7 Reasons Why Peru is Great for NGO Internships
Learn all the reasons why Peru should be a destination you consider for your internship abroad, and find out more about our top internships in Peru!
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Peru makes a great NGO internship location because of its outstanding biodiversity, rich culture, and its favorable NGO sector. Make sure you get the chance to involve yourself in a nonprofit internship in Peru!
Located in the heart of South America, Peru is home to diverse landscapes that range from the majestic Machu Picchu to the magnificent Colca Canyon. Additionally, Peru is renowned for its great gastronomy, biodiversity, traditions, and music. If you decide to intern in this country, we can assure that you’ll have an experience worth raving about! Our internships in Peru provide you with a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to various grassroots projects, addressing critical issues such as community healthcare, biology research, and education. With each of these internships, you’ll make a true impact on different communities in Peru.
We offer many different types of internships in various locations in Peru with the main focus on education, health, environment, and ecotourism. By interning with one of our partners, you’ll get a unique chance to experience the stunning natural diversity and the beautiful Peruvian culture beyond the typical tourist locations in the country. At the same time, you’ll get the opportunity to make a positive impact on different communities, depending on which internship you ultimately decide to choose.
Peru Highlights
Warm and Hospitable People
Peruvians are known for their hospitality and friendliness, making it easy to connect with locals and immerse yourself in their fantastic culture.
Peruvian Cuisine
Peru’s gastronomy is celebrated worldwide for its diverse flavors and unique ingredients. Trying Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, causa, and anticuchos will certainly be a big highlight during your stay!
Adventure
Peru is a hotspot for adventure seekers. You can engage in activities like hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, white-water rafting, paragliding, and sandboarding in the desert oasis of Huacachina.
Cultural Sensitivity
Peru’s rich cultural heritage emphasizes community and collaboration, making it more receptive to NGO efforts that prioritize respecting and preserving local traditions and knowledge.
Browse All Internship Opportunities in Peru
Teaching Internship
- Min 8 weeks
- Cusco, Peru
- Teaching, Gender Equality, Education
Gain practical teaching experience working with young girls from disadvantaged families in Cusco
Social Work Internship
- Min 10 weeks
- Cusco, Peru
- Community Outreach, Gender Equality, Education
Develop a wealth of social work expertise by working with some of Peru’s vulnerable youth during this social work internship
Marketing and Fundraising Internship
- Min 8 weeks
- Cusco, Peru OR Remote
- Marketing, Fundraising, Strategy, Communications
Develop a broad marketing skill set promoting the crucial work being done for Cusco’s most vulnerable young people
Psychology Internship
- Min 10 weeks
- Cusco, Peru
- Psychology, Gender Equality, Education
Gain practical psychology experience supporting young girls from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds in Cusco, Peru
Community Healthcare Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Puerto Inca, Peru
- Medical, Healthcare, Community outreach
Offer medical support and assistance at a local health center in the Peruvian Amazon
Teaching Internship
- 3-6 Months
- Puerto Inca, Peru
- Curriculum development, Workshops, Education
Teach children the skills they need to become the next generation of conservation leaders
Biology Research Internship
- 3-6 Months
- Puerto Inca, Peru
- Data capture, Reporting, Surveys, Camera traps
Work alongside experts documenting and studying flora and fauna of the Peruvian Amazon
Important information about Peru
Internship locations in Peru
Puerto Inca
Puerto Inca is a charming coastal town located in the Ica Region of Peru. The picturesque setting of Puerto Inca, with its calm beaches and vibrant marine life, creates an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the coastal breeze. It also creates a unique backdrop for interns to gain cross-cultural insights while immersing themselves in the rich Peruvian coastal lifestyle.
Cusco
Cusco is a city rich in history and culture, being the old Incan empire capital. Its spectacular architecture boasts influences of various cultures which make every street a marvel. With close proximity to Machu Picchu and other wonders, both man-made and natural, there is no shortage of activities when interning here. The international and local community alike welcome visitors to explore their magnificent city and all it has to offer.
More Peru Information
Weather and Climate
Although it is located in the tropics, Peru also has desert and mountain climates. The average high temperatures typically range from 22°C to 30°C, and the nights are generally cooler, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C. There are two main seasons: dry season from December to April and wet season from May to November. Be sure to check the climate for your specific destination and time of year.
Safety and Support
Throughout your internship in Peru we’re here to support you. Some basic safety precautions in order to have a positive experience during your internship in Peru are to research the local customs, culture, and safety guidelines, get the required vaccinations, use safe transportation methods, avoid risky areas, and be aware of potential scams when purchasing items or taking a taxi, tuk tuk, bus, etc. Should you need any medical assistance, your host organization will assist you in receiving the proper care for any illnesses or injuries.
Peru Travel Requirements
- Visa – check with your home country’s embassy to confirm the requirements; There is no specific volunteer visa in Peru, so individuals who wish to intern here can enter on a tourist visa and pursue their internship until this expires.
- Travel Insurance – You want to have a carefree experience during your internship abroad, so it’s important to get the right travel insurance; a package that is suited for your upcoming trip. Check out our page with more information on flights and insurance.
- Police Clearance / Background Check – This is a standard policy for most of our internships, as you are often working with vulnerable individuals. The procedure on how to obtain a police clearance/background check varies per country.
- Vaccinations – Generally recommended vaccinations for Peru are: routine vaccines, COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever.
PERU FAQS
Is it safe to do an internship in Peru?
While it is relatively safe to do an internship in Peru, there are obviously some safety precautions that you must take in order for you to stay safe and have a good experience. Some of these precautions include familiarizing yourself with local customs and avoiding getting yourself into any dangerous or risky situations, particularly at night.
Do I need to speak Spanish to be an intern in Peru?
It is not mandatory to speak Spanish during your internship in Peru, but having some basic knowledge of the language can make your experience a lot better by having the ability to communicate with the local community.
What are the living costs in Peru?
During your internship, your accommodation is included along with some other bonuses that can be found on each individual listing. If you’d like to go out to eat, food in Peru is relatively cheap. For example, a lunch menu in a local restaurant costs 9.00 soles or $2.50 USD.
When should I start planning my internship in Peru?
It is recommended that you start planning at least three months before the start date of your internship. This is in order to make sure we can find the perfect placement for you and for you to have all your vaccinations and documents ready, for example your visa, passport, etc.
Do you offer summer internships in Peru?
The internships in Peru that we offer are available throughout the year, so if you are looking for a summer internship, check out our offering and let us know which Peru internship you are interested in.
How do I apply for an internship in Peru?
You can browse through all our offered internship opportunities in Peru and choose the organization that interests you the most. Once you pick the one that suits your interests, you can apply by filling out the application form online or making an enquiry. After we have revised your application, we will contact you to schedule an online interview to give us a broader view of your goals for the internship. You will also be able to ask any questions that you may have. If everything goes well, we’ll send your application to the host organization.
If you’re having trouble deciding which one you should choose, don’t hesitate to send us a message and we’ll help you pick the right one for you!
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
