Intern and gain excellent personal and professional experience in the historic setting of Cusco or the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru.  Cusco and the Sacred Valley are wonders of the natural world and well known for the prosperous civilizations that flourished during pre-Colonial times and still remain greatly rooted in their centuries-old customs.  Between the incredible backdrop of the Andes and rich cultural heritage of Cusco and its surrounding areas, this stunning environment provides a unique opportunity for interns to enhance academic and professional skills, as well as their appreciation of other cultures.

Interns work within the community and one of our affiliated non-governmental organizations (NGO's), government social programs or a self-initiated project.  Projects are determined by community need as well as interns' skills and interests.  Interns can expect a mutually beneficial experience as part of real, sustainable development and professional growth.  A designated Project Coordinator guides each intern through the project planning, execution, and conclusion phases of their program.

In addition, interns enjoy a flexible program structure that allows them to gradually increase their level of immersion.  Live with a local family, take Spanish classes tailored to your level, and immerse yourself in the local culture.  Programs also include cultural and adventure excursions including visits to Incan ruins, hikes in the Andes and local festivities.  This comprehensive experience is sure to benefit interns both personally and professionally.

Customized internships strive to match participant skills with our NGO partner's self-determined development goal.  Onsite, you will live in communities near our office and 4 to 18 other NGO Interns, work alone or in small groups, and receive extensive support from our international staff team and welcoming community partners.  Homestays, language study, and cultural/adventure excursions encourage participants' complete immersion and cultural integration into Peruvian life.

Recent volunteers in Peru have...

    * Organized an ecotourism business and environmental education in the village of San Isidro de Chicon
    * Installed over 2000 clean burning stoves in rural homes throughout the Sacred Valley
    * Directed and participated in public health campaigns about dental health, personal hygiene and parasitic infections
    * Initiated, planned, and constructed a women and children's family center
    * Assisted the community of Chichubamba in the creation and promotion of agrotourism

Accommodations are provided with a local Peruvian family in a private room with a shared bathroom. Most meals will be provided.

Small group Spanish class.

All placements are part of our larger on-going projects for sustainable development in the host communities.  The three main categories are:

Health

Environment

Social and Economic Development 

Within each of these are more specific placement opportunities:

Appropriate Technology

Community Development

Conservation and Environmental Protection

Education

Health Care - Clinical and Public Health

Human and Legal Rights

Journalism

Micro Business

Youth Sports

Internships start the first Saturday of each month. Placements last from 2 - 26 weeks.

• Internship placement
• Spanish Classes
• Intensive Orientation
• Housing
• Most Meals
• Airport Pickup
• Health and Travel Insurance
• Project Funding & Support
• Cultural & Adventure Excursions
• In Country Transportation
• Support Services

• Fill out the IEP Application and review information on the Apply page.
• Pay a $200 deposit to International Education Programs.

Send the above materials to:

International Education Programs
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd North
Gooding 105
Jacksonville, Florida 32211