South and Central America are home to some of the most exciting travel destinations in the world. Everyone knows that. However, not everyone knows about the fantastic nonprofit internships in Latin America.
If you’re interested in learning two of the world’s most widely spoken languages (Spanish and Portuguese), traveling to awe-inspiring natural landscapes and cities of celebrated cultures, or making a positive change in the world, you should learn more about internships in Latin America.
In this blog, we’ll run you through all of our best internships in Latin America, the best NGOs to work for in Latin America, and how to pick the best internship destination for you.
6 Best Internships In Latin America
In the last year, we’ve opened up our range of nonprofit internships to include some of the best Latin America internships available.
We are thrilled to have a bounty of new internship opportunities in some of the best places for NGO internships in the world. These programs offer training for an array of professions and the chance to contribute to a range of meaningful causes.
1. CONTENT CREATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNSHIP IN BRAZIL
This is one of our best internship opportunities in Latin America for content creators and photographers passionate about conservation. Live and work in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest as you help to document and raise awareness of vital biodiversity conservation projects.
You’ll work with one of the best NGOs in Latin America for rainforest conservation, situated in Serra do Brigadeiro State Park in Brazil. This organization is dedicated to combating climate change through reforestation. As well as tree planting schemes, they provide educational programs for locals of all ages and community-led sustainable development.
Your day-to-day will include writing research findings, producing online content, and documenting projects with video and photography. You’ll gain fantastic marketing experience, develop a diverse portfolio of content, and help protect the Atlantic Rainforest’s remarkable flora and fauna.
2. RESEARCH AND NATURE CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP IN BRAZIL
Immerse yourself in biodiversity research and sustainable change initiatives in Brazil with this dynamic internship opportunity! This is one of the best internships in Latin America for ecology and biology enthusiasts.
You’ll travel to Brazil’s Itacaré region, an area of unparalleled natural beauty situated between the Mata Atlantica Rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean. Your work will focus on studying mangrove tree populations, which play an integral role in the area’s ecosystems.
You’ll spend your days mapping habitats, cataloging species, and monitoring biodiversity to protect local communities reliant on fishing and agriculture. The internship also offers the chance to get involved in environmental education programs to nurture future environmental leaders.
3. WILDLIFE HUSBANDRY INTERNSHIP IN COSTA RICA
Experience firsthand wildlife conservation and rehabilitation in Costa Rica with one of our best internship opportunities in Latin America! Costa Rica not only offers some of the top internships in Latin America, but it’s also one of our top places for NGO internships in 2024.
This program places you in a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife back into their natural habitat while also serving as a refuge for animals unable to be returned to the wild. It is one of our best internship opportunities in Latin America if you want to spend your career working with animals.
You’ll work closely with experienced professionals to care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, gaining practical skills in animal husbandry and contributing to vital conservation. Daily internship tasks will include animal husbandry duties, devising diet and nutrition plans for animals, wildlife capture and restraint, and community outreach initiatives.
4. URBAN AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE FARMING INTERNSHIP IN THE GALAPAGOS
This program places you with some of the best NGOs to work for in Latin America for sustainable development and agriculture. Learn eco-friendly farming practices, gain valuable insight into sustainable tropical agriculture, and use your knowledge to help Costa Rica achieve food sovereignty.
Situated on Isabella Island in the Galapagos, this organization helps local communities achieve year-round agricultural production. You’ll play an important role on a small team as you collaborate with experts to improve farming practices on the island. You’ll help local communities access healthier and more diverse food options whilst spreading knowledge of sustainable practices and the importance of conservation
The exact tasks you’ll engage in depend heavily on what time of year you’ll join the project. You can expect to engage in dairy farming work like tilling the land and planting at whatever time of year. Additionally, you might get the chance to learn soil management techniques, analyze seeds, and experiment with different agricultural techniques.
5. EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP IN ECUADOR
This internship stands out as one of the best internship opportunities in Latin America for aspiring agents of social change. Located in the picturesque rural settlement of Shandia, interns have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region while making a tangible impact on the lives of its residents.
This program has you joining one of the best NGOs to work for if you want to gain teaching experience and insight into community development. The organization takes a holistic approach to community upliftment, spanning education, social work, psychological development, and income-generating projects.
Working with an indigenous Kichwa community in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador, you’ll have diverse teaching experience, working with children from primary to secondary school ages as well as adults through evening classes. Beyond the classroom, interns participate in sports camps, public health workshops, and town meetings, contributing to the community’s overall well-being.
6. MEDICAL INTERNSHIP IN PERU
This is one of the best internships in Latin America for biology students and aspiring medical professionals. Set in one of Peru’s most captivating cities, interns gain invaluable experience within a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to improving community health and nutrition.
This program is an excellent gateway for medical and nursing students to expand their knowledge and skills while making meaningful contributions to the community’s well-being. Interns will support diverse medical initiatives, working alongside qualified doctors and healthcare providers across various departments, from general medicine to complementary medicine, psychology, and more.
With responsibilities ranging from assisting in physical examinations to managing vaccines and medical campaigns in rural areas, interns experience a demanding yet rewarding role that prepares them for a fulfilling healthcare career.
5 Tips for Choosing Internships In Latin America
With so many choices available, it’s not easy to figure out how to choose a nonprofit internship destination. Some may already have their heart set on a destination or even know the best NGOs to work for in Latin America for their career goals. Others will have to put some more thought into the decision.
Here are our tips for choosing the best internships in Latin America:
1. Research
You can’t find the best internships in Latin America until you know what’s out there. Start by researching the best NGOs in Latin America and the best internship opportunities in Latin America.
You’ll find you have a lot of options, so focus on your priorities and how each program lines up. Look for organizations aligned with your interests, values, and career goals and consider factors such as their mission, impact, reputation, and projects they’re involved in.
2. Evaluate Opportunities
Assess the opportunities available at each nonprofit organization to try and find internships in Latin America that best suit your goals.
Look for positions that offer meaningful responsibilities, opportunities for skill development, and mentorship. Consider the specific tasks you’ll be involved in and how they align with your interests and career aspirations. Remember, there’ll be a lot of choice, so let your career goals and passions serve as your compass.
3. Consider Logistics
Consider the practical aspects of interning with a nonprofit organization in Latin America. Even the best internship opportunities in Latin America will come with their own logistical issues and obstacles.
Think about things like language barriers, safety in the region, and accessibility. Additionally, factor in costs associated with living abroad, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and incidental expenses. Keep in mind that there aren’t many paid internships in Latin America. So, think about what options you have for funding your internship.
4. Reach out for Advice
Seek guidance from individuals who have experience with nonprofit internships in Latin America or are knowledgeable about the region.
This could include reaching out to individuals who have visited Latin America, especially those who have undertaken internships or volunteer work there. It could also involve asking teachers, college professors, or employers about your career needs. If nothing else, it’s worth talking things through with a friend or family member
Additionally, it can be incredibly useful to consult some nonprofit internship experts and ask what they recommend. At Roots, we specialize in providing guidance and support for those seeking meaningful internship opportunities in the nonprofit sector. If you’d like some help finding and choosing the best internships in Latin America, get in touch!
How can Roots help you find the best internship in Latin America?
As you contemplate your journey into the world of the best internships in Latin America, take your time and navigate the process thoughtfully.
Seeking guidance from experts like Roots Interns can provide you with the support and resources needed to make informed decisions and maximize your internship experience. We have a broad network, including all the best NGOs in Latin America, plus years of expertise in connecting passionate individuals with the most impactful and best internship opportunities in Latin America
So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of personal growth, cultural immersion, and social impact, take the next step and find the best internship opportunities in Latin America with Roots Interns.
