Social Work Internship in Peru

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Embark on a deeply fulfilling mission to assist children and young individuals facing disabilities and vulnerability in Arequipa.

This remarkable opportunity provides a unique chance to acquire hands-on, real-world experience while offering crucial support to children and young individuals facing the challenges associated with disabilities and vulnerability. Your journey will take place in the vibrant city of Arequipa, where you’ll embark on a deeply fulfilling mission to assist these remarkable children in their journey toward a brighter and healthier future.

As you immerse yourself in this role, you will discover the profound impact you can make on the lives of these children and young people. You’ll become their unwavering pillar of support, working closely with them to help them develop the essential tools necessary to overcome the formidable barriers that often define their daily realities.

Moreover, this experience offers a gateway to professional growth and development. By actively engaging with the vibrant community of Arequipa and delving into the intricate dynamics of social work, you’ll gain invaluable insights and skills that can serve as a solid foundation for a fulfilling career in this field.

Learning objectives

  • Gain international experience in the nonprofit sector
  • Acquire extensive knowledge about social work specialized in people with disabilities.
  • Learn about the culture of non-profit organizations.

ORGANIZATION

This organization stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the community which is tirelessly dedicated to promoting the well-being and prosperity of all of their members. Their work is materialized through a series of innovative projects, including social services, technical training and economic empowerment to community members. Through these innovation projects, it results in a stronger and more resilient community of individuals.

At the heart of their mission and vision, PAZ Peru is governed by a set of strong values that are the moral compass of their work. Love and commitment drive every action they undertake, demonstrating that service to others is their reason for being. Proactivity leads them to constantly look for new ways to make a difference, while honesty and respect guide their relationships with everyone involved. Solidarity and justice are fundamental principles that guarantee that no one is left behind, and ethics and equity are the pillars that support its integrity and coherence at all times.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

You will work with the organization in order to support the development of children with disabilities and contribute to the implementation of strategies to help them overcome barriers and have quality of life.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and implement new strategies.
  • Monitor children’s progress.
  • Lead workshops and sessions related to coexistence, labor relations, work environment, development of their capabilities, among others.
  • Staff training.

Requirements

  • Education or experience in social work.
  • Passion for community development and education.
  • Be Independent, proactive, and empathetic.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Intermediate level of Spanish for social work practitioners.
  • Must be over 20 years old.
  • Minimum commitment of 2 months, to be completed in Arequipa (not a remote position).

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Interns stay at a local hostel right in the middle of downtown Arequipa. They stay in small apartments where they enjoy a full-sized bed, private bathroom, cable TV and a kitchenette with all they need to prepare their own meals. They also have access to free WIFI, and a weekly cleaning service is provided as well.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

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

Your accommodation provides free WifI access to stay in touch with family and friends during your stay.

Meals

Meals

Meals are not included in the fees. You can prepare your own meals in your apartment. 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

You will stay in Arequipa, the capital of the region of the same name located in southern Peru. The city is considered to be one of the prettiest in Peru and is famous for its colonial architecture, white stone buildings and delicious food. It is located in the Andean mountain range, is surrounded by three volcanoes and is not far from Colca Canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world.

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 (2025 rates)

8 weeks USD 1,837

12 weeks USD 2,240

16 weeks USD 2,643

20 weeks USD 3,047

24 weeks USD 3,450

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
  • Accommodation at a local hostel (you’ll be in a small apartment)
  • 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 reques

Exclusions

  • Flights to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Daily commute to the project (40 minutes by bus)
  • 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!

REVIEWS

This Psychology Internship let me utilize skills I have acquired in my degree which will continue to be relevant throughout the next chapter in my career and I enjoyed the freedom to work with kids in ways relevant to my areas of expertise. During my internship, I got to see many beautiful parts of Peru, make friends from different countries than my own, and work with kids much less privileged than I see everyday. This experience is only the first step in my travel journey! See More

Madeline, Canadian – MacEwan University

Psychology Internship, Peru

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Arequipa, Peru
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Monitoring, Program Development, Facilitation, Education
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 1,837

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Have a significant impact on the lives of children with disabilities.
  • Create a supportive community for children with disabilities.
  • Gain experience in social work.
  • Develop a heightened sense of empathy.
  • Live and work in 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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