Gain international experience supporting small business development in Latin America
Step into the world of purpose-driven enterprise and discover how small businesses can drive sustainable change. This Social Business Internship invites you to work alongside local entrepreneurs in Latin America who are strengthening their communities through innovation, resilience, and social impact.
Through hands-on collaboration with micro-enterprises and social ventures, you’ll support projects that range from marketing and communications to operations and finance. Whether you’re helping streamline internal systems, launching a campaign, or facilitating community outreach, your work will contribute to long-term business sustainability. Designed for aspiring changemakers and globally-minded learners, this internship combines professional development with meaningful cultural immersion offering you a unique opportunity to grow your skills while contributing to inclusive economic progress.
Learning Objectives
Founded in 2003, this organization is a leader in educational travel. With locally based institutes in Costa Rica, Peru, and Guatemala, they provide immersive cultural exchange and unique, resume-building experiences. Their mission is to improve impact in every community that they work and live in, and inspire people to be open-minded, to travel, and to learn.
Through collaborations with nonprofits, NGOs, and socially responsible initiatives, this organization offers interns the chance to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. These internships empower local projects to expand their reach while giving interns valuable global experience in their area of interest.
Each internship is personalized to match your background, skillset, and learning goals with the needs of a local social business. Project tasks may shift based on current initiatives and the stage of the business you’re supporting.
You’ll have the opportunity to stay with a welcoming host family which offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture and build meaningful connections. You’ll enjoy the privacy of your room while benefiting from shared amenities like Wifi, washing machines, and a kitchen for preparing lunch. This option offers a warm and welcoming home experience, making your living experience in Peru as authentic as possible. If you’d prefer to stay in a hostel, please reach out for prices and availability. If you’d like to upgrade to a student residence, apartment, hostel or hotel room, get in touch for prices and availability. Spending a few weeks as an intern in Cusco allows you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s everyday life, from learning local customs and enjoying home-cooked meals to navigating its charming streets and discovering hidden gems beyond the tourist paths.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and obtain any recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, support staff on the ground, along with an internship supervisor and program coordinator.
Being a major city, tourists can be easy targets for pickpockets in Cusco, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Stick to populated areas and always know how to safely return to your accommodation. Use recommended taxi drivers/official apps, keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), and keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and never walking down dark streets.
Wifi is available at all accommodation types, however, it’s important to note that the strength and speed can be unpredictable, so it is recommended to arrange a data plan to ensure connectivity. Using roaming on your current plan can be expensive, so be sure to unlock your phone for international carriers prior to travel and purchase a local SIM or global e-SIM for a more affordable connection. The organization’s main office in Cusco also has a computer lounge available for internet access.
Breakfast and dinner are provided seven days/week. Signature Peruvian traditional dishes include ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Pollo a la Brasa, Chicharon, Adobo, and Mazamora (purple corn pudding). Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so we can be sure to accommodate your needs.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 WEEKS USD 1,595
8 WEEKS USD 2,295
10 WEEKS USD 2,685
12 WEEKS USD 3,075
Cusco, located in the Andes, is a mix of ancient Inca ruins and colonial architecture. It’s the gateway to Machu Picchu, surrounded by scenic mountains. The city offers a unique blend of history and culture, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Its charming cobblestone streets lead to bustling markets, lively plazas, and centuries-old landmarks, where Incan heritage and Spanish influences come together to create a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
Live like a local in Costa Rica by staying with a welcoming host family, where you’ll experience daily life, build meaningful connections, and immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture. Enjoy the privacy of your own room while benefiting from amenities like Wifi, washing machines, and a fully equipped kitchen. If a homestay isn’t your preference, hostel stays are available, and upgrades to student residences, apartments, or hotel rooms can be arranged. Beyond your accommodation, San José offers the perfect balance of history, culture, and modern energy. Wander through bustling markets, admire colonial architecture, and explore the city’s thriving arts scene. Whether you’re sipping world-class coffee, tasting delicious local cuisine, or diving into its lively student and nightlife scene, San José is the ideal place to experience Costa Rica while making the most of your internship.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and obtain any recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, support staff on the ground, along with an internship supervisor and program coordinator.
Being a capital city, tourists can be easy targets for pickpockets in San José, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Stick to populated areas and always know how to safely return to your accommodation. Use recommended taxi drivers/official apps (Uber or Didi), keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), and keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and never walking down dark streets.
Wifi is available at all accommodation types, however, it’s important to note that the strength and speed can be unpredictable, so it is recommended to arrange a data plan to ensure connectivity. Using roaming on your current plan can be expensive, so be sure to unlock your phone for international carriers prior to travel and purchase a local SIM or global e-SIM for a more affordable connection. The organization’s main office in San José also has a computer lounge available for internet access.
Breakfast and dinner are provided seven days/week. Lunch can be prepared in the kitchen at your homestay, or purchased near your internship project site. Staple meals will likely include gallo pinto and casado. Other traditional Costa Rican foods include tamales, picadillos, chiles rellenos, chicharrones, arroz con camarones, and sopa negra. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so we can accommodate your needs during your stay.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 WEEKS USD 1,995
8 WEEKS USD 2,995
10 WEEKS USD 3,585
12 WEEKS USD 4,175
San José, a city with an abundance of flora and fauna, is the cultural capital of Costa Rica. Along with the diverse art landscape and coffee selection, expect to be swept off your feet by the charm of this beautiful city. Lively markets, historic landmarks, energetic nightlife, and welcoming locals come together to create a city that perfectly balances tradition and modern vibrancy, making every corner an exciting discovery.
Internship start dates are every Monday, arrival on Sunday, departure on Saturday.
Fees vary per location and can be found in the City specific sections above.
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
CONTACT
SOCIAL
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
