When you hear ‘Peru’, what comes to mind? The ancient Inca history of Machu Picchu? Unique natural settings like the Rainbow Mountains and the Amazon River? Or do you think of the possibilities of career projects in Peru?
Everyone knows that Peru is one of the most tantalizing travel destinations on the globe, but few consider it as an internship destination. What many don’t know is that there are a bounty of opportunities for internships, nonprofit internships, and even paid internships in Peru.
At Roots, we’ve been partnering with some of the best NGOs in Peru, and the country is fast becoming one of our standout internship destinations. In this blog, we’ll introduce some of our best internships in Peru and run through crucial factors to consider when choosing between Peru internships.
What Are The Best NGO Internships In Peru?
Before even getting to the programs themselves, there are thousands of reasons to do nonprofit internships in Peru. The natural beauty, ancient history, and famously hospitable people are enough to convince anyone to seek out career projects in Peru.
The truth is, though, that the internships in Peru don’t disappoint either. Peru internships span industries, train for diverse roles, and let interns contribute to worthwhile sustainability and community development projects in Peru.
Here Are Some of Our Best Internships in Peru
1. NGO Management Internship
Travel to the Amazon Rainforest and train your management skills coordinating conservation and community development projects in Peru. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the protection of the Amazon Rainforest while developing diverse skills in project management.
Based on the outskirts of the Peruvian Amazon, interns will assist a conservation-focused NGO with a range of sustainable development projects. This is one of the best NGOs in Peru to intern with, as their holistic approach to rainforest conservation allows for a huge variety of work. Daily tasks could include project management, language teaching, social media management, community engagement, and more.
2. Medical Internship
Improve your medical skills while playing an important role in a rural community in Arequipa, Peru. This medical internship offers rewarding practical professional experience and profoundly rewarding personal experience.
Living in the heart of downtown Arequipa, you’ll support one of the best NGOs in Peru, responsible for a wide range of impactful community uplift projects. You’ll be assisting with their various medical projects in Peru’s second city. Your day-to-day will be spent assisting with physical examinations, managing vaccines, and participating in health campaigns.
This is one of our best internships in Peru for medical and nursing students to gain invaluable experience while using their own skills and knowledge to improve a local community’s well-being.
3. Social Work Internship
Support vulnerable children in Arequipa and work to improve their quality of life while gaining valuable insights and skills in social work and community development. You’ll gain practical experience in social work, youth development, and education while making a real difference in children’s lives.
Interns will immerse themselves in the vibrant city of Arequipa, working with the same organization as above. They will be responsible for implementing strategies and workshops aimed at improving the quality of life for children. Through hands-on experience and tailored support, interns will not only make a profound impact on the lives of these children but also gain valuable insights and skills in social work, community development, and education.
4. Psychology Internship
Learn from and work alongside dedicated professionals as you support the mental health and well-being of a disadvantaged community in Arequipa. This is one of the best nonprofit jobs in Peru for young psychologists who bring practical experience supporting individuals facing significant challenges.
Interns will conduct psychological evaluations, develop personalized support plans, and organize activities to foster growth and well-being. Through this internship, aspiring psychologists will gain hands-on experience, support vital community uplift projects in Peru, and make deep connections with the community they work with.
5. Education Internship
Gain international teaching experience in a rural school setting while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and teenagers facing serious challenges. This is a chance to develop leadership, communication, and classroom management skills essential for a successful teaching career, all while experiencing the rich cultural tapestry of rural Peru.
Living and working in Tomepampa, you’ll collaborate with the staff of a local school to develop and implement curricula, conduct classes, and support the educational development of students. Your role will go beyond the classroom too, as you arrange extra-curricular activities to keep kids on the right track.
6. Community Healthcare Internship
This community healthcare internship is ideal for the medical student with a sense of adventure. You’ll travel to a remote village on the outskirts of the Peruvian Amazon, Puerto Inca, and provide vital support for a grassroots health center.
This program places you with an organization working to sustainably develop rural communities in the Amazon to reduce their reliance on and participation in harmful deforestation practices. As part of a community’s health center, interns will assist with various medical tasks such as administering vaccinations, suturing wounds, and conducting physical exams, all while living and working in challenging conditions in Puerto Inca.
7. Biology Research Internship
Journey to the heart of the Peruvian Amazon and gain hands-on experience in biodiversity conservation with one of our best internships in Peru for biology students. This program lets young biologists work alongside experts studying the flora and fauna of the Peruvian Amazon and support biodiversity conservation.
You’ll conduct surveys, monitor habitats, and utilize camera traps to gather valuable data on a variety of wildlife species, contributing to the organization’s multifaceted approach to rainforest conservation. You’ll stay in basic huts within the rainforest, letting you immerse yourself in nature while gaining hands-on experience in conservation work.
4 Tips For Choosing The Best NGOs In Peru For Internships
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to internships in Peru. The country is home to some of the best internships in Latin America!
So, you’ll need to take a measured approach to your selection process to ensure you end up with the best internships in Peru for your chosen career path. When selecting an internship with the best NGOs in Peru, it’s crucial to consider various factors to ensure a fulfilling and impactful experience.
1. Evaluate Opportunities For Skill Development
Career development should be the top priority of internships in Peru and anywhere else too. The best NGOs in Peru to intern with will offer structured programs with practical opportunities for skill development and learning.
When selecting between projects in Peru, assess whether the organization provides training, mentorship, or professional development workshops that can contribute to your personal and professional growth. Reach out to potential host organizations and ask questions like, ‘What skills can I expect to gain from an internship with your organization?
2. Assess Community Engagement And Impact
One of the most exciting aspects of nonprofit internships in Peru is the chance to make lasting connections with local Peruvians. If this is important for you, prioritize it in your search for the best internships in Peru. Seek out organizations that prioritize community involvement, sustainable development practices, and empowerment initiatives.
Also, try to gauge the tangible impact of its projects. The best NGOs in Peru allow interns to make a meaningful contribution to a valuable cause while gaining valuable experience.
3. Consider Location And Logistics
Take into account the location of the NGO and the cultural immersion opportunities it offers. Consider whether the placement allows you to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture, learn from local communities, and develop cross-cultural communication skills.
Additionally, consider the realities of internships in Peru and factor this in when assessing locations. The cost of living in Peru is low throughout the country; however, the level of luxury and quality of life in Peru will vary greatly depending on location. In more rural areas, interns will stay in basic accommodations.
4. Connect With Former Interns
Reach out to former interns or volunteers who have worked with the NGO to gain insights into their experiences. They can provide valuable firsthand information about the organization’s work culture, support for interns, and the nature of the projects. It’s also worth checking online for testimonials and reviews.
How Can Roots Help You Find The Best Internship In Peru?
Peru offers a wealth of internship opportunities that combine professional development with cultural immersion and impactful work in fields ranging from conservation to healthcare and education.
With Roots’ expertise and partnerships with the best NGOs in Peru, you can find the best internships in Peru for your personal interests and career goals. Get in touch with us today to explore the best internship opportunities in Peru and start your adventure!
