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At-Risk Youth Social Work Internship in Peru logo

At-Risk Youth Social Work Internship in Peru

by: Kaya Responsible Travel

Add first reviewVerifiedSince 2008

Intern at an NGO that aims to improve the life of at-risk youth in a rural town outside of Cusco. The center is home to between 20 and 50 children, from infants to teens, at any given time. Apart from having a roof on their heads, they are given food, healthcare and education. Some of these kids come from impoverished families without enough income means to feed them. The organization’s initiatives help prepare these children to ultimately live a life independent of the project. You will take on the role of an at-risk youth social worker, supporting the project’s growth and impact on children and adolescents. Bring your skills and ideas to activities like English workshops, art and painting, sports, and computer science. You will provide the kids attention and help with homework. You will also assist with general maintenance in the gardens and center. This Social Work Internship in Peru is open to participants 18 years and older. The program is available all year round and lasts 4–12 weeks or longer.

Program Highlights

Help a local NGO in Peru provide support and better futures for at-risk youth.

Gain an insight into the challenges facing a small organization while catering to children and teens from impoverished families.

Gain hands-on experience in social work, helping to build your CV for future employment prospects.

Immerse yourself fully into Spanish language and culture while working with the NGO’s local staff and staying in a homestay.

Spend your spare time enjoying a broad range of activities, from visiting tourist spots to dancing in a salsa club.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Cusco, Peru
Availability
Intern Duration:
  • 1-3 Months
  • 3-6 Months
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Fields:
  • Social Work
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Awards

Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Cusco, Peru

Types and Subjects

  • Fields
  • Social Work

Availability

Intern Duration:
  • 1-3 Months
  • 3-6 Months

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • Certificate of Completion
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What sort of impact can I make on this internship?

    The NGO welcomes between 30-50 children from infants to teenagers at any given time. The centre provides them with accommodation, food, education and healthcare. The majority of the children are boys that have been abused or abandoned. The aim of the centre is to provide a safe and loving home, as well as support and training opportunities.

    What sorts of skills do I need for this internship?

    The NGO welcomes interns of all backgrounds to come with open ideas, especially if interns have previous experience of working with children. The skills of an interns should be varied, these include teaching in English workshops, computer science, music, art, math, helping with homework, participating in sports activities and cooking meals. Overall, you should be patient, compassionate and great with kids!

    Is it safe to travel Peru?

    Peru is considered a safe country to visit, however, like most countries, visitors should be cautious when walking within neighborhoods and when alone at night. Use the same travel tips you would anywhere you go, like keeping your cash in multiple places and don't walk with valuables on display.

    What is the accommodation like?

    During your internship you’ll stay with a local family in a comfortable house in Cusco. You’ll become fully immersed in the Peruvian culture whilst spending time at home or over meals with your welcoming homestay family!

    What is there to do in my free time in Cusco?

    Cusco is the oldest city in Latin America and the streets are even lined with the original stone walls from the Inca Empire. Just by wandering the city you can get a feel for the rich history. If you’re interested in dance, take salsa lessons or, if you’re a foodie, you can find some local delicacies at the markets! And of course, Machu Picchu is not far, so make sure you organize a trip there before or after your internship!

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    Intern at an NGO that aims to improve the life of at-risk youth in a rural town outside of Cusco. The center is home to between 20 and 50 children, from infants to teens, at any given time. Apart from having a roof on their heads, they are given food, healthcare and education. Some of these kids come from impoverished families without enough income means to feed them. The organization’s initiatives help prepare these children to ultimately live a life independent of the project. You will take on the role of an at-risk youth social worker, supporting the project’s growth and impact on children and adolescents. Bring your skills and ideas to activities like English workshops, art and painting, sports, and computer science. You will provide the kids attention and help with homework. You will...

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