Physical Therapy Internships in Cusco
This Physical Therapy internship in Cusco is a perfect opportunity for physical therapy students to gain experience relevant to your current level of qualification. Interns can expect to be assisting local therapists in Peru, and a range of placements are available for interns at all levels of therapy studies.
Internship Highlights:
- Learn by observing and helping therapists in real appointment settings
- Get physical therapy experience to match your own experience
- Experience Cusco, one of the world’s most popular tourism cities
Type of host organizations:
- Private therapy clinics
- Special education schools
Internship details
This Physical Therapy internship in Cusco is a perfect opportunity for physical therapy students to gain experience relevant to your current level of qualification. Interns can expect to be assisting local therapists in Peru, and a range of placements are available for interns at all levels of therapy studies.
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation and meals provided.
Regardless of your physiotherapy experience, interns can expect to be paired with a local therapist, providing assistance wherever it’s needed. Interns can help with individual therapies for people with a range of requirements, including therapeutic massage, ultrasound, kinetic therapy, movement and rehabilitation.
An example of a popular Physical Therapy internship placement is in special needs education schools for students between 3-20 years old. Students often require close attention, so they work in small classes of up to ten. Interns support a local physiotherapist providing therapy throughout the day to students with a range of cognitive, developmental and physical challenges. You’re also able to support local teachers in both lessons and skill development games. This placement is not available during school breaks from December to March, and for two weeks in June/July.
Another popular placement is at physiotherapy centers, which is better suited to more experienced interns. The center specializes in treating neuromuscular problems, rheumatism, pain and paediatric problems. Interns assist therapists providing treatments including magnetic therapy, infrared, ultrasound, health, massage and kinetic therapy. You’ll help from 8.30am - 1pm and/or 2.30 - 5.30pm, and can expect to see between 6-8 patients per day.
Physical Therapy interns who stay longer in Cusco are more likely to have a hands-on role, as you’re better able to build relationships and learn how to carry out certain tasks. Interns are required to speak Spanish at an intermediate level in order to join this internship. Interns who can speak Spanish confidently will have an easier time communicating with both patients and your supervisor, which improves your engagement and ability to work on independent tasks.
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
Physical Therapy interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Helping with therapies for disabled students and other individuals
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Shadowing and assisting local therapists
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Magnetic therapy
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Infrared
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Ultrasound
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Massage
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Kinetic therapy
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Helping to organize and support daily therapies
Professional development opportunities:
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Observe therapy treatments in a foreign environment
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Understand how therapy is provided to children with disabilities
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Assist with a range of therapy treatments for a range of patients
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Practice and develop Spanish language proficiency within a professional setting
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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
I would 100% recommend an internship abroad to anyone! My Physical Therapy internship In Peru was such a fantastic experience and as soon as the opportunity became available to gain valuable work experience, all while traveling abroad, I jumped at the opportunity! Often when these opportunities arise, it is too easy to turn them down and convince yourself that going somewhere unknown is just too hard. But once you’re there, it is easy to understand why pushing yourself is worth it. I have such a better understanding of other cultures, perspectives and relationships and an even greater passion to learn and grow. Take a chance and go in with open eyes. The relationships I made with my colleagues, other interns and host family was a massive highlight. The Latin American culture is so welcoming and the people I met really became family. Wherever I felt homesick, everyone’s support really made Cusco feel like a home away from home.
Best decision I made - I was in Peru for four weeks and worked in a physiotherapy setting. The clinic I worked at was only a 15-minute walk from my home stay and was very convenient and safe. The program descriptions matched with what I did at the clinic, so there were not any surprises. My program coordinator with Intern Abroad HQ was always so quick to respond if I had any questions, however the internship manual has a lot of the information you need prior of departure. The only mistake I made with booking with Intern Abroad HQ was that I did not stay long enough. I learned so much and will definitely be doing another internship with them in the near future.
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 | $1,494 Equivalent to $53 /day |
| 5 weeks | $1,649 Equivalent to $47 /day |
| 6 weeks | $1,829 Equivalent to $43 /day |
| 8 weeks | $2,139 Equivalent to $38 /day |
| 10 weeks | $2,504 Equivalent to $35 /day |
| 12 weeks | $2,814 Equivalent to $33 /day |
| 16 weeks | $3,544 Equivalent to $31 /day |
| 20 weeks | $4,164 Equivalent to $29 /day |
| 24 weeks | $4,784 Equivalent to $28 /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.
Free-time experiences & tours in Cusco
Take your internship to the next level with Intern Abroad HQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Cusco! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto an internship program.
Explore the city of Cusco and its popular archaeological sites
Enjoy this unique Wonder of the World on an affordable 4 day, 3 night tour.
Enjoy the beauty of this secluded Lake on an affordable 2 day, 1 night tour.
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.
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.
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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.
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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