Medical internships are available in assisted living facilities, small local clinics, or hospitals. Interns work closely with a designated staff member, either assisting or shadowing them during the placement.
Important Notes:
The tasks assigned may vary depending on the facility’s needs. It’s essential to have realistic expectations, as limitations may exist when working in the medical field abroad. For interns with medical qualifications from other countries, shadowing may be the primary responsibility instead of direct patient work.
Support and Independence:
In-country coordinators provide guidance and support but are not present daily at placements. Interns should be ready to work independently and take on leadership responsibilities as needed.
Language Requirements
Most partner clinics and facilities operate in Spanish, requiring interns to have at least an intermediate level of proficiency.
- A Spanish proficiency interview will be conducted over the phone before starting the program.
- In-country coordinators are available for support, but interns must communicate effectively in Spanish during their placement.
Work Schedule
- Hours: Interns typically work 4–6 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
- Spanish Classes: Daily 1-hour Spanish lessons are scheduled Monday through Friday. Additional time may be needed for planning or completing assigned tasks.
- Weekends: Free for relaxation, exploration, travel, or personal projects.
Dress Code
Professional appearance is highly valued in Peru. Interns are required to wear scrubs at medical placements and maintain a clean, neat appearance at all times.
- Avoid revealing or extravagant clothing.
- Pack clothing options ranging from casual to business casual for non-work activities.
- Bring essential medical supplies, including:
- Disposable gloves
- A white coat
- Antibacterial soap or sanitizer
- A stethoscope
- A blood pressure cuff
Transportation
Internship placements are located in the Cusco area.
- Travel Options: Walking or taking a bus is the most economical way to commute, with travel times ranging from 10 to 60 minutes each way. Taxis are also available but more expensive.
- Orientation: On your first day, a representative will accompany you to your placement to explain the route and transport details.
- Costs: Budget approximately $5 per day for transportation. A one-way bus ride typically costs S/. 5 ($1.75).
Program Deliverables
All interns must submit weekly journals and a final deliverable:
- Practicums (less than 8 weeks): Submit either a 10–20-page paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
- Internships (8 weeks or longer): Submit both a 10–20-page paper and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
- Deliverable Content:
- Overview of the medical facility and your role.
- Review of the organization.
- Sector analysis in the host or home country.
- Challenges faced and outcomes achieved.
Spanish Lessons
Daily 1-hour Spanish lessons are an integral part of the internship program. These lessons are tailored to your proficiency level and work schedule, focusing on vocabulary relevant to your placement.
- Classes are taught using the Communicative Method, emphasizing immersive, spoken interaction.
- Instructors are certified, native Spanish speakers who conduct lessons entirely in Spanish.
Maximising Your Experience
The success of your internship depends largely on your effort and approach. Be prepared to face language barriers, cultural differences in work structures, and varying management styles. Embrace these challenges, take initiative, and engage fully for the most rewarding experience.
Your role and level of independence in the internship will depend on:
- Your training and demonstrated expertise.
- Your Spanish proficiency.
- Your initiative and adaptability.
- The duration of your program.
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
- Assisting with physical examinations, including taking vitals, height, weight, and medical history.
- Supporting the processing, reporting, and interpretation of laboratory tests.
- Observing and aiding in patient consultations and medication prescriptions.
- Observing or performing injections, sutures, and suture removal (if allowed).
- Assisting with obstetric check-ups, consultations, and family planning services.
- Evaluating the physical and neurological development of patients.
- Preparing and sterilizing equipment and materials for exams and procedures.
- Organising patient medical files.
