Searching for an exciting international internship opportunity? Look no further than Guatemala! This vibrant Central American country is a well-kept secret for interns, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion, professional development, and adventurous exploration.
Read to find out more about the best internships in Guatemala! Guatemala’s rich blend of Indigenous traditions and Spanish influences make it a fascinating place to live and work. Weekends and downtime can be spent hiking active volcanoes, touring Mayan archaeological sites, or immersing yourself in the local culture at bustling markets.
Guatemala, rich in Mayan history and known for its breathtaking landscapes, offers incredible opportunities for career development and growth. From vibrant cities to rural communities, you will find internships across a wide range of fields. Not to mention, learning Spanish while working can open up a whole new world of opportunities.
Are there paid internships in Guatemala?
Yes, there are paid internships in Guatemala, although they might be less common than unpaid ones. Some companies and organizations do offer a stipend or a basic salary to cover living expenses. However, this largely depends on the industry and the specific organization offering the internship.
In Guatemala, many internships blur into the category of volunteering depending on the industry and the experience and qualifications you bring as an intern. Always check whether the internship is paid or unpaid when applying. Remember, even if the internship is unpaid, the experience, skills, and network you gain can be invaluable for your future career.
In order to truly make the most out of your internship experience in Guatemala, it’s a good idea to partner with a reputable provider to avoid any hassles!
10 best international internships in Guatemala
1. Guatemala - Antigua Medical Internship
Embark on a medical internship in Antigua, Guatemala, for an immersive experience that will expand your Spanish proficiency and medical knowledge. Your daily tasks, determined by your education level and Spanish skills, will provide hands-on medical experience. In this Spanish immersion environment, your medical vocabulary will flourish.
The internship also broadens your understanding of global health care and patient care systems, so eligibility is limited to either pre-med, medical, or nursing students or holders of alternative medical licenses. Furthermore, you can enjoy an array of free activities, ranging from salsa and cooking classes to cultural exchanges. The opportunities are limitless!
- Where? Antigua
- Duration? 4-12 weeks
- Read GoEco reviews
2. Special Education Internship
Since establishing its first school for the blind in 1940, Guatemala has made strides in special needs education, passing disability laws and expanding services with international aid. However, many individuals with special needs remain underserved.
This Antigua internship provides hands-on teaching experience in a classroom serving students with special needs. You’ll offer personalized attention to students and prepare unique lesson plans with ongoing support from a designated staff member.
- Where? Antigua
- Duration? 4 or 8 weeks
- Read Maximo Nivel reviews
3. Health Placements in Rural Guatemala
Make a difference by volunteering or interning with a local organization in the cultural heartland of Guatemala. Choose from a variety of health and medical placements tailored to your qualifications and goals, such as public health, medical education, HIV/AIDS awareness, and work with mentally handicapped children.
This program is ideal for last-year medical students, health professionals, and students who have completed their first year in related fields. You’ll need strong Spanish language skills and a good understanding of medical vocabulary.
- Where? Rural regions of Guatemala
- Duration? 2-12 weeks
- Read ELI Abroad reviews
4. Microfinance and Business Internship
This program offers interns an opportunity to assist entrepreneurs with business strategies, loans, and workshops in finance, marketing, and data analysis. Assignments are based on individual skills and interests.
The role may involve loan analysis, IT, accounting, conducting financial literacy workshops, or advising on business plans. Basic Spanish is required, with intensive Spanish lessons available. This program offers authentic international experience, improved Spanish proficiency, and networking with global peers in a relaxed environment.
- Where? Various locations
- Duration? Minimum commitment of 4 weeks
- Read INLEXCA reviews
5. Documentary Outreach - Service Learning for Storytellers
Join the Storytelling Expedition to Guatemala, a partnership with Etnica Travel, to learn about and document sustainable community development projects across the country. This culturally immersive experience lets you explore the work of local changemakers by creating impactful video and photo stories.
Traveling to areas such as Antigua, Rio Dulce, and Lake Atitlan, participants contribute to a library of digital media that aids organizations’ outreach. This initiative emphasizes responsible, ethical storytelling and offers guidance, mentorship, and training. By fostering local participation, it aims to combat issues like low access to health and education, malnutrition, and food sovereignty.
- Where? Antigua, Solola, rural areas
- Duration? 14 days
- Read Actuality Abroad reviews
6. Physiotherapy Internship Program
This program offers volunteers with backgrounds in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or occupational therapy the opportunity to assist in clinics serving low-income communities. Through partnerships with clinics, hospitals, and labs, volunteers not only help the underserved but also gain professional development.
Tasks include assisting patients in physiotherapy sessions, conducting home visits, maintaining treatment records, and monitoring patients. Ideal for physiotherapy students and professionals, the program enables hands-on experience in real-world scenarios, working alongside experienced practitioners, and improving Spanish skills through total immersion.
- Where? Various locations
- Duration? Minimum commitment of 4 weeks
- Read INLEXCA reviews
7. Volunteer in Healthcare and Medicine in Guatemala
In Guatemala’s rural areas, volunteers can provide hands-on medical care in local clinics or collaborate with local medical professionals in poor communities and orphanages. Depending on education level and experience, tasks vary.
Pre-med and early-year medical or nursing students may assist in clinics or hospitals with tasks like taking measurements, bed-making, equipment sterilization, or interacting with disabled children. Advanced medical students and professionals might clean wounds, administer injections or sutures, take records, or draw blood samples. They could also assist disabled children with daily routines or provide basic physiotherapy.
- Where? Antigua
- Duration? 1-24 weeks
- Read International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) reviews
8. The Science Exchange Sea Turtle Internships
The Science Exchange offers customized sea turtle research internships to science students globally. Interns conduct field-based research in Latin American locations, including Guatemala, collecting data, working at research centers, and immersing in local cultures. They can earn university credits and get support for professional publishing.
Over 65% of interns have published their research, leading many to careers in conservation. The program welcomes those 18 and over and requires adaptability to tropical climates. Internship packages are tailored to individual needs, and partial scholarships are available. The program contributes to sea turtle conservation and community support.
- Where? Various locations
- Duration? 1-6 months
- Read The Science Exchange reviews
9. Medical Internships in Guatemala
This program partners with clinics, hospitals, labs, and treatment centers, offering medical students and professionals opportunities for professional growth and service. Interns can learn by shadowing medical professionals and interacting with patients. Good Spanish communication is essential.
The program suits medical students in their third year or higher, although pre-med students can apply as observers. Interns may conduct health workshops, shadow doctors, or participate in outreach campaigns. The program provides real-world experience, improves Spanish skills through immersion, fosters collaboration with experienced professionals, and enables networking with people globally.
- Where? Various locations
- Duration? Minimum commitment of 4 weeks
- Read INLEXCA reviews
10. Internship Opportunities in Guatemala with Intern Abroad HQ
Ignite your career while immersing yourself in Guatemala’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture with Intern Abroad HQ. Choose from a variety of diverse short-term internships in areas like medical work, environmental conservation, and microfinance, with programs suitable for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers.
These programs promise affordability without compromising quality, so they’re a great choice whether you’re a student or graduate, or you’re taking a gap year or changing careers. Programs include everything from placement arrangements to constant local support and more.
- Where? Antigua and various regions in Guatemala
- Duration? 4-24 weeks
- Read Intern Abroad HQ reviews
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Get work experience with a side of adventure in Guatemala!
The best internships in Guatemala let you witness this country’s culture, history, and landscapes while gaining valuable career experience.
Working in Guatemala offers a unique blend of professional development and thrilling adventure. The best internships in Guatemala will allow you to gain valuable work experience in fields like education, business, environmental conservation, or tourism while also having the opportunity to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture. So why wait? Embark on your Guatemalan adventure and boost your career in the process!
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