Youth Development & Education Internships in Cusco
This Youth Development and Education internship in Cusco has a broad scope for interns to assist young people with a range of learning and activities. Interns can help in the classroom, with tutoring, role-modelling, playing games or tending to specific developmental needs. This is a highly customizable internship working with young people in ways that benefit both you and them!
Internship Highlights:
- Help young people in a holistic way to foster their development
- Gain relevant experience to your specific career in youth education through a customized experience
- Experience Cusco, one of the world’s most popular tourism cities
- Polish your Spanish language skills
Type of host organizations:
- Schools
- Kindergartens
- After school centers
Internship details
This Youth Development and Education internship in Peru has a broad scope for interns to assist young people with a range of developmental activities. Interns can help in the classroom, with tutoring, role-modelling, playing games or tending to specific developmental needs. This is a highly customizable internship working with young people in ways that benefit both you and them!
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation and meals provided. You can explore remote Education & Youth Development internships, if you are looking for an internship program that you can undertake from home.
Young people have an array of different needs as they grow up, and this internship is designed to address the full breadth of those needs. This internship is well suited to anyone considering a career in mentoring, teaching, social work or providing any kind of developmental assistance to young people in particular.
Interns can be based in schools, kindergartens or on after school programs as an English teacher, tutor, or helping with homework, sports, music or arts. All interns must have a basic understanding of Spanish language; however, interns with a higher proficiency of Spanish language skills are also able to run health workshops on topics such as self esteem, nutrition, hygiene etc.
After-school placements provide a safe and comfortable environment for children to receive supervision and educational support, while their parents have to work. Interns can assist in a wide range of activities, with the ultimate goal of entertaining young people and helping to supplement their social and educational development. Tasks may also include helping young people with schoolwork or skill development, or providing care through basic tasks such as cooking meals.
There is no fixed structure for this internship and it is important to be proactive. Interns with a flexible approach and willingness to help out wherever it’s needed will get the most out of your time in Peru. Having basic to intermediate Spanish will help you to communicate with both students and local staff in Peru.
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
Youth Development & Education interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
-
Caring for children of all ages
-
Tutoring and helping students with homework
-
Teaching English or other lessons of your choosing
-
Organizing and running activities and workshops
-
Playing games
-
Designing new learning activities or tasks
Professional development opportunities:
-
Work closely with young students to understand how they learn and develop
-
Learn about formal and informal education and development, both inside and outside the classroom
-
Experience the education system in Peru
-
Polish Spanish language skills in an immersive environment
-
Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.
Recommended online TEFL course
For all interns with an interest in developing skills as an educator, we also recommend an interactive Online TEFL Certification Course. The training offers tools and techniques over a 100-hour program. Upon completion, you’ll have earned experience in planning, designing, and adapting diverse language activities and materials. No previous teaching experience or training is required. You can sign up for the Online TEFL Certification Course anytime and you’ll pay the discounted Intern Abroad HQ rate.
Get TEFL certified onlinePeru photo gallery
What recent interns said about their experience
There is no doubt that my internship has contributed to one of my major goals; to make small but important social change, and improve the education and mental wellbeing of young people. My role involved helping children of various ages with homework tasks, including support with anything from colouring in to long-multiplications or reading problems (and much more!) I have learnt so many transferable skills being on this internship that would be especially useful in a teaching career. It pushed me to demonstrate professionalism and exercise patience; a necessity if I want to work with children, or even if I want to manage people for a creative arts business or work for an NGO.
For me, participating in an internship abroad was a way to fulfill some professional and personal aspirations I’ve had for a long time. I was so incredibly excited to travel to a country that spoke a language I loved. Traveling overseas to a Spanish speaking country like Peru, was going to allow me to work with a variety of students with their English language skills, while also improving my own Spanish language abilities. I’ll always treasure my relationship with my supervisor and all the amazing interns I met. I have developed a greater love of the Spanish language and associated cultures, which I want to continue to explore. Through such exploration I intend to lay a foundation for both professional and personal enrichment, as I wish to make travel and interactions with various others a part of my life.
It was amazing to see the impact my Youth Development & Education internship in Cusco had on my Spanish language skill and the children I supported at my placement. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in child development, all while practicing and expanding my Spanish skills! The opportunity to introduce children to the English language and help them learn new words, concepts, and definitions was such a fulfilling experience. By spending so much time with the students and the other teachers I was able to implement my ideas for improving projects and suggest new activities to do with the kids. It was a moment of pride to see my ideas and skills being used and made me happy to contribute to such a special project. I quickly learnt how to work in a group and also gained insight into how small companies and organizations operate. I absolutely loved learning about how charitable organizations work, and how I can personally play a role and make an impactful contribution towards their purpose.
My Youth Development & Education internship in Peru has helped me achieve my long term goal of improving my Spanish language skills by exposing me to the Spanish language everyday! I have come out of this experience with a better understanding of how people are the same rather than how we are different, which has been incredibly rewarding! I’d never lived outside of Utah before this experience so it was a big step in my personal development. While I was there I interned at an afterschool program for kids. This work was important to me because at the time, many schools in Peru hadn’t been open for 2 years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The after school program was the only thing these kids had to learn and spend time with their peers. My day to day involved having classes, helping with homework, and playing with the children. I think one of the most important things I did while I was interning was provide more structure.
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) |
|---|---|
| 3 weeks | $1,229 Equivalent to $58 /day |
| 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.
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!
-
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).
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
Check what’s required to visit Peru
Check out the widget below to find out what the Covid-19 restrictions and visa requirements are for Peru, based on your country of residence.
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.
Other internships you may be interested in
-
Education & Community Development Internships in Cordoba -
Education Internships in Sydney -
Environmental Education Internships in Costa Rica -
Special Education Internships in Costa Rica -
Women’s Education Internships in Costa Rica -
Language Education Internships in Prague -
Education Administration Internships in Dublin -
Youth Development & Education Internships in Tokyo -
Teaching & Youth Support Internships in Morocco -
Special Education Internships in Cusco -
Youth Development & Education Internships in Cape Town -
Early Childhood Education Internships in Seville -
English Language Education Internships in Seville -
Youth Development & Education Internships in Valencia -
Pre-School Children's Education Internships in Arusha -
Women’s Empowerment & Education Internships in Arusha -
Youth Development & Education Internships in Arusha
