Education Internship in Peru

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Earn international teaching experience in a rural school in Peru!

Are you eager to make a meaningful impact on young lives while immersing yourself in a rich cultural experience? This internship offers aspiring teachers the opportunity to help children and teenagers improve their education while experiencing life in remote regions of Peru.

You will join the teaching staff at an institution for 6 to 16-year-old elementary and secondary students in the rural town of Tomepampa. In this remote region of Peru children not only lack access to quality education, but they also often suffer from social issues like alcoholism, lack of access to public services, and violation of their rights. This organization is dedicated to broadening these children’s horizons through education, whilst providing a safe place for them to learn and grow.

You’ll play a big role in a small team and get experience running your own class. You will help teach the subject of your choice in collaboration with the principal and teachers of this institution. You may also help with the preparation of personalized plans of study for the boys and girls living in the youth hostel next to the school.

ORGANIZATION

Volunteers Peru was founded in 2013 and its main focus is helping children and young people in the Arequipa and Tomepampa region. Children and teenagers face several social problems such as alcoholism, low-quality education, lack of support from public institutions, and the violation of their rights, especially in the poorer areas of the cities and in rural Peru.

The NGO supports these at-risk children and teenagers by placing international volunteers and interns in local organizations and schools. They help with the children’s educational goals and at the same time, they foster an intercultural relationship that will broaden and enrich their lives.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

As an intern, you’ll get real-life experience of being a teacher for a living. You’ll work closely with principals and other teachers, to develop curricula, prepare educational materials, and run the classes you helped design.

Responsibilities

  • Support the teaching of your major’s curricular area
  • Prepare materials and conduct classes while under supervision
  • Assist in curriculum development and weekly lesson planning
  • Teach English as a second language and, if you are a native speaker, you may be asked to help improve the oral skills of the institution’s English teachers
  • Participate in extracurricular activities in the afternoon; you may propose an activity you particularly like and/or excel at
  • Help with students’ homework at the school’s youth hostel
  • Collaborate with other teachers and staff in the planning and implementation of special events

Requirements

  • Undergraduate student of education pursuing teaching certification
  • Intermediate level of spoken Spanish
  • Excellent communication and listening skills
  • Previous experience as a tutor is beneficial
  • Good organizational skills
  • Cultural awareness and acceptance of different religions, races, and lifestyles

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Interns enjoy their stay at Casa Primavera, a large traditional house with an orchard in Tomepampa. You will have a bedroom with a full-sized bed and a private bathroom. A weekly cleaning service is provided. You may share the house’s main kitchen with other guests and/or you may have meals prepared for you.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Tomepampa is in a safe rural area. You will arrive in Arequipa and might spend 1-2 nights there. Also Arequipa is generally a safe city but petty crime does occur. Avoid going out alone at night and if you need a (taxi) ride, it’s generally best to ask your host or the accommodation for a trusted taxi company.

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. There hasn’t been a case of malaria in Peru for 20 years.

Communication

Communication

There is no WifI access at your accommodation.

Meals

Meals

Meals are not included in the fees, but you can opt for a meal package (additional fees apply) if you like. The host organization will make sure to show you around so you get to know the stores and where to buy your ingredients. If you opt for the meal package, then please let us know if you have any diet restrictions, so we can inform the chef. All meals are of a high quality and homemade. It’s also very cheap to go out for lunch or dinner. For a two course meal with a dessert and drink expect to pay between 10 to 15 soles (USD 3-5). Be on the safe side by only drinking bottled water.

Location details

Location details

The school is located in the town of Tomepampa, an 8-hour bus ride from the city of Arequipa. Tomepampa is a picturesque town nestled right in the middle of the Cotahuasi Canyon of Peru. This area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, vibrant local culture, and a wide range of exciting outdoor activities.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Start and end dates for the internship with this organization are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.

What you’ll pay (2026 rates)

12 weeks USD 2,460

16 weeks USD 2,919

20 weeks USD 3,379

24 weeks USD 3,838

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Transfer from Rodríguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa to your accommodation in Arequipa
  • Bus transfer from Arequipa to Tomepampa and back (8 hours per trip)
  • Accommodation based on a single room
  • Optional: Include three meals a day to your accommodation package (additional fees apply)
  • Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
  • Onboarding with your supervisor
  • Regular check-ins
  • Support from the Roots team remotely
  • A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
  • A reference letter upon request

Exclusions

  • Flights to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa
  • Extra night(s) in Arequipa upon arrival or departure (if applicable)
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Meals, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Peru.

What can I expect from an internship in Peru?

You can expect to be in bustling cities or a completely remote jungle, depending on your internship of choice. Also, you’ll be collaborating with local professionals and volunteers that will offer you insights into Peruvian work ethics and practices. Beyond your internship, your weekends and free time can be spent discovering the overall breathtaking beauty of the country.

How will a nonprofit internship in Peru help my career development?

During your internship in Peru, you’ll be able to utilize your professional and personal skills, as well as develop those skills that you feel could use more work. Also, employers may see your CV as more favorable, since it’ll show that you were a part of a meaningful international grassroots project, which shows a variety of transferable qualities. If you want to know more about how doing a nonprofit internship is good for your career, make sure to check this blog out!

While on an internship in Peru can I receive university credit?

Yes, but you must check with your university supervisor that this experience qualifies. You can also buy additional transfer credits to add onto your internship.

Can I receive a stipend while completing my internship?

Unfortunately, no. You can find other ways to fund your internship as you will not be paid while working with a nonprofit organization. Your internship experience will bring a wealth of new knowledge, along with opportunities for professional and personal growth which are both invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Tomepampa, Peru
PROGRAM FOCUS: Education NGO
TASK FOCUS: Curriculum Development, Teaching, Class Assistance
LENGTH: Min. 12 weeks
COST: From USD 2,460

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain international teaching experience in a nonprofit context
  • Develop practical skills in teaching and curriculum development
  • Make a significant impact on the lives of disadvantaged and geographically isolated children
  • Work alongside rural Peruvian communities
  • Live and work in remote Peru
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

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.

GET STARTED

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!

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