Education internships are hosted in private or International Baccalaureate (IB) schools, where instruction is primarily in English. These schools are typically bilingual, and interns are paired with a designated faculty member who serves as their supervisor.
Internship placements are customised to align with your goals and interests while meeting the needs of the school. Keep in mind that tasks assigned may vary depending on the school’s ongoing projects and priorities. While in-country coordinators are available for support, interns should be prepared to work independently and take on leadership responsibilities.
Work Schedule and Free Time
Working Hours:
- 4–6 hours per day, Monday to Friday
- 1-hour daily Spanish lessons, Monday to Friday
- Additional time may be needed for lesson planning or other tasks
- Weekends are free for relaxation, exploration, or personal projects
Professional Appearance
In Peru, cleanliness and professional attire are highly valued. Interns are expected to dress neatly and modestly in business casual clothing. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and revealing or extravagant attire should be avoided. Maintaining a polished and professional appearance is essential.
Transportation
Internships are located in the Cusco area, and most interns commute via local buses or on foot.
- Travel time: 10–60 minutes each way
- Cost: Approximately S/. 5 ($1.75) per bus trip; taxis are more expensive and depend on distance
- First Day: A representative will accompany you on public transport to familiarize you with the route
Note: Interns are responsible for their daily transportation costs. Budget approximately $5 per day for transport.
Spanish Classes
As part of your internship, you will receive 1 hour of Spanish lessons daily from Monday to Friday. The lessons are tailored to your language level and work schedule, focusing on vocabulary relevant to your placement. Classes are taught using the Communicative Method, emphasising immersive spoken interaction. Instructors speak exclusively in Spanish during lessons to enhance your language skills.
Deliverables
All interns must complete weekly journals and a final project.
- Practicums (<8 weeks): A 10–20-page paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation
- Internships (8+ weeks): Both a 10–20-page paper and a 1-hour presentation
The final deliverable should include:
- A summary of your role and the placement organisation
- An organizational review
- A sector analysis comparing the host and home country
- An evaluation of challenges faced
- Outcomes and results of your work
Maximizing Your Experience
The success of your internship largely depends on your effort and mindset. Be prepared to navigate cultural differences, language barriers, and varied work structures. A proactive, adaptable approach will help you make the most of this opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.
Location
Cusco, Peru – easily one of the top 5 ancient civilization centers in the world, is also home to immense scenic beauty, bio-diversity and incredible culture. On this project, you’ll be situated in the outer regions of Cuzco, approx 15 min bus ride to central Cuzco where the volunteer center is located.
Project Tasks
- Observe and assist with classroom instruction and management
- Create lesson plans and teach specific subjects
- Support students in small groups or one-on-one settings
- Participate in weekly meetings with the school director
