential learning curriculum aimed at preparing interns for the job market.

Explore Intern HQ programs in the following Fields:

• Dental Internships: Offer hands-on experience in clinics, focusing on general checks, treatments, and promoting dental hygiene.
• Marketing & Communications Internships: Involves promotion across various companies, enhancing business visibility through digital marketing and content creation.
• Midwifery Internships: Provides unique insights into birthing homes and clinics, supporting local midwives and expecting mothers.
• Psychology Internships: Allows interns to work closely with psychologists on mental health issues, including domestic violence campaigns.
• Physician Associate Internships: Offers a broad experience in healthcare, assisting in different departments within clinics.
• Physical Therapy Internships: Focuses on assisting therapists with treatments and rehabilitation programs.
• Special Education Internships: Involves assisting in the education and development of disabled students, fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Veterinary & Animal Care Internships: Engages interns in vet clinics and dog shelters, contributing to the care and treatment of animals.
• Youth Development & Education Internships: Supports young people through educational activities and tutoring, customizable based on interns’ skills and interests.

GoEco

GoEco presents unique programs in Peru, tailored for those eager to gain work experience abroad. Interns are immersed in specialized programs, receiving personalized mentorship, which equips them with a professional reference that distinguishes them in the job market.

• The Health and Medical Care Program in Cusco offers interns from science-related majors hands-on experience in their field, allowing interns to significantly impact patient lives. This program includes accommodation, meals, airport transfers, and more, catering to both healthcare students and licensed medical professionals for placements ranging from hospitals to elder homes. Activities may involve patient care, medication distribution, and assisting with medical check-ups, depending on the intern’s experience and qualifications.
• The program with an Amazon Wildlife Rescue & Release Sanctuary in Puerto Maldonado invites participants to contribute to the rehabilitation of animals affected by illegal wildlife trade, hunting, and habitat loss. Set in the heart of the Amazon, this program is a profound learning and contributing experience toward wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, aiming primarily at releasing animals back into protected reserves. Participants assist in animal care, enclosure maintenance, and enrichment activities, working closely with a variety of species to prepare them for release. The program includes accommodations in shared rooms within the sanctuary, three daily meals, and comprehensive support.

Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad offers a diverse array of international internships in Peru, open to high school graduates and college students to recent graduates, making them perfect for summer internships or post-graduate experiences. All Projects Abroad internships in Peru include accommodations with a host family, offering an immersive cultural experience.

• Medical Program for Pre-Med Students: This program, specifically designed for college students or recent graduates interested in medicine, offers over 40 hours of physician shadowing in an international clinical setting, alongside community service hours. Participants gain firsthand experience in healthcare, observe medical professionals, and contribute to community health projects in Cusco, enhancing their medical school applications.
  
• Medical Internship: Targeted at individuals 18 or older with intermediate Spanish skills, this internship provides an opportunity to learn from local healthcare professionals in various settings, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Interns observe and assist with patient care, gaining insights into Peru’s healthcare challenges and the treatment of diseases uncommon in the USA. If you’re under 18, try the Medical Internship for Teens program!
• Nursing Internship: Suitable for those looking to pursue a nursing career, this internship offers a chance to work alongside medical staff in public hospitals, learning about different medical procedures and contributing to community health efforts. Intermediate Spanish is required to facilitate communication with patients and professionals.
  
• Midwifery Internship: This internship offers an observational role in maternity wards, where interns learn from midwives and doctors about prenatal care, births, and postnatal care. It’s ideal for those considering midwifery as a career, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in developing countries.
• Nutrition Internship: Aimed at improving maternal and infant health, this internship involves working with professionals on nutritional education, conducting home visits, and raising awareness about malnutrition. Intermediate Spanish is needed for effective communication during presentations and interactions.

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) stands out as a nonprofit organization with over 35 years of experience in facilitating impactful programs across multiple countries, including Peru. IVI charges a program fee of US$350 per week in Peru, covering accommodation in homestays with Peruvian families, meals, and more. These programs are designed for individuals who are flexible, hardworking, and ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and the environment.

• Medical Internship: This program allows participants to work alongside healthcare professionals in Cusco, offering a chance to shadow doctors and nurses in various healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics. Interns engage in activities ranging from assisting with general check-ups and vital sign monitoring to organizing patient records and preparing medical equipment. Additionally, they may participate in medical campaigns aimed at providing healthcare, dental, and hygiene education to underprivileged communities. The program is open to third and fourth-year medical students and licensed professionals, requiring a minimum one-week commitment.
• Nutrition & Public Health: This program places volunteers in facilities catering to children with Leukemia, nursing homes, and homes for individuals with disabilities and HIV. Participants assist with meal times, engage in conversation-talk therapy, conduct exercise workshops, and help sort and distribute medication. This initiative not only offers a chance to provide direct care and companionship but also to run medical campaigns that educate underprivileged communities on healthcare, dental, and hygiene practices.
• Alpaca and Llama Farm: For those with a passion for animal care, this program situated near Cusco involves working on a family-run farm that cares for alpacas and llamas. Participants help with cleaning and maintaining animal pens, feeding, bathing, brushing, and assisting with the shearing and weaving of textiles. This unique opportunity contributes to the preservation of Peruvian textiles and educates both tourists and locals on the significance of these native animals.
• Amazon Rainforest Conservation: This conservation effort in the Amazon Jungle is critical for reforestation, wildlife monitoring, organic gardening, and community education to combat climate change. Participants get involved in planting trees, removing non-native species, and conducting wildlife inventories. The project is both locally and globally significant, aiming to preserve one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
• English Teaching: Teaching English in Cusco offers volunteers a chance to impact the lives of children, teens, and adults by enhancing their language skills, crucial for their future career opportunities. Participants work in schools, daycare facilities, and community centers, creating lesson plans, teaching classes, and tutoring students.

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) offers a range of programs in Cusco, Peru, and provides participants with comprehensive support, including airport transfers, orientation, accommodation with local host families, and meals, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience. Internships come with a certificate of completion, acknowledging the valuable contributions and skills gained during the program. 

• Dental Elective Internship: This program is tailored for dentistry students looking to gain firsthand experience in the dental field. Interns assist local dentists with various tasks, including sterilization of tools and direct dental care, depending on their educational background and medical experience. The internship also involves organizing dental health awareness campaigns and dental camps in schools and local communities. This program is perfect for those aiming to enrich their dental care skills.
• Long-Term Medical Program: Participants in this program work alongside professional doctors and nurses in local healthcare clinics, assisting with tasks like suturing wounds, administering vaccinations, and participating in medical operations and treatments based on their level of Spanish and prior work experience. This program offers insights into Peru’s healthcare system and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to local medical efforts.
• Teacher Assistant in Kindergartens: Participants in this program support local teachers in rural kindergartens, focusing on cognitive, motor, affective, and social skills development for children aged 3 to 5. Interns assist with daily activities, lesson preparation, and educational games, making a significant impact on the children’s preparatory stages for elementary education.
• Special Needs Support: This opportunity allows interns to work in schools for special needs children, including those who are mentally challenged or deaf. Interns support the staff with educational and recreational activities, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for students’ overall development. This role is suited for those with a background in psychology or therapy, offering a chance to work directly with school psychologists.
• Day Care Center Support: Participants contribute to local daycare centers, taking care of toddlers and engaging in activities that support their early development. This program is ideal for participants passionate about working with children and contributing to their early childhood development through creative and educational activities.

Global Vision International (GVI)

Global Vision International (GVI) in Peru offers a unique opportunity to contribute to rainforest conservation efforts within the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Amazon. Participants get to immerse themselves in one of the most biologically diverse environments on the planet, located in the Tambopata National Reserve near Puerto Maldonado. This experience is not just about contributing to crucial conservation work but also about living in the heart of the Amazon Basin, surrounded by a plethora of species such as jaguars, pumas, sloths, and many more.

Participants engage in primate behavior studies, camera trapping, and supporting scientific research with standardized data collection. There are opportunities to also work on monitoring various species, engaging in habitat evaluation, and participating in vegetation plot studies. The program supports independent research, allowing participants to blend academic pursuits with practical conservation efforts, potentially using the experience for university reports or theses.

Participants stay in shared bungalows within the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve, equipped with essential facilities. The program encourages a communal living experience, complete with a dining room, library, and areas for relaxation and study. With program durations ranging from 1 to 24 weeks, participants of all backgrounds are welcome to join, requiring no specific qualifications. 

Embracing the Experience

Interning in Peru is not just about building your resume; it’s about personal growth and cultural exchange. Embrace every moment, from the challenges to the triumphs. Internships in Peru offer a unique opportunity to develop professionally while experiencing the wonders of a country known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and warm people.

Whether it’s graduate internships in Peru or summer internships in Peru, starting your career journey in this incredible country can be a life-changing experience. With the right approach and resources, you’ll find an internship that not only boosts your career but also enriches your life.