Microfinance Internships: Intern abroad in Guatemala
Assist microfinance organizations that give vital support to small businesses by providing affordable loans and business advice. Interns collaborate with business owners, helping with lending, budgeting and growth strategies, and teaching financial literacy. Boost your resume with an internship that provides you with hands-on experience and creates a lasting impact and economic integration at the same time.
What to expect from your Microfinance internship:
- Learn how microfinance support helps to inform finance and business strategies.
- Enhance your financial literacy and global awareness.
- Gain insight into financial developmental projects.
- Intern alongside experienced business developers.
Your internship abroad host organization:
- Microfinance organizations
Internship details
Assist microfinance organizations that give vital support to small businesses by providing affordable loans and business advice. Interns collaborate with business owners, helping with lending, budgeting and growth strategies, and teaching financial literacy.
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation and meals provided. Click here to view remote Accounting & Finance internships, which you can undertake from home.
Many small entrepreneurs in Guatemala aren’t able to receive loans from banks and can resort to loan sharks, who charge exorbitant amounts of interest. However, microfinance organizations help these small entrepreneurs with reasonable lending options, and provide financial training and education to help them manage their loans.
Microfinance interns can both assist these organizations themselves, or help to provide services to business owners in the community. Placements are available in organizations with offices around Guatemala, including in Tecpán, Chimaltenango, Quiche, Patzún, and Chichicastenango.
When assisting microfinance organizations, interns may be able to improve IT systems, conducting case studies on small to medium businesses, following up on loaner business progress or assisting with general administration of the business and its loans.
When assisting entrepreneurs, interns may be able to plan and run financial literacy workshops on a range of subjects, or help business owners to develop or implement budgets or business strategies, building the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. You will ensure that mentorship is available to the clients at all stages of their entrepreneurial development (before, during and after).
This is a highly customizable internship, so the nature of your internship placement and duties will depend on your skills, internship duration, experience, level of Spanish language proficiency and interests. In all cases, interns should expect that the first week of your experience will focus on settling in and gaining some introductory knowledge, as you will not “hit the ground running”. Rather, you should start with learning about the placement to gain an understanding of what you can build upon, develop, learn, and contribute. Ensure that you ask questions and provide feedback during the introductory period, so that your supervisor understands how you’re progressing. This will help them to better understand important details, such as how quickly you learn, what you find challenging, what you find interesting, etc.
Understand and expect that individual internship experiences vary, as the specific placement that you’re assigned will depend on review of your resume and your current level of studies and experience. Therefore, if you’re at a more introductory level, you should reasonably expect a more introductory internship. Likewise, if you’re interning for a shorter duration, you will have a different experience from someone who is interning for a longer duration. Placement preferences are considered but always subject to availability.
What are the career benefits of interning abroad as a Microfinance Intern?
Microfinance interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Supporting the entrepreneurial development of vulnerable populations, helping them launch their income-generation projects.
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Assisting small businesses with budgeting and financial planning.
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Helping microfinance companies to issue loans to businesses.
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Assisting business owners with developing strategies related to business innovation, planning, and KPIs.
Professional development opportunities:
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Help provide support and resources for income-generating projects.
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Enhance your Spanish and communication skills.
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Deepen your understanding of real-world socioeconomic challenges.
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Gain insight into real world small businesses strategy.
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Develop mentorship skills in financial education.
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Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence
Are you eligible for this internship?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Guatemala photo gallery
Academic credit available for all internships
Get course credit from your college or university while completing your internship abroad or a remote internship program. It's a great way to meet your academic requirements and gain valuable experience at the same time.
Learn about course creditProgram fees
Applying for our Microfinance Internship is completely free! The support package covers the assistance we provide in finding your internship and arranging your living accommodations in your host country, ensuring you thrive during your program.
Please note that a deposit of US$499 is required to confirm your place. The remaining balance (minus your initial US$499 deposit) is due at least 60 days before your internship start date.
Duration |
Program Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | $1,830 Equivalent to $65 /day |
| 5 weeks | $1,965 Equivalent to $56 /day |
| 6 weeks | $2,126 Equivalent to $50 /day |
| 8 weeks | $2,396 Equivalent to $42 /day |
| 10 weeks | $2,704 Equivalent to $38 /day |
| 12 weeks | $2,903 Equivalent to $34 /day |
| 16 weeks | $3,462 Equivalent to $30 /day |
| 20 weeks | $3,875 Equivalent to $27 /day |
| 24 weeks | $4,250 Equivalent to $25 /day |
- Airport pick-up
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- Program orientation
- Dedicated support before, during, and after your internship
- In-country guidance for social and tourist activities
- Sourcing and securing your internship placement
- Personalization of your internship plan
- Coaching from your supervisor
- Documented portfolio of your experiential learnings
- Academic credit facilitation
- International reference letter
- Certificate of Internship Completion
- Lunches
- All in-country transportation
- Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
- Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
- Personal spending money for snacks, drinks, public transport, laundry, and leisure activities during your free time.
Spanish lessons
Internships in Guatemala require interns to have varying levels of Spanish language proficiency, from either a confident level of basic Spanish to a more developed grasp of intermediate language skills. The definition of having basic Spanish skills (Level A2) includes the ability to exchange brief information with questions and answers, use and understand simple language in daily situations and cultural aspects.
Keep in mind that despite you level of proficiency, a language barrier can still be encountered to a certain extent. Interns should be prepared for the very natural and normal frustration of not always understanding what is being said around them. Most interns are able to have a successful internship experience and it is essential to come prepared and willing to surmount a language barrier, as opposed to being intimidated by it.
We strongly recommend that all interns take advantage of the affordable language lessons offered exclusively to Intern Abroad HQ participants by our host organization in Guatemala. These can be arranged directly with the local team once registered for the program (ask about online Skype lessons) or at the orientation in-country. Language lessons are tailored to each individual’s current level of Spanish and classes run from Monday through to Friday.
Weekends and travel
During the weekends, free time is available to relax, engage in tourism activities and explore other parts of Guatemala. Most placements are usually based in and around Santa Lucia Milpas Altas, just 15 minutes from Antigua, as well as in and around Antigua. Antigua is a fantastic weekend hub for excellent cuisine, sightseeing, colonial churches, coffee tours, chocolate-making classes, museums, shopping, and transportation. Public buses are available from Antigua to other parts of the country and many travel agencies also offer shuttles to key touristic places such as Monterrico beach, Lake Atitlan, Coban, Lanquín (Semuc Champey), or Tikal. Popular tourist attractions throughout the region include Pacaya National Park and Kawilal Hot Springs, Acatenango Volcano, Lake Atitlan and villages, Iximché Ruins, Valhalla Station and more.
Our local team in Guatemala are also able to assist interns with trip bookings, to experience more of the country. These can be coordinated directly once you’ve registered to confirm your internship program. Options include:
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Pacaya Volcano: This trip is great for hiking and sightseeing within the Pacaya National Park. It’s a full day tour, with transportation and guides, but you’ll need to ensure you bring your own packed snacks for the day. The departure for the trip is about 8 a.m. and returns at about 4 p.m. The hiking time itself is four hours, so you’ll need to have proper walking shoes and clothing for the excursion.
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Coffee Tour: A trip to Guatemala is never complete without a coffee tour. You can learn about how some of the world’s most delicious coffee is grown, processed, and exported. Also learn about sustainable practices and different varieties of coffee - no doubt, working up a thirst for a hot cup of coffee in the meantime!
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Traditional Cooking Class: One of the best things about traveling is being able to try different cuisines of the world. Our team in Guatemala can arrange cooking lessons for interns, so that when you go home you’ll have the skills to keep preparing your favorite meals! Learn how to cook Guatemala’s yummiest meals from scratch. Local experts run the four-hour classes, giving tips on ingredients and cultural insight.
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Acatenango Volcano overnight trip: This hiking and camping trip takes two days, so it’s a perfect weekend excursion if you’re looking for something more adventurous. The hike itself is demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is required and you’ll need to ensure you pack appropriate clothing and footwear. Stunning views from the top of the volcano are certainly worth the effort!
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Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango market: This guided tour includes an overnight stay, enabling you to take advantage of a weekend and see more of Guatemala. Lake Atitlan is considered one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, so it’s not to be missed during your internship. The Chichiscastenango market is the largest open-air market in Central America, so it’s a “must do” cultural experience and perfect for sourcing gorgeous artisan gifts and souvenirs.
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Semuc Champey and caving: Located in the middle of the jungle, a guided trip to Semuc Champey requires three days. It’s an incredible place to behold, where naturally formed pools of turquoise waters and cave formations contrast beautifully against the lush green jungle backdrop. After having the opportunity to swim, the tour includes guided entrance to some of the caves and tubing along the Cahabon river.
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Tikal Ruins: You’ll have the option to reach the Tikal Ruins over one or two days, depending on if you opt to travel there via plane journey or bus. These impressive Mayan Ruins are considered to be the “crown jewel” of Guatemala. There are more than 3,000 archaeological elements to the site, offering insight into an area which was one of the largest of the Mayan cities. Arrival into the archaeological site itself is easily accessible and there is ample opportunity to spot wildlife within.
Arrival and Orientation
Internships in Guatemala begin every Monday. Exceptions may be made to this when start dates are shifted to avoid public holiday disruptions or closed when the program has already reached capacity. The minimum duration requirement is 2 weeks up to a maximum duration of 24 weeks.
Airport pick up and accommodation are included in the Program Fee. The accommodation is covered from the Sunday night before the Monday start date - interns are required to arrive no later than the Sunday before their Monday start date, as all orientations are held on Mondays. If arriving earlier than this date, interns will be required to cover the cost of an out of hours airport pick up.
The typical port of entry is the La Aurora International Airport (GUA). If you are planning to spend time independently in Guatemala prior to your internship and will not require an airport pick up, we can discuss alternative arrival logistics with you.
Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation. The last night of the accommodation is the Saturday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Sunday. Extra nights of accommodation can be arranged in advance, if requested, and are subject to availability.
Orientation covers important details for your internship, including introductions, information about culture, customs, rules, expectations, safety, language lessons, cultural excursions, and more. Your specific internship placement orientation will follow the general orientation, as you’ll be shown how to travel to and from your internship and be introduced to the team you’ll be joining.
Please note that all participants are advised not to book flights until they have first registered to confirm their internship placement.
Check what's required to visit Guatemala
Check out the widget below to learn about the visa requirements for the Microfinance internship in Guatemala, based on your country of residence.
Accommodation and WiFi
All interns in Guatemala are accommodated in various homestay accommodations. Interns are matched to an appropriate host family, taking into consideration convenient proximity to their internship placement. Typical host families in Guatemala usually comprise of two parents and children or a single parent with children (the ages of a host family’s children can range from young and still living at home, to adults living independently). There are usually 1 - 2 bedrooms in most home-stays and everyone has their own bedroom (unless special requests are made in advance to share with a friend or partner). Bathrooms are shared. Living is comfortable and home-stays offer electricity, running water and western bathrooms. However, showers can be low pressure and unheated/tepid. WiFi is provided in most of the home-stays but it is important to note that it is not guaranteed.
Accommodation upgrades are available at an additional cost, for those who would prefer more independent accommodation and social interaction with other travelers. Interns who have confirmed their participation may opt to arrange hostel accommodation, in either a dorm (sharing a room with 4-8 beds) or a private room. Dormitories provide lockers, so that guests may securely store their personal items. Bathrooms are typically shared. Amenities include WiFi and a common area for guest use. Please note that hostel accommodation is subject to availability (depending on the location of your internship) and includes daily breakfast only. Interns who are interested in arranging an accommodation upgrade are welcome to speak with their Internship Program Manager for more information.
Please note that the accommodation pictured in the photo gallery of this webpage is provided as an example. Since we work with more than one option for homestay accommodation, the exact accommodation that you’re assigned may differ from the photos. However, you can expect a similar standard and similar amenities, to what is shown.
Meals
Internships in Guatemala include two meals per day, served at the home stay. A typical Guatemalan breakfast is provided and consists of bread, spreads, fruit and eggs accompanied with tea or coffee. Dinner commonly consists of meat (often chicken), soups, pastas, starches and vegetables. Please be sure to let us know of any specific dietary requirements that you have in advance, so that we may ensure your hosts are aware and make recommendations accordingly.
Essential country information
| Capital | Guatemala City |
| Population | 15.08 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
Weather and climate:
Guatemala has a range of micro climates and the high altitude of Guatemala City results in a subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cwb) in this region. There aren’t distinct seasons in Guatemala and the temperature is typically mild year round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F) during the day, and 12°C to 17°C (54°F to 63°F) at night. The country attracts winds and rain during the months of May to October with the hottest month being April.
What recent Microfinance interns said about their experience
My experience in Guatemala has been eye-opening, revealing cultural and lifestyle differences that made me reflect on my own norms and values. The organisation I interned with aims to help children and adults with disabilities. I had the opportunity to work in the microfinance section of the company, which focused on the economic empowerment of the local community through supporting and growing their small businesses. As an intern, I helped to develop comprehensive business plans for various small businesses and marketing initiatives. I developed various skills which can be applied to my future career, such as practical experience in project management. I learnt to navigate challenges, identify and analyse problems, and develop effective strategies to overcome them.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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