Internships in South America

I spent two months participating in a global internship in Bogotá organized by Intern Colombia and had a FANTASTIC experience! Intern Colombia did a tremendous job matching me to an internship that complemented my career goals and values. Not only did they help ensure that my internship experience was a positive one, but I also got to meet many different people and have a wide range of new experiences through the program activities offered that introduced me to the rich cultures in Colombia. This was surely an experience I will never forget!

My two weeks with CFHI in Puyo, Ecuador, reshaped how I think about public health — not as an abstract concept, but as something lived daily by the communities I visited. As a physician, I came in with clinical knowledge, but I left with something harder to teach: a felt understanding of how geography, infrastructure, and culture shape access to care. Spending time in indigenous communities around Puyo, I saw firsthand the distances people travel and the barriers they navigate just to reach a health post. I learned about local approaches to disease surveillance and prevention — vector control, community-based epidemiological monitoring, education campaigns — and how much of effective public health work happens outside the clinic, in trust-building, listening, and adapting to local realities rather than imposing external models. What stayed with me most were the everyday moments: conversations with community health workers, the warmth of families who welcomed us into their routines, and the quiet realization of how much resilience it takes to sustain health and wellbeing in under-resourced settings. This experience was a turning point for me — it's part of what drew me toward epidemiology, and I'm now pursuing a Master of Science in the field, carrying the questions Puyo raised in me into my research. I'm profoundly grateful to CFHI, to my local mentors, and to the Puyo community for an experience that changed the direction of my career.

The summer I spent at Finca Las Piedras was genuinely one of the best summers I have ever had. Other than the incredible biodiversity surrounding me at all times, I was in love with the delicious food, the kind and knowledgeable staff, and even the fact that I had limited internet connection. The experience was a wild ride that gave me countless memories and some peers who quickly became my close friends. Staying at the Finca was an amazing way to live and I think about how I want to go back all the time.

I spent 2 months living in Bogota, Colombia, interning with a non-profit organization that was organized through Intern Colombia. This program did not only place me in an internship but they also took us on various day trips, a weekend trip to La Guajira, tours, night excursions, and so much more. The directors of the program are amazing and super funny. I loved my time in Colombia and am so grateful to Intern Colombia for providing me with the opportunity to have had this experiences. I definitely recommend!

Being an Intern in Bogotá, Colombia, was truly an invaluable experience. Every aspect, from going into the office to the social life, was a great time; it was a beautiful, immersive experience. I was able to meet a lot of incredible people. I would fully recommend studying abroad!

This program changed my life for the better! I was so sad to leave but will be eternally grateful to this program for the experiences and connections I made. Whether you are looking to build your resume, meet new people, or just explore a new country, Intern Colombia is the program to go with. The internship placement process is incredibly easy, every person I interacted with as part of the program was incredibly kind, and there are so many activities planned out for the cohorts. I got to see and experience so much of Colombia and it is all thanks to this program. I made friendships that will last a lifetime and every single moment was filled with joy. Take the leap and join!

I lived in the community Nueve de Junio, Sacha Waysa, for one month. It was such an amazing experience, I got to really connect with the people in my community, learn a lot from their experiences, travel around Napo and meet others, and make a lasting connection with everyone I met. I hope to go back at least one more time in the next year (maybe during the fruit season) because of how close I got with my host family. I learned a lot about the land and Ecuador in general which was great, and Im glad Im still in contact with my hosts because I miss them already.

I did a volunteer internship with ASA in 2024, and learned so much. Being in the Amazon itself is a blessing, and the environment is teeming with incredible wildlife. It was also wonderful to engage with Peruvian scientistis, as well as fellow interns from all over the world. I feel like our discussions and preparatory readings helped to frame the context of where we were, and allowed us to better understand the uncertainty over its future. The opportunity to work on and develop our own independent projects was special, and I felt like it was guided in a very informative way. Amenities were adequate, though rustic and not always reliable. Program managment and communication was also somewhat sporadic, though was very structured at the beginning of the program. The experiences I had on this program forever changed my worldview, and inspired to me to continue with tropical field research. I would not have been the same without it.

Great opportunity for students to get hands on experience outside of a typical classroom environment. Staff was amazing in educating students on sustainability in the amazon as well as supporting intern research projects. There was also great support and communication even before arriving in Peru, everyone was always responsive. Living area was well organized and managed and the food was amazing!

I stumbled upon this opportunity as I was looking for a placement in completing my masters of social work degree. I’ve always felt strongly connected to indigenous worldviews, and while looking for a field placement that fit my criteria, so many people told me what I wanted was too specific and maybe search for something in a more broader sense. So happy I followed my heart and found this program through Linked In. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the description: “work with natural healers in the Amazon, make plant medicines, volunteer at the natural birthing centre with the Kichwa mamas” I felt so elated. Going through the process was also straightforward and simple. Andy, the founder of the program did an interview with me to make sure I was a fit for this experience and I teared up by the end of it. So much alignment in feeling like I found a likeminded individual who overstand the importance of connecting with the first peoples of these lands and learning from their potent and magical lineage. Also, in a strengths focused, empowered way. Andy has been actively building relationships and a healthy rapport with these communities and the families for over a decade, and actually curated a program that’s immersive and heart centred. I spent 7 weeks in tena during this program, the most transformative 7 weeks of my life. I ALWAYS felt safe, and supported during my stay. I met the most incredible people, and felt apart of this community in so many beautiful ways. I’m excited to bring my loved ones with me and go back for another round in the near future, I think everyone who’s even just a smidge curious about natural medicine should experience this program. You get sooooo much more out of this than what’s inputted in the description. Thank you SO much for all the learning and gifts this opportunity has brought into my life, im a better person for it.

Beyond Travels allowed me to feel comfortable and confident while taking part in a fun, exciting, and powerful cultural immersion experience. I spent my days in the Amazon living and working with farmers tending to their sustainable agroforestry systems. I learned about the ecology of the region, their successful regenerative practices, and also their struggles. I made lasting connections with my host family, as well as other community members and interns I met during my time in Ecuador. Beyond Travels connected me with other communities working on similar projects in regenerative agriculture and tourism, giving me a broader view of what it's like to be a farmer in the Amazon. I also got to take part in unforgettable activities like rafting, hiking, and swimming in my free time, while also exploring the local shops and restaurants along the way. Beyond Travels allowed me to have an unforgettable experience while keeping me in constant connection with multiple guides and mentors so I always felt safe and comfortable. Thanks to them I made so many great connections with the community and I feel like I have a second home in the Amazon!

Whenever I reminisce on my journey with Beyond Travels, my inner being lights up. I feel an overwhelming sense of warmth and gratitude. I spent several weeks in the Amazon as part of the Amazonian Indigenous Plant Medicine & Herbalism internship. From the moment I arrived, I felt safe, secure and genuinely cared for by the Beyond Travels team. Their knowledge, and thoughtful guidance sparked the confidence to fully immerse myself in the experience and embrace everything the Amazon had to offer. It was reassuring to have the team there to help translate and make sense of information along the way, as I would have felt quite lost trying to navigate alone. There was something almost ecstatic about being immersed in the aliveness of the Amazon. All of my senses were heightened. From the sound of thunder rolling through the rainforest with the torrential rain, to the incredible richness of lush green landscape, and the taste of forest foods: sweet cacao and guaba fruit, plantain, yuca, freshly caught wild fish, and much more. I often found myself thinking, Is this really my life right now!? One of the most impactful parts of my experience was staying with my host family — The team absolutely got the pairing right! I feel so honoured to have been welcomed into their home and community. They treated me as though I was a family member, showing me unconditional love and acceptance, despite the language barrier. Sharing in their everyday life deepened my connection to the jungle.. from hiking and working in their chakra (garden), to playing with the children in the river. The simpler rhythm of life, rooted me in presence. Spending time at Amupakin (midwifery health centre) with my host Mama, was incredibly special as I was surrounded by feminine energy, that felt truly nurturing. Taking part in ceremonies, limpias, and learning about their traditional medicine added another beautiful dimension to my experience, and opened my awareness to alternative ways of healing. I was particularly curious about Ayahuasca in which I was able to observe and participate in its preparation. It was mind expanding to learn about these traditions within their cultural context, and I was fascinated by how indigenous knowledge has been passed down through generations, and remains so woven into their everyday life. I was constantly confronted with the striking contrast to the ways we live in the West, and left me reflecting on just how disconnected we can sometimes be from the natural world and the knowledge held within it. I would recommend Beyond Travels over and over again. This was, without a doubt, one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It has left such a lasting impression on me that I feel called to return. See you soon, Amazon. Thank you Andy and your team for creating such a spectacular opportunity

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!

I had the best time, the accommodation was really good and social activities made it easy to meet other interns and explore the city. Mari and Marián were always so friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend this experience! :)

My trip to Medellin was so valuable to me. So glad I went with The Intern Group. Housing and events were perfect, and I really liked the way they ran it. You get to go on multiple trips and many social events and are able to make friends and form connections with a variety of people from different backgrounds.

My internship as a market and financial analyst was an excellent opportunity for me to gain professional experience dealing with real business needs and personnel. The submersion taught me many technical skills and built my confidence, which I am sure have helped prepare me for my future positions.

My experience in Thailand has been so fun! I got to see a lot of the major temples and sites that are a must visit. I made many friends with the other interns here. The staff were very welcoming and accommodating. They helped me with any questions I had or anything in general. Overall my experience was amazing, 10/10 would recommend to anyone on the fence about it! I would even come back if I could!

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.

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.

Since completing the Psychology internship in Cape Town, I've been more empowered in several key ways. I've developed greater cultural competence within my field, along with a stronger understanding of how to draw on other professionals and networks to bring together resources that genuinely support a community or individual. I also feel more confident in the value of my informal counselling skills, and a renewed appreciation for the value of my psychology degree and what it equips me to offer. My experience co-facilitating the DBT session for clients with BPD has genuinely inspired me to consider this as a potential area of future specialisation, and I'd like to continue building my knowledge and skills in this space. I enjoyed staying in the big intern house with the other interns and exploring Cape Town together. The cultural insight from the local coordinator and internship was very insightful and has allowed me to personally and professionally appreciate and develop my cross-cultural competence.