Internships in Guatemala

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18 Internships in Guatemala


MAXIMO NIVEL
4.62
52
Get practical work experience in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru with Maximo Nivel’s professional International Internships. Gaining high-impac...
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Intern Abroad HQ
4.57
89
Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? A...
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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
4.76
41
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 20...
See All 2 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
828
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservatio
Volunteer World
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Nursing internships abroad are the perfect opportunity for everyone who wants to boost their nursing career and enhance their possibilities. Explore the beauty of Asia, Africa and South America while taking part in a nursing internship and gaining valuable skills and training. College, nursing an
RealStep
4.73
11
A medical or nursing internship with RealStep offers a transformative experience blending hands-on clinical training with meaningful cultural immersion. By choosing our placement, you’ll have the opportunity to work in diverse, underserved communities across the globe, from rural areas in Malawi and
Volunteers Around The World
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Seeking a pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, or global and public health-related leadership opportunity abroad? Join the VAW Global Team Leader Fellowship. We are looking for Team Leaders and Chapter Presidents at your university or within your community! The Team Leader (TL) will have a numb
Involvement Volunteers International
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Hospitality & Tourism internship placements are hosted by small, locally owned businesses such as hotels, hostels, tour agencies, tour operators, or restaurants. Interns support various business functions, including sales, customer service, marketing, and daily operations. Assisting with sales, res
A Guide to Interning Abroad in Guatemala
Locations
Guatemala borders Mexico to the north, Belize to the east, and El Salvador and Honduras to the south. Chiapas, Mexico, across the northern border, is full of rural Mayan farming villages, rich Mayan ruins, and coffee farms, and this environment is mirrored in the western Highlands of Guatemala, where volcanoes dot the horizon and colorful indigenous markets are housed in village plazas. To the east the tropical climate of Belize flows over the border to Tikal, one of the most extensive Mayan ruins in the world, where monkeys swing from trees and pyramids replace volcanoes on this ancient skyline.
Further south along the Caribbean Coast is a rasta culture developed by a community of descendents of freed slaves. Spanish ruins from the colonial days rival Mayan ruins in their grandeur further west. Hippies seeking an alternative lifestyle are sprinkled from Panajachel to the tanangos (towns of the Western Highlands). In the center is Guate City, a big bustling Latin American city with all the industry and amenities of neighboring capitals.
Guatemala City is the political and commerce capital of Guatemala, most popular for community development internships.
Antigua is one of the most beautiful towns in Latin America. The cobblestone streets become works of art during Semana Santa, when locals paint beautiful pictures from flower petals for the procession of Christ. While the town may have more Spanish schools per capita than any place on earth, the city still has a local cultural life. Part of that centers around the village, indigenous population that travels to Antigua to work in the marketplace. This population accommodates many service projects including health internships and education programs. Many internships in Antigua are coupled with Spanish language classes too, since there are multiple language institutes located here.
Flores is a small town adjacent to the ruins of Tikal, near the Belize border. A long bus ride from the capital, Flores has a small but thriving eco-tourism industry. Tropical villagers in the region come to Flores for education and business.
Panajachel is a lakeside community in the Western Highlands. This is a regular stop on the backpackers route. The Mayan community sells their wares to tourists in the marketplace to maintain a stable income.
Internships in Guatemala
Interning in Guatemala provides interns with the chance to work in social welfare projects, health projects, micro finance placements, community development, education, business, and human rights. While most internships evolve around social development projects, there are still opportunities in Guatemala City for law, government, and business and marketing internships too.
Community Development placements include working within village community centers, working with women’s empowerment groups, and establishing micro finance schemes.
Healthcare internships are typically in the area of health education, but sometimes include actual practice in the field for interns with specific skills and extensive educational background.
Marketing and business internships exist in the capital, and sometimes in Antigua. Local NGOs also periodically offer internships focused on marketing, social media support, and website maintenance, which offer very practical work experience. Regardless of the type, business internships in Guatemala will no doubt provide opportunities to practice Spanish language skills and immerse in the local culture, while supporting meaningful projects.
Education placements for international interns are typically offered through non-profit organizations and vary throughout the country, but usually involve teaching in a local public school.
Additional internship opportunities in Guatemala, though less common, include placements in archaeology, law, special education, agriculture, and hospitality.
Salary & Costs
The cost of living is very low in Guatemala. Homestays can run from $100 to $400 depending on room, location, and number of meals included. Local restaurants are affordable, and produce and other foods at local market places are cheap.
Cross country transportation is very low cost as well, but the recycled school buses in all their painted glory carry chickens, farmers, families, and luggage along with you, so it may not always be luxurious. Public transportation is often so packed that people stand in the aisle with no wiggle room, and still the drivers pick up more passengers and add them to external handholds of the bus.
Those who intern in Guatemala are almost always non-paid, though occasional paid teaching opportunities due exist within the international schools, but these require degrees and are not technically considered internships. Some interns have received nominal pay for TEFL jobs in Guatemala but similarly these are jobs not necessarily seen as internships.
Accommodation & Visas
Homestays are a very common housing option for those who intern in Guatemala. Many internships in Guatemala offer this style of housing with local families, although single rooms can be rented within homes and apartments in most cities. Long term internships will often include apartment accommodation, whereas short term programs are more likely to house interns in homestays. Homestays offer the added benefit of local cooking (including homemade tortillas and guacamole). They also provide a local network of support and connections to practice your Spanish language skills. Typically homestays reserve Sundays for their families, and guests are expected to do their own thing.
Visa requirements for interning in Guatemala vary based on your country of origin, find an embassy nearest to you to find out about requirements through GoAbroad’s Guatemalan Embassy Directory.
Benefits & Challenges
History. Guatemala is a beautiful country with an incredible pre and post colonial history. A more recent history of violence and civil war coupled with massive poverty have led to more violent crime than some of it’s Central American neighbors. However, while some incidents have occurred with foreign students and tourists, the volume of tourists and the presence of special tourist police make the crime risk smaller than the media may make you believe, so interning in Guatemala is still a safe option.
Landscape. From the rasta culture in the east to the black sand beaches in the west, from the pyramids at Iximche and Tikal to the towering volcanoes, like Volcan Agua and Pacayo, Guatemala provides a beautiful backdrop for internships abroad.
Climate. The climate of Guatemala is also extraordinary, particularly in the west. Sometimes referred to as “eternal spring” the climate is moderate, with short afternoon rainshowers in the rainy season. Never too hot never too cold.
Popular Providers
Latest Program Reviews
Great internship experience
August 27, 2026by: Kate Booker - United KingdomProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I loved every second about my internship, especially the responsibilities I was given. It was a really interesting experience. Nely was amazing! She was so warm, welcoming and patient. I truly feel like she was the best possible teacher for me! Thank you so much!
A priceless & unforgettable learning experience!
August 19, 2026by: Rosanna KenyonProgram: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
What an amazing internship experience! It was an unforgettable month that pushed me out of my comfort zone, gave me experiences I’d never have at home, and allowed me to learn about conservation while meeting some amazing people. I learned a great deal and the entire experience definitely exceeded my expectations! I really enjoyed game drives. It was a good way to explore the reserve, learn lots about the environment and wildlife, get to know other participants and no drive was ever the same. Seeing all the animals, sunrise and sunsets on drives and getting to know new people made the experience truly unforgettable.
A rich learning experience!
August 19, 2026by: Eliza PiochProgram: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
The time spent doing my GIS internship at the Gondwana Game Reserve exceeded my expectations in both the knowledge I received and the amazing views I was fortunate enough to see. I learned a great deal, saw a lot of amazing animals and it was extremely rewarding to learn so much about GIS and wildlife.
Lucky with my internship
August 06, 2026by: Sophia MiraProgram: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
Meeting the people in my flat really changed my experiences. They were so kind. I was lucky with my internship with having people supporting me and also wanting to get to know me. I highly recommend this to someone.
Amazing support for internship & academic credits
August 03, 2026by: Matea ShizuruProgram: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
Karen and Kristal at Intern Abroad HQ were wonderful at assisting me and my study abroad counselor throughout the whole process (esp. with the academic credits). Thank you to them! What I enjoyed most about the Public Health internship in Cape Town was being able to work closely and connect with such qualified, educated, and passionate professionals in my field. Being exposed to the work that they do gave me a clearer idea of what I want to do in my own professional career and gave me insight into what it takes to get there. Furthermore, I enjoyed being mentored by my internship supervisor and being able to take charge of my own internship project.
Absolutely Phenomenal Learning And Immersion Experience
August 01, 2026by: Merrill Scarbrough - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
The medical internship was amazing. I interned at Hogar Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza and was able to be fully immersed in Costa Rican culture by participating in La Romería with the patients. In addition, I was able to learn so many medical terms in Spanish and was able to do many hands-on patient care activities within the clinic.

My opportunity to intern was one of the best things I've been blessed enough to be a part of.
July 29, 2026by: Molly MitchellProgram: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
My opportunity to intern was one of the best things I've been blessed enough to be a part of. It taught me so much about the world, the field of International Policy, culture, and working with people from other cultures. It contributed so much to how I developed as a person, how I travel, and how I live life, and the whole experience was incredibly eye-opening, both professionally and personally. I am incredibly glad that I decided to take part in this internship, it was one of the most amazing things I've gotten to be a part of.
It was a great program
July 29, 2026by: Isabel AsumendiProgram: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
I think Intern Abroad HQ was a great program because it provided and coordinated all that I needed. It was encouraging to not have to have every bit of my internship figured out and to know everything that was included would be reliable.
Unmatched and unforgettable internship experience of a lifetime
July 25, 2026by: Nick Van SteenhuyseProgram: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
I want to thank you and your team for helping me get to my GIS & Reserve Management internship in South Africa and fulfill a lifelong dream. I loved every second of my time in the Gondwana Game Reserve and it applied directly to my career goals.Everything exceeded my expectations. The people are fantastic, the wildlife incredible, and the experience gained unmatched.
Maximo nivel internship
July 25, 2026by: Albert Carilli - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
When I first got here to Cusco all the people of Maximo made me feel very welcomed. I got placed into my internship and Spanish class and was not sure how both were going to be, but after the first days of both I thought they were both great. The overall facilities of maximo are great aswell any time during they week if you want a tea or coffee you can come in and get it for free.
I am incredibly grateful for my time in Valencia.
July 24, 2026by: Kayleigh SpenceI am incredibly grateful for my time in Valencia. Both my time with my host family and the staff at my placement allowed me to immerse myself in the Spanish language and culture while teaching me life and career skills that cannot be learned in a classroom. Rotating between nursing and the OR enabled observation of patient processing and medical decision-making from start to finish, pre-op to post-op.
I had the most amazing time
July 24, 2026by: Victoria Bryson - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
Everybody was so helpful and supportive. It felt comfortable the entire time! I would 100% do it again. The experience, culture and Spanish classes were amazing, and Maximo Nivel was always checking in and ready to help.
A priceless learning experience!
July 22, 2026by: Eliza PiochProgram: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
My GIS & Reserve Management internship at the Gondwana Game Reserve in South Africa exceeded my expectations in both the knowledge I gained and the amazing views & animals I was fortunate enough to see. It was extremely an rewarding experience as I learned lots and my supervisors taught me so much about GIS and the wildlife here.
An enriching learning experience where every day was a new and exciting adventure that has made lifelong memories.
July 20, 2026by: Isabelle PapadopoulosProgram: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
The internship absolutely met and exceeded my expectations. The experience itself was once in a lifetime and the people, food and general vibe of the camp was always amazing. Everything about this program felt so rewarding! I’ve made so many new friends from different countries around the world and gotten to experience little bits of their cultures. Being able to stay on a game reserve has been a spectacular experience, every day is different but seeing the wildlife everyday never gets boring. Being able to contribute to the research here and learn how different types of fieldwork and observations are done is really cool.
Vet Internship in Costa Rica
July 17, 2026by: Jessica Brogna - United StatesProgram: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I did a 4-week veterinary internship with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica and had the most incredibly time! The people I worked with at my placement were incredibly patient and helpful in learning both Spanish and veterinary skills. The Maximo team does a great job at checking up with you and making you feel comfortable. I absolutely recommend any of Maximo Nivel’s internship programs!
TEFL Internship in Peru
July 11, 2026by: Brett Looby - United StatesProgram: Work, Study, Travel! Explore Latin America with Maximo Nivel
I needed to complete a TEFL internship to satisfy my university's graduation requirements, and the prerequisites for my internship course were somewhat specific, so I needed to find a program that was flexible and able to provide a large amount of hours within two months. Maximo Nivel's internship program was able to deliver on these requirements, and from the beginning I was impressed with how easy it was to communicate with the staff via email and how smooth the process was to make sure that all my requirements were met. The accommodation was great, and at one point when I got sick, Maximo Nivel contacted the local clinic, and in a very short period of time, I received the medical care that I needed. The environment was extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful, and there were many weekly events to meet both locals and other interns and volunteers working with Maximo Nivel.
Advanced local conservation through GIS projects, achieving key professional milestones.
July 09, 2026by: Casey BainbridgeProgram: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
My stay in South Africa greatly exceeded my expectations. I expected my experience at Gondwana to be exciting and educational, but I never imagined it would be as impactful and enriching as it turned out to be. I'm leaving with a deep appreciation for the incredible wildlife, plants, and landscapes I experienced, as well as the connections and bonds I made with the people around me. I learned far more than I expected and gained an even greater love for the beauty and uniqueness of the region. The most rewarding part of my stay was the unexpected friendships and social bonds I formed with the people around me. I also found it rewarding to complete a GIS which gave me a sense of accomplishment. Working on conservation in such a beautiful and biodiverse region was a privilege, and every day I learned something new about the area's unique wildlife, plants, and ecology. The highlight of my stay was the friendships I formed with the people around me, as well as the privilege of seeing incredible wildlife in its natural habitat every day. Experiencing such a unique environment and becoming so familiar with the animals, plants, and landscapes was something very few people ever have the opportunity to do.
A Transcendent Journey of Deep Connections, Professional Growth, and Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
June 08, 2026by: Casey BainbridgeProgram: Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!
My stay in South Africa greatly exceeded my expectations. I expected my experience at Gondwana to be exciting and educational, but I never imagined it would be as impactful and enriching as it turned out to be. I'm leaving with a deep appreciation for the incredible wildlife, plants, and landscapes I experienced, as well as the connections and bonds I made with the people around me. I learned far more than I expected and gained an even greater love for the beauty and uniqueness of the region. The most rewarding part of my stay was the unexpected friendships and social bonds I formed with the people around me. I also found it rewarding to complete a GIS which gave me a sense of accomplishment. Working on conservation in such a beautiful and biodiverse region was a privilege, and every day I learned something new about the area's unique wildlife, plants, and ecology. The highlight of my stay was the friendships I formed with the people around me, as well as the privilege of seeing incredible wildlife in its natural habitat every day. Experiencing such a unique environment and becoming so familiar with the animals, plants, and landscapes was something very few people ever have the opportunity to do. It was an unforgettable experience of living and working closely with South Africa’s wildlife, where I was constantly learning, pushed outside my comfort zone in the best ways, and grew personally and professionally while contributing to conservation work.
I would 100% do this again!
May 30, 2026by: Sam SanchezThe thing I enjoyed the most is that I got to meet so many people from various parts of the world who I deeply connected with, and shared some life changing experiences with. As for my professional development, I was able to gain more confidence and become more comfortable while talking with people. I would 100% do this again and I would advise anyone who wants to do this internship to do it.
This internship reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in Animal Science.
May 17, 2026by: Abigail RitchieMy host mom was great! She was very welcoming and took an interest in what I was doing and how I was feeling! She made it easier to be away from home for so long. The part I enjoyed most about this internship was the opportunity to work alongside the staff at the school farm and experience how animal care and agricultural education are approached in another country. I enjoyed building relationships with my coworkers, host family, and classmates, and learning how to communicate despite the language barrier. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me become more confident, independent, and adaptable. Professionally, the internship gave me valuable hands-on experience in an international setting and reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in Animal Science. Personally, it taught me to be more open-minded, appreciate different cultures and ways of life, and trust my ability to handle new challenges. This experience has given me skills and confidence that I will carry with me throughout my education and future career.
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