Internships in Education and Social Work in Peru
Are you interested in gaining practical experience in education, community development, or social care while discovering Cusco, Peru?
Proyecto Peru offers structured internships in education and social work settings, including special education schools and nursing homes. These placements provide meaningful, hands-on experience while supporting local communities.
Whether you are studying education, psychology, social work, child development, or a related field, this program allows you to develop professional skills in a culturally rich and socially impactful environment.
Why Choose an Education or Social Work Internship in Peru?
An internship in education or social services in Peru offers more than professional development. It provides direct exposure to social challenges and community-based solutions in a developing country context.
Through your placement, you may:
- Support children with special educational needs
- Assist teachers and therapists in classroom settings
- Engage in inclusive education practices
- Work with elderly residents in nursing homes
- Contribute to daily activities, social stimulation, and care support
- Learn about social systems and community structures in Peru
This experience is especially valuable for students and graduates in:
- Education
- Special education
- Social work
- Psychology
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Sociology
- Nursing and gerontology
What You Will Gain
An internship in education or social work in Cusco allows you to:
- Develop cross-cultural communication skills
- Gain practical experience for your CV
- Strengthen professional confidence
- Understand social inequalities and community initiatives
- Improve your Spanish
- Build independence and adaptability
Many participants use this experience to support university requirements, thesis research, or future applications to graduate programs.
Projects
Working with children with disabilities
Project description
The Special Education project is based at a school for children with disabilities. The main goal of this project is to improve the children’s autonomy and functional capabilities to make them happier and more independent.
The Special Education Centre cares for around 58 residentt Children. They also provide care to more than 35 other children who live in other institutions.
Three teachers are focused on the education of the children outside of the centre. Within the centre, more than 11 professionals take care of and educate the children with disabilities. The team of consists of teachers, therapists, physicians, language specialists, nutritionists, and doctors.
Project Profile
- Minimum stay: 4 weeks
- Working hours: Monday to Friday from 8am until 1/2pm
- Spanish: Verbally fluent (B2 Intermediate)
- Donation: $60 once
Tasks
- Take care of the children
- Shadow the specialists: Teachers, Therapists, Physicians, Language specialists, Nutritionists
- Assist and support specialists
- Organize and support daily activities
- Activities related to special diets
- Activities related to the healthcare of the children
- Physical and functional activities
- Special learning sessions, for example, practicing speaking
- Activities for fun
Good to know
Experience in a classroom setting will give you more freedom to do activities.
Project is closed during school holidays: January & February July 26th – August 15th
Be patient, proactive, and take initiative!
""About the only thing that comes without effort is old age"
Nursing Home
Project description
Interns are placed with a non-profit association with the main objective to help homeless elderly people from our community and the city of Cusco by providing shelter, food, and nursing support.
This association was founded by a group of nuns in 1981 and continues to help over 100 elderly people in the community both in the nursing home and on the street.
Interns work as part of a team of 20 dedicated local people delovering treatment, physical therapy support, food and other activities.
Project Profile
- Minimum stay: 3 weeks
- Working hours: Monday to Friday from 8am until 12pm
- Spanish: Intermediate
- Donation: $60 once
Tasks
- Help serving food
- Support the physiotherapist
- Assist with daily activities (games, cleaning, more)
- Provide support to the nurses
- Help take patients to their check-ups
- More tasks depending on skills and Spanish level
Good to know
Take initiative, be patient, and always communicate with the staff!
