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Excellent 4.88rating (8)

Global Public Health Internship

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Welcome to the First Public Health Center of Perú. At CESAPU, we believe that we can improve the health of the people by implementing interactive programs that generate healthy attitudes and behaviors
  • Work alongside local Peruvian professionals on community-based public health and nonprofit projects.
  • Apply your skills in health, education, communications, research, social work, or nonprofit development.

Highlights

  • Welcome to the First Public Health Center of Perú. At CESAPU, we believe that we can improve the health of the people by implementing interactive programs that generate healthy attitudes and behaviors
  • Work alongside local Peruvian professionals on community-based public health and nonprofit projects.
  • Apply your skills in health, education, communications, research, social work, or nonprofit development.
  • Learn directly from the community while gaining hands-on experience in global and public health.
  • Experience Peruvian culture through a local homestay while living and volunteering near Huanchaco.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+
    Wheel Chairs

    About the program

    Volunteer in Huanchaco, Peru, supporting hands-on community public health and nonprofit projects alongside our local team. Open to all backgrounds.

    Hands on Peru offers several ways for international participants to contribute, learn, and engage with community-based public health in Peru. Our programs are designed to support ongoing local initiatives while giving volunteers and interns meaningful hands-on experience alongside Peruvian ...

    About the program

    Hands on Peru offers several ways for international participants to contribute, learn, and engage with community-based public health in Peru. Our programs are designed to support ongoing local initiatives while giving volunteers and interns meaningful hands-on experience alongside Peruvian professionals and community members.

    Hands to Care - Medical & Pre-Med Program

    Hands to Care is our structured program for pre-medical, medical, nursing, and other health-related students who want to learn more about healthcare and public health in Peru.

    Participants may take part in medical lessons and workshops, observe local health professionals, visit health centers and clinics, and gain exposure to community and primary care. The program is designed to help students better understand how healthcare is delivered in a different cultural and resource setting while connecting clinical learning with broader public health challenges.

    Global Health Internship

    Our Global Health Internship is a more flexible, project-based experience for students, recent graduates, professionals, and practicum students who want to contribute to the ongoing work of CESAPU and Hands on Peru.

    Interns may support projects in areas such as public health, community outreach, health education, research, communications, nonprofit development, education, and program implementation.

    This experience is especially well suited for MPH students completing practicums and participants interested in public health, global health, community health, or primary care, but no specific major or career path is required. We welcome participants from a variety of disciplines who can bring useful skills and a willingness to learn.

    Interns are expected to participate for at least four hours per day and work alongside local staff within existing programs and priorities.

    Customized Group Programs

    Hands on Peru also hosts university groups, classes, professional teams, and other organized groups looking for a meaningful international learning experience.

    Group programs can be customized around the interests, skills, and learning objectives of participants while supporting the priorities of our local programs. We have experience working with groups in fields including public health, medicine, nursing, primary care, pediatrics, dentistry, OB/GYN, radiology, ultrasound, social work, education, and related disciplines.

    Across all three pathways, our goal is to create an experience centered on learning, collaboration, and sustainable community impact. Participants have the opportunity to learn from Peruvian professionals and community members, deepen their understanding of global and public health, and contribute their own skills to programs that continue throughout the year. 



    Typical day

    Hands to Care
    Participants may assist with basic health screenings, including height, weight, blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse, and clinical history. Volunteers may also receive training in glucose testing, auscultation, and other basic primary care activities. Depending on the schedule and ...

    Typical day

    Hands to Care
    Participants may assist with basic health screenings, including height, weight, blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse, and clinical history. Volunteers may also receive training in glucose testing, auscultation, and other basic primary care activities. Depending on the schedule and placement, participants may also have opportunities to observe local doctors, rotate through health centers, and learn more about how the Peruvian healthcare system works.

    Global Health Internship / Year-Round Public Health Program
    Interns and volunteers may support a variety of community-based programs depending on current needs, interests, and skills. Areas of participation can include health education, children’s programming, women’s empowerment, environmental health, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition and cooking classes, mental health, community engagement, and economic opportunity initiatives.

    The exact schedule varies, but participants work alongside local staff and contribute to ongoing programs rather than following one identical daily routine.


    Free-time activities

    Activities
    HOP programs specific activities for each session or type of volunteering. The activities are based on the time, the climate, the number of volunteers, and the possibility of the activity being available. The extra activities are basically into the premeds in special session included. And ...

    Free-time activities

    Activities
    HOP programs specific activities for each session or type of volunteering. The activities are based on the time, the climate, the number of volunteers, and the possibility of the activity being available. The extra activities are basically into the premeds in special session included. And are activities that include tourism, leisure in the free time. It will be communicated to you during your orientation. The activities may include: tours of ancient Moche ruins such as Chan Chan and Huaca del Sol, sand boarding, surfing, salsa lessons, Marinera show (local typical dance), typical dinner out, etc.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    Health careers, education, marketing, engineers, pedagogues, sports, business administration, economics, idioms, fashion design and more at University is ideal but not mandatory level

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What’s Included – Hands to Care
    • Airport pickup and drop-off from Trujillo Airport
    • Comfortable homestay with Wi-Fi, warm water, and basic amenities
    • Three meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    • Educational, clinical, and community outreach experiences
    • Transportation to program sites and scheduled activities
    • Cultural activities included during the program
    • Hands on Peru volunteer T-shirt and program materials
    • Medical classes and workshops taught by health professionals
    • Clinic and health-center rotations
    • 24/7 support from the Hands on Peru volunteer coordination team
    • Tools and equipment required for scheduled health and education activities
    What’s Included – Global Health Internship & Health Professional Placements
    • Airport pickup and drop-off from Trujillo Airport
    • Comfortable homestay with Wi-Fi, warm water, and basic amenities
    • Three meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    • Transportation to program sites and scheduled activities
    • One cultural activity per month
    • Hands on Peru volunteer T-shirt
    • Participation in CESAPU programs and community-based projects
    • Clinic and health-center rotations
    • 24/7 support from the Hands on Peru volunteer coordination team

    Airport Pickup at Trujillo Airport

    All volunteers will be picked up at the airport by a HOP staff member or representative of HOP. We encourage volunteers to fly directly to the Trujillo/Huanchaco airport. This requires flying through Lima, and going through customs in Lima. If you are not able to fly into Trujillo due to delays, arrangements will be made for your safety and your lodging in Lima.

    Please note: The process of Peruvian customs, baggage claim and baggage re-check in will take about 3 hours. Please plan accordingly.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers live with a Peruvian family in Trujillo or Huanchaco. You get the opportunity to hear their experiences, enjoy their stories, and form a special bond with them. This is a great idea for those who prefer to be completely immersed in the Peruvian culture. Peruvians are known for being warm and friendly people and they will want to teach you all about your culture and traditions! From taking you to their favorite restaurant to buying local fruits and tamales from their favorite street vendor, you will get a truly authentic experience of what Peru is like from someone who has lived there all their life. The home stays in Trujillo are about a 45 minute micro ride (Trujillo’s main form of public transportation) to our CESAPU clinic. The Huanchaco home stays are 10 minutes from our clinic.

    *Home stays differ in their degrees of luxury, as some families are wealthier than others and the living standards differ from city to city. All home stays have been reviewed by HOP staff and are clean and  comfortable with western-style toilets and showers. You may be sharing a room with another volunteer, or you may have your own room. Depending if other volunteers applied same time than you.

    According to previous volunteers, the home stay experience is one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of their trip.

    Food & Beverages

    Meals:
    Three meals per day are provided at the home stay. We work with our host families to accommodate each volunteer's dietary needs, but it is important to keep in mind that the same foods that you eat at home may not be readily available in Peru, and we encourage you to be flexible and take advantage of the opportunity to try homemade Peruvian cuisine. Peruvians are very passionate about their gastronomical tradition and are excited for you to try all of their favorite dishes.

    *We will accommodate around dietary restrictions, vegans and vegetarians are welcome!

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Trujillo Airport (TRU) in Trujillo. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Hands to Care – Medical & Pre-Med Program

    A structured program for pre-med, medical, nursing, and other health-related students. Participants may join medical workshops, observe local professionals, visit health centers, and learn more about healthcare and public health in Peru.

    Upcoming dates

    • Winter Break: Dec. 16, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027
    • Spring Break 1: Mar. 13–20, 2027
    • Spring Break 2: Mar. 20–27, 2027
    • Summer 2027: Dates coming soon

    Global Health Internship

    A flexible, year-round internship for students, recent graduates, MPH practicum students, health professionals, and participants from other disciplines.

    Interns choose 1–3 CESAPU programs and may support program implementation, research, evaluation, outreach, communications, or development.

    Commitment: At least 4 hours per day
    Ideal duration: 1 month
    Spanish: Basic to intermediate

    Group Programs

    Hands on Peru also hosts university groups, graduate students, healthcare professionals, and other organized teams.

    Programs can be customized around the group’s skills, learning goals, schedule, and current community priorities in areas such as public health, medicine, nursing, education, social work, and community outreach.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $575 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.88
    ・
    8 reviews

    •
    2019
    Through HOP, I was able to shadow physicians in Peru, interact with people of their culture, receive valuable medical training and ...
    Cassie Jones

    Hands to Care

    •
    2018
    Hands on Peru opened my eyes and helped solidify my passion. My time in Peru solidified my passion for the Spanish language and my desire ...
    Collin Simpson

    Hands to Care

    •
    2018
    Hands on Peru really impacted me for the best and taught me so many things about public health that I love but also impacted me to become ...
    Montserrat Dorantes

    Hands to Care

    •
    2018
    I first volunteered with HOP when I was a sophomore in college. I absolutely loved my summer in Peru. It was perfect blend of helping others ...
    Kayce Scinta

    Hands to Care

    •
    2016
    I had the privilege of being a volunteer for the Hands on Peru spring session last year in March. I enjoyed every moment and am very ...
    Crystal Rivera

    Hands to Care

    •
    2015
    Hands on PERU is an organization which provides healthcare, dental care, and teaching the English language as a second language in rural ...
    Kiley O'Connor

    Hands to Care

    Location

    Americas > South America > Peru > Trujillo

    Meet your project coordinator

    Ashlynn
    8
    reviews
    4.88
    Excellent
    2013
    Founded

    Verified

      Excellent response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

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    Contact Ashlynn
      Excellent response rate
    Spanish, English

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