Marketing & Communications Internships in Cusco
Marketing and Communications internships in Peru involve hands-on promotion of a wide range of companies, including tourism agencies, hostels, hotels and NGOs. Interns can help with digital marketing, content creation, social media and communications to support businesses to grow and boost their visibility both locally and internationally.
Internship Highlights:
- Play a leading role in developing and implementing marketing strategies
- Marketing and communications roles to match your skills and interests
- Experience Cusco, one of the world’s most popular tourism cities
Type of host organizations:
- NGOs
- Travel agencies
- Hotels and hostels
Internship details
Marketing and Communications internships in Peru involve hands-on promotion of a wide range of companies, with placements available in tourism agencies, hostels, hotels and NGOs. Interns can help with digital marketing, content creation, social media and communications to support businesses to grow and boost their visibility both locally and internationally.
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation and meals provided. You can explore remote Marketing & Communications internships, if you are looking for an internship program that you can undertake from home.
This is a perfect internship for those wanting genuine Spanish-language marketing and communications experience in Peru. There is good scope for interns to request a placement in a particular industry (such as tourism, hospitality, or NGOs), with customizable internships available based on your strengths, interests and level of Spanish language proficiency.
Interns can focus on enhancing the visibility of your host organization through social media and online marketing, and creating original and exciting content such as blogs and other content. You can also contribute to marketing activities and customer research, implementing effective strategies to better promote your placement company, and identifying new growth opportunities.
Interns also collaborate to improve customer experiences, particularly in tourism companies. You can gain experience through the management of enjoyable and entertaining tours, and assist with translating between Spanish and English. Interns have the scope and creative freedom to identify potential areas of improvement that help with approval ratings, supported by market research and competitor analysis.
If you’re interested in a specific field within marketing or communications, please mention this in your application. Your placement will reflect your preferences as much as possible, so interns are encouraged to share information about their goals for professional development. 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.
Career Benefits
Marketing & Communications interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Marketing and communications work in hotels, tourism operators, hostels or NGOs
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Managing social media accounts
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Creating content for social media and online marketing
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Developing marketing strategies and product opportunities
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Conducting market research
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Customer service support
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Assisting in tour operation
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Translating between Spanish and English
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Providing administrative support
Professional development opportunities:
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Practice and develop Spanish language proficiency within a professional setting
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Create original video, blog and social media content
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Develop and implement marketing campaigns
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Identify product growth opportunities
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Help with customer satisfaction, improving product offerings
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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.
Peru photo gallery
What recent interns said about their experience
My Marketing & Communications internship experience has been amazing! Right from the beginning I felt good about getting to work, school and what my responsibilities were. I gained a greater understanding in the field of marketing while also practicing my Spanish language skills. Marketing is applicable to just about every career field there is, so I have learned many important aspects that can be carried over into any future career. During my internship in Peru, I facilitated short-term growth by brainstorming new content ideas for my host organizations’ social media and website, edited the grammar on their website, updated the functionality and aesthetics of the website, interacted with consumers on social media and ensured that all content was search engine optimized. In the long-term, this meant that their website looked more professional and got more traffic, their social media account gained a bigger following, and consumers gained more trust/brand loyalty for the company. This, in turn, converted consumers into clients, generated more income for the company, and allowed them to grow and become more involved in the community.
The best internship I've ever had. The summer I spent in Cusco, Peru was incredible, to say the least. I loved my internship placement so, so much. I was interning with an NGO that works with Indigenous communities to buy and sell their textiles for fair trade prices, provide scholarships for their youth, and support sustainable tourism to indigenous villages.
Discover, immerse, experience, grow... I did an internship through Intern Abroad HQ in Cusco, Peru for a semester study abroad through my university. It was one of the best things I have ever done in my life! It has been my dream to study abroad since I was in middle school and through this program, I was able to live that dream. Intern Abroad HQ did a great job at organizing everything pre-departure as well as checking up on the group of us throughout our time in Peru. The staff at my placement were amazing and super helpful with helping you out with anything and everything. I was lucky enough to be able to work with the director of the English department. I assisted him with teaching classes, marketing, program development, and program outreach. Within the first week, the staff already felt like my family away from home. My host family was absolutely incredible. They were the kindest, self-less, and most inspiring people I have met. They made me feel right at home and never made me feel like I was just another student at the dinner table. Leaving them was so hard and I cannot wait for the day I can go back. My sole purpose of going to Cusco was to learn Spanish. For anyone looking to improve their Spanish, Cusco is the place to go! The Spanish is very easy to understand, and the locals are always willing to help you out. My private Spanish lessons helped me a lot to gain more fluency and proficiency as well talking with my host family every day. Finally, if you are an adventurer, Cusco is calling your name. The Cusco area is beautiful. There is so many cool places to explore. I promise you won’t have enough time to see it all. Plan your weekends ahead of time because in a blink of an eye they will be gone! Now quit reading this review and go apply for an internship with Intern Abroad HQ. I promise you will have an experience of a lifetime!
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic credit available for all internships
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing an internship abroad or remote internship program with Intern Abroad HQ.
Learn about course creditProgram fees
It’s free to apply for this internship. Once we have reviewed your suitability and accepted you onto this program, you’ll need to pay a deposit of US$499 to confirm your place. The remaining balance of your Program Fee (less your initial US$499 deposit payment) will be due no less than 60 days before your internship start date.
Duration |
Program Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | $1,434 Equivalent to $51 /day |
| 5 weeks | $1,574 Equivalent to $44 /day |
| 6 weeks | $1,739 Equivalent to $41 /day |
| 8 weeks | $2,019 Equivalent to $36 /day |
| 10 weeks | $2,354 Equivalent to $33 /day |
| 12 weeks | $2,634 Equivalent to $31 /day |
| 16 weeks | $3,304 Equivalent to $29 /day |
| 20 weeks | $3,864 Equivalent to $27 /day |
| 24 weeks | $4,424 Equivalent to $26 /day |
- Airport pick-up
- Daily breakfast, lunch 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
- All in-country transportation
- Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
- Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
- Personal spending money for snacks, drinks, public transport, laundry, and leisure activities during your free time.
- A deposit of $499 (approximately 499) is required to secure your internship
- Balance of your Program Fee is due 60 days before your internship start date.
- All payments attract a 5% transaction fee to cover international banking fees and currency charges.
- Terms and Conditions apply.
Arrival and Orientation
Internships in Peru 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.
The typical port of entry is the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ). If you are planning to spend time independently in Peru 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 Friday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Saturday. 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 Peru
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Accommodation and WiFi
All program participants are hosted in various homestay accommodations, which are usually located approximately 20 minutes walk to the central office (which is located just off the Plaza De Armas). In some cases, accommodation may be located closer to the internship placement than the central office for convenience. If so, then the central office may be about 20 minutes away via public bus.
There are approx. 2 - 5 bedrooms in most homestays and everyone has their own bedroom (unless special requests are made in advance to share). Host families typically have their own bathrooms and there is a separate bathroom which is shared amongst the program guests.
Living is comfortable, however it’s important to note that the infrastructure in Cusco is different from other developed cities. Water is cut-off intermittently at various times during the day. Most of the time, the water is running early in the morning, in the afternoons and evenings. It’s advised to shower in the morning and early evening (shower pressure can be low, and the water is typically warm but not steaming hot). On occasion, the water can be cut-off for longer periods of time (but with a fair warning). There is usually 24-hour electricity but from time to time the power can be cut-off without warning.
It is endeavoured to provide WiFi in the home-stay accommodation, but the signal may not always be strong and from time to time, may go down.
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 Cusco include three meals per day, served at the homestay. A typical Peruvian breakfast is provided and consists of bread, spreads, juice, coffee or tea, and fruit. Lunch is generally the biggest meal of the day, and often consists of a soup and a main dish. 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.
Spanish lessons
Internships in Peru 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 to advanced 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 your 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 Peru. 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 Peru. The program is based in Cusco at an elevation of approximately 3,400 m (11,200 ft). As the historic capital of the Inca Empire and UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is a lot to see and do within the city center alone (not to mention all the excellent restaurants!) Spanish colonial buildings mix with pre-Columbian sites in this truely remarkable city. Buy a “Boleto Turístico del Cusco”, which covers admission to sixteen excellent attractions within the Cusco and Sacred Valley region (valid for 10 days). If you have an International Student I.D. Card, use this to secure discounts!
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Machu Picchu: It’s rare to visit Cusco without planning a trip to Machu Picchu. A truly stunning creation, the 15th-century Inca citadel is the quintessential icon of Peru and the Incan empire. The town below Machu Picchu, “Machu Picchu pueblo” or “Aguas Calientes” may be used as an overnight base before and after visiting the archeological site - especially when journeying from Cusco via bus/train, which takes about 3 hours (one way). Make sure you book entrance tickets in advance (including for Huayna Picchu if you wish to access the other peak).
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The Classic Inca Trail: Sanctuary authorities have imposed a limit on the number of people that are allowed to hike the Inca Trail at any given time. Therefore, these excursions book out months in advance so it’s important to plan ahead by booking through a licensed guide or tour agency if you want to arrive to Machu Picchu by foot - especially during the high season, which is from May to September. Allow four days walking to arrive at Machu Picchu via the classic Inca Trail.
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Inca Jungle Trek: This adventurous route to Machu Picchu includes walking, biking and sometimes even some rafting. From Cusco, the route leads into the Sacred Valley, from where you bike to Santa Maria, then walk to from Santa Maria to Santa Teresa, before arriving to the village of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). After visiting Machu Picchu on the fourth day, the return to Cusco is via train. This option is not recommended during the months of January, February and March, due to unfavorable weather conditions (rainy season).
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Salkantay Trek: This is considered an Inca trail alternative - it is more physically demanding but arguably offers more picturesque scenery, including waterfalls, plantations, mountains and jungle. The trek reaches a height of 4,650 m (15,255 ft) on its first two days, passing over snowy mountaintops. However, during the third and fourth day of the trek, you pass through jungle conditions in more tropical climates. On the fifth day, trekkers reach Machu Picchu.
Essential country information
| Capital | Lima |
| Population | 29.99 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN) |
| Time zone | UTC-05:00 |
Weather and climate:
Peru, unlike other equatorial countries, does not have an exclusively tropical climate; the influence of the Andes and the Humboldt Current causes great climatic diversity within the country. In the mountainous region, rain is frequent during summer and temperatures and humidity diminish with altitude up to the frozen peaks of the Andes. The Jungle is characterized by heavy rainfall and high temperatures, with the exception of its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.
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