Internships in Cusco

Internship Placements in Medicine, Education, Social Work, Animal Care, Marketing and Business Operations

Gain Real Experience With an Internship in Peru

There is no better way to experience a country and its culture than through living and working within the community. An internship in Cusco offers you a chance to truly immerse yourself in Peruvian life while developing practical, resume-ready skills inside real organizations at the heart of local education, healthcare, animal care, and business. 

Each of our internships offers you a chance to work with and learn directly from professionals who understand the realities of working in Cusco and the expectations of international students. The result is an experience that strengthens your confidence, sharpens your abilities, broadens your understanding, and prepares you for your next academic or career steps.

With over 20 years of experience, Proyecto Peru welcomes interns from all over the world. If you think an internship in Cusco could be your next step, we are here to help.

An intern works at a school in Cusco

I had an amazing time at Proyecto Peru doing Spanish classes and an internship at the hospital! The staff was amazing, especially my Spanish teacher Paula. She was very patient and taught me a lot. I met many amazing people at Proyecto Peru and always had the best evenings. The medical internship was way better than in Germany as the nurses and doctors in the hospital had a lot of time and patience to explain a lot. As there was enough staff in the hospital, the atmosphere in the hospital was a lot better than I’m used to from Germany. All in all I’d definitely recommend it!! – Bianca

 Rated 4.9 out of 5 by over 250 interns, volunteers & students on TrustpilotTripadvisor and Google Reviews

Physiotherapy internship in Cusco gives treatment

An Internship in Cusco is for You When:

  • You want to gain hands on experience in your career field during your studies or after graduation
  • You have specific goals or requirements to meet for your school/university program
  • You need class credit or hands-on experience while assisting a professional
  • You are looking for a long-term cultural experience and to see how people live and work in a different country
  • You are not afraid of learning or improving your Spanish

We also offer a variety of volunteering projects.

Internships Available in Cusco

Proyecto Peru Medical Intern works with doctor in Cusco

Proyecto Peru offered an excellent opportunity to delve into the culture of the nation, while also exploring a particular field of interest. As an American medical student, Proyecto Peru offered me a valuable experience in the healthcare system of a different nation … The homestay situation is very well organized and I loved staying with my host mother. Overall, this program affords students an invaluable chance to pursue their goals, explore a new country, and indulge in foreign culture. – Jacob

Medical & Healthcare Internships

Medical and healthcare interns are placed in local clinics or hospitals where they observe and support daily patient care. Your exact duties depend on your field of study and your previous experience. Most interns are paired with a doctor or technical nurse and accompany them during morning or afternoon shifts. Higher Spanish proficiency opens the door to a wider range of responsibilities and allows you to rotate through different departments within your placement. Opportunities in specialist areas such as midwifery, physiotherapy, psychology, and dentistry can be arranged when available and are reviewed case by case.

Intern plays with Children at a school in Cusco

Education & Social Work Internships

Interns interested in teaching, community support, or social care will find these placements rewarding and varied. Depending on your background, you may assist in classrooms, support after school activities, help lead workshops, or spend time with elderly residents in local nursing homes. Responsibilities can be focused on one area or spread across several programmes, and schedules are adapted to your skills and goals. Stronger Spanish skills will help you build relationships and contribute more meaningfully to daily activities.

A veterinary intern performs a checkup on a dog in Cusco

Animal Care and Veterinary Internship

Our Animal Care and Veterinary Internship gives you the chance to work directly with local veterinarians and support a partner dog shelter in Cusco. Interns spend several days each week in the clinic observing examinations, assisting with treatments, and learning how to use essential veterinary instruments. The remaining days are spent at the shelter, where you help apply what you have learned by supporting recovery plans for sick or injured dogs. There are also opportunities to assist with community health and sterilization campaigns that promote responsible pet care in the region. Some prior skills and knowledge are required.

Marketing and Operations interns at Proyecto Peru in Cusco smile ate the camera

Business, Marketing and Communications Internships

Students and young professionals in business, marketing, communications, or tourism can gain practical experience by working with our partner organizations or joining the Proyecto Peru team directly. External placements involve supporting local travel agencies and small businesses with marketing tasks, content creation, and customer communication. Internal placements place you inside our Marketing or Operations departments, where you help run daily activities, support campaigns, and learn how an international education and travel organization works from the inside. These internships offer a structured environment, cross-cultural learning, and real responsibility in a professional Peruvian setting.

How to Apply

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Step 1
Choose Your Internship Area

Explore the internship categories above and select the project that meets your goals and needs. Review the required Spanish level, skills & experience, minimum number of weeks and the donation amount. Each internship page includes clear breakdowns of the roles, settings and expectations so that you know what you will be doing in Cusco before you apply. 

Step 4
Confirmation & Planning

After reviewing your application we will arrange a video call with the program leader to discuss your goals and needs for your internship as well as answer any questions. We will then send an invoice to finalize your booking. Once payment is received our team will begin planning your experience here in Cusco.

Step 2
Choose Your Options

Review the accommodation options and decide whether you would rather stay with a homestay family or at our volunteer house. Decide whether you would like to add Spanish classes, either here in Cusco or online before you arrive. Finally decide if you want to add any tours such as a trip to iconic Machu Picchu. You can also add Quechua classes if you already speak Spanish to a high level.

Step 5
Receive Information

In the weeks leading up to your arrival we will provide you with the exact details of your project and (if booked) your homestay family. We will also arrange your airport pickup, which will be with either a member of the team or where applicable your homestay family. We will also provide any details about tours you have booked.

Step 3
Complete Your Application

Once you choose a program, complete our package builder with your information and desired program and services. A team member reviews every application individually and responds within 24 hours. If you are unsure about which program you would like or have questions at all about any service please contact us at info@proyectoperucentre.org

Step 6
Begin Your Internship

Arrive in Cusco and embark on a life changing internship while making a genuine difference in our local community. 

Make the most of it!

Featured Internship Opportunity

All in One Cusco Medical Healthcare Experience

  • 4 weeks volunteering or internship at a medical clinic or hospital  in Cusco
  • Accommodation at a host family  including breakfast, lunch(box) and dinner
  • 60 hours of group Medical Spanish classes (3 hours a day)
  • Tours to Machu Picchu (by train), Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley, and Titicaca Lake.
  • Airport pickup
  • 24/7 support, handbook & introduction
  • Free social activities every week.

FAQ

Can I choose any internship project?

We have a variety of different local partners across the different career paths. We will work with you to ensure you are placed with the right organization to meet your needs and goals.

How much does doing an internship cost?

Proyecto Peru does not charge any fee for arranging non-academic internships for interns who book paid accommodation or Spanish classes through us. The cost of programs arranged through partner universities and colleagues will vary.

We also provide support and guidance free of charge during your time in Cusco. Some of our local non-profit partners may require a donation (from $60 USD) from interns to help support their work. The overall cost of an internship will depend on the accommodation you choose and whether you choose to do any additional courses or tours while here.

How long is an Internship?

The minimum time commitment for the majority of our internship projects is 3 or 4 weeks with some being longer. Many interns stay for extended periods in line with the requirements of their academic programs.

Do internships in Cusco offer academic credit?

Our internships projects offer academic credit at many universities and colleges in the US, Europe and beyond. If your course or institution has specific requirements, please let us know so that we can ensure they are met.

Are internships paid or unpaid?

Peruvian employment and immigration law does not permit the payment of international interns. Operations or marketing interns undertaking their internship as part of the Proyecto Peru team rather than a local partner organization may be eligible for discounted accommodation or classes.

What kind of accommodation is available?

Proyecto Peru offers homestay accommodation with local families including homecooked meals. We also offer a variety of room types in our volunteer house. If you have any other questions about the most suitable accommodation please contact us on info@proyectoperucentre.org.

What level of Spanish do I need?

In most intern roles you will be working alongside Peruvian colleagues and potentially local customers or partners. While some people will speak English many positions will require basic or intermediate Spanish. You can check the Spanish requirements on each project page. Regardless of the requirements the task you are given and your personal fulfillment in the role will be greatly influenced by your willingness to use and improve your Spanish.

Will I work full time?

We have both half-day and full-day internships available depending on your needs and preferences.

Will there be professional guidance during my internship?

You will have a coordinator from your project or Proyecto Peru assigned to oversee and assist in your progress. We coordinate with your school/university and the project to process necessary formalities and paperwork where required. At the end of your internship you will have the opportunity to do a final presentation about your work. If you are interested, we can provide you with a certificate of completion. By pursuing an internship through Proyecto Peru, you are qualified to receive credit at many universities.

Will I be picked up from the airport?

Yes, pickup from the airport is included.
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