GoAbroad

Internships in South America

South America a continent of wonders, which you probably already know thanks to the infamous Amazon rainforest and those bazillion photos of Machu Picchu floating around the internet. But interning abroad in South America will allow you to dive deeper! You’ll learn about the mysteries of Easter Island, try cuy, master guaraní, play a quick game of "Tiny Person" in the Salt Flats, oh, and uh, have an incredible professional development experience, too. While backpacking may achieve the superficial satisfaction that comes from passing through a country, internships in South America will allow you to experience so much more.
Read More

379 Internships in South America

a group photo of international interns in Ecuador
9.4511 reviews

El Terreno

Community Water Management Internship in Ecuador

Join this hands-on, personalized internship and help low-income i...

See All 14 Programs
9.4759 reviews

The Intern Group

International Internship Programs in Colombia

The Intern Group is the leading provider of internship programs i...

See All 3 Programs
9.2172 reviews

Intern Abroad HQ

Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your c...

See All 8 Programs
7.7516 reviews

Adelante Abroad

Internships in Chile - Adelante Abroad

In Chile, Adelante Abroad offers programs in Vina del Mar and Val...

See All 21 Programs
9.1742 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Intern Abroad in Latin America | Top-Rated Internships

Do your international internship with Maximo Nivel - get internat...

See All 8 Programs
21 reviews

Asia Internship Program

Internship in Peru - Asia Internship Program

Situated on a 1.285 km2 elevated plain that is 5102 feet above se...

8.6822 reviews

Roots Interns

Award-Winning Grassroots Internship Programs

At Roots, we believe valuable learning and making an impact can g...

See All 27 Programs
9.437 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...

See All 56 Programs
9.74101 reviews

Connect-123 Internship Programs

Global Internship & Volunteer Programs with Connect-123!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—a...

See All 12 Programs
9.3813 reviews

World Endeavors

Intern in Ecuador with World Endeavors

Join World Endeavors for an affordable and unique internship oppo...

See All 42 Programs
9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

See All 17 Programs
8.9417 reviews

CIEE College Study Abroad

CIEE Summer + Semester Internships Programs

CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. A...

See All 7 Programs
101 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Social Justice Internship in Ecuador

Sign up for this program and contribute to efforts in turning int...

See All 16 Programs
9.95121 reviews

International Medical Aid (IMA)

Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare ...

See All 7 Programs
00 reviews

Expanish

Summer Internship in Spain or Latin America

The Summer Internship Program through Expanish offers an incredib...

See All 3 Programs
9.4127 reviews

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos

Travel to the island that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evo...

See All 4 Programs
9.9239 reviews

Mente Argentina

International Internship Programs by Mente Argentina

Mente Argentina's international internship program in Buenos Aire...

See All 13 Programs
1012 reviews

EcoSwell

Renewable Energy Volunteer Internship (In-Person & Online)

EcoSwell is a multiple award winning non-profit located in Lobito...

See All 7 Programs
9.5511 reviews

RealStep

Top Rated Program Intern Abroad in India 2025
Nursing and Medical Internships Abroad

A medical or nursing internship with RealStep offers a transforma...

See All 3 Programs
9.41296 reviews

Projects Abroad

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose....

See All 15 Programs
8.789 reviews

GVI

Short-Term Community Development Internship in Peru

Gain international experience and contribute to sustainable commu...

9.867 reviews

Child Family Health International

Global Health in Tarija, Bolivia

Visit Tarija, a tranquil city in southern Bolivia of about 200,00...

See All 5 Programs
9.2730 reviews

IES Abroad

IES Abroad: Study Abroad & Intern

IES Abroad offers 140+ programs in more than 35 locations worldwi...

See All 2 Programs
9.5562 reviews

IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute

IPBio Amazon Biodiversity Research Assistant

We are a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops ...

See All 6 Programs
9.638 reviews

Academic Programs International

API: Experience Buenos Aires, Argentina (with Scholarships)

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and is located on the sh...

See All 5 Programs
101 reviews

Globalteer

Gift-Giving Strategist Internship in Peru with a UK Charity

Working with Globalteer, you will support many charitable project...

See All 8 Programs
101 reviews

Eco Caminhos

Organic Kitchen Apprenticeship on a Permaculture Farm

Join Eco Caminhos as we nurture an atmosphere of knowledge exchan...

101 reviews

Instituto Hemingway

Internships Abroad: A Lifetime Experience!

Experience another culture like never before while making a real ...

00 reviews

Mondify

Empower Change: Human Rights Internship in Argentina

Travel to Córdoba, Argentina, and join our Human Rights Internshi...

See All 8 Programs
00 reviews

myTEFL

Study, Work & Play in Argentina

Argentina. Can you say history, romance, culture, dance, food, an...

00 reviews

FutureSense Foundation

Global Leadership Programme - FutureSense Foundation

Length: 4-6 months | Intakes: January 2026 Join the Global Leade...

00 reviews

International TEFL Academy

Teach English Abroad in Chile with a TEFL/TESOL Certification & Paid Internship

An internship abroad teaching English is a fantastic way to live ...

See All 2 Programs
00 reviews

Volunteer World

Best Psychology Internships Worldwide

Psychology internships abroad are the perfect opportunity for psy...

See All 5 Programs
00 reviews

World Unite!

Wildlife Rehabilitation Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador

This on-site program provides an opportunity to gain exclusive an...

See All 2 Programs
00 reviews

IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad

IFSA Summer Internships in Buenos Aires

Spend eight weeks gaining real-world experience in Buenos Aires, ...

00 reviews

Impact Gap Year

Global Entrepreneurship Gap Year

Explore your entrepreneurial spirit and travel the world! This ga...

9.55789 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

00 reviews

Cerca Abroad

Animal Care & Veterinary in Argentina

The Veterinary Medicine Internship in Buenos Aires is designed fo...

See All 3 Programs
9.5737 reviews

Intern Colombia

Internships in Colombia (Intern Colombia)

Colombia’s economy is flourishing, it's the rising star of Latin ...

See All 2 Programs
9.2143 reviews

Road2Argentina

Tailor-made Internship in Buenos Aires

This Road2Argentina internship program is the perfect way to imme...

9.4219 reviews

Hoja Nueva

Amazon Rainforest Conservation Research Internship

Immerse yourself in the Amazon with Hoja Nueva's ecological resea...

9.52 reviews

Puentes Abroad

2026 Puentes Abroad Summer Internship Program

Do impactful work and gain career-advancing skills. Learn from th...

9.5465 reviews

Vive Peru

Volunteer or Intern in a Medical Clinic in Peru

Apply medical theories you have learned in school and gain hands-...

9.3315 reviews

ONG Semillas Life

Top Rated Program Intern Abroad in Peru 2025
English or German Teaching Program – Amazon Rainforest, Peru

We are looking for volunteers and interns with creative teaching ...

See All 4 Programs
00 reviews

CET Academic Programs

CET Academic Programs - College Study Abroad & Gap Year

Whether you’re focused on gaining fluency in Japanese, studying s...

00 reviews

Involvement Volunteers International

Micro-Business Internship in Cusco, Peru

Our Micro-Business internship placements provide opportunities to...

See All 2 Programs
00 reviews

Manna Project International

Sustainability Internship in the Amazon Rainforest

Learn from and in the Amazon Rainforest—all while helping conserv...

See All 2 Programs
00 reviews

Universidad Blas Pascal

Spanish and Internships in Cordoba, Argentina

Are you looking for a life-changing experience in Argentina? This...

00 reviews

The University of Minnesota

Study & Intern in Buenos Aires

Study Spanish, read literature, and learn about Argentine culture...

00 reviews

ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs

Finance and Accounting Internship Placements - Ecuador

Are you a college or university student looking for an internship...

See All 20 Programs
00 reviews

Minga House Foundation

English as a Foreign Language Student Teaching / Practicum

Our teaching program accommodates teachers at every stage of thei...

00 reviews

Fundacion Educativa Mission

Teach English in Colombia: Homestay & Paid Internship

Embark on a transformative journey through Fundación Educativa Mi...

9.4715 reviews

Volunteering Journeys

Medical Placements in India,Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Peru

Sign-up for our medical volunteering programs abroad if you are a...

See All 3 Programs
00 reviews

Natucate

Intern Abroad Peru: Amazon Rainforest Research

Our internship program in Peru offers participants with a particu...

00 reviews

INLEXCA

Volunteer and Intern in Peru

Rural clinics in Peru are always in need of extra hands to help a...

A Guide to Interning Abroad in South America

Locations

While South America encompasses 12 countries, there are a couple nations that are particularly ideal for some very specific types of internships. One thing to keep in mind when looking for an internships in South america is whether you would like to have a big city experience, a small town lifestyle, or a more rural immersion. In the end, each South American country is very different from the next, so there is surely a perfect fit for everyone; you just have to take time to find it!

Brazil. The land of emotions that can’t be expressed in English, the land of soccer, the land of incredible beaches, and, perhaps most importantly to us, the land of a robust economy. Brazil’s largest cities, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador da Bahia, offer quite a few options in terms of internship placements. Due to its size and prominence in world politics, there are a plethora of international companies to choose from for internships in Brazil. If you speak Spanish, that is probably a good base to build your Portuguese language skills off of, although you’ll probably be able to find internships in brazil that don’t even have a Portuguese language requirement, as long as you’re a native English speaker.

Argentina. The second largest country in South America, Argentina is a country of adventure. From the capital of Buenos Aires to stark Patagonia, there is no shortage of things to do and natural wonders to explore in Argentina. As one of the most important cities in the world, interns will be able to find plenty of internship placements in Buenos Aires, many of which may not even require proficiency in the Spanish language. Something interesting that interns might be able to do in Argentina is get an internship with a cattle company, due to the significance of the Argentinian cattle industry. The other great thing about interning in Argentina is that it offers many amenities that European and American interns will be accustomed to, but at a more affordable price. 

Peru. This coastal, mountainous country is full of such drastic biodiversity that it can actually be shocking to first time visitors. The two most common cities to intern in Peru are Cusco and the capital city of Lima. Cusco is the ancient capital of the Incan Empire and home to a booming tourism industry along with hundreds of archeological ruins. Most internship placements in Cusco are offered at tourism companies, language schools, or volunteer organizations. On the other hand, in Lima, interns can apply for more corporate style internship placements with a number of international companies and organizations. 

Latest Program Reviews

Three Weeks in Mombasa: Clinical Growth, Community Joy, and a Clearer Path to PA School

November 06, 2025by: Ryan Egan - United StatesProgram: Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA
10

No words can fully capture how much this experience meant to me. From shadowing at the hospital to going on safaris and even simply spending time at the residence, every moment of my trip to Mombasa was invaluable. In just three weeks, I advanced my medical and cultural knowledge and built lifelong relationships. At Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH), I shadowed in three departments: Accident & Emergency, Pediatrics, and Surgery. In each, the medical staff were welcoming and eager to teach, taking time to explain their roles on the care team and how they work to provide the best patient care. In Pediatrics, Dr. Ken and Dr. Nancy were excellent mentors, guiding me through how they evaluate, diagnose, and treat each patient. I expanded my familiarity with common pediatric conditions and treatment plans, and—perhaps most importantly—learned by watching how they communicated with families and patients. The school clinics might have been the highlight of the trip. Visiting classrooms and seeing how excited the children were is something I will never forget. Many were studying in challenging conditions, yet they were among the happiest people I’ve ever met. I loved teaching basic hygiene and personal health. Their pure joy left a lasting impression and made the school clinics an experience I will always cherish. I’m deeply grateful for the memories I made in Mombasa, and I owe so much to the wonderful IMA staff. From the moment I arrived at the residence, I was greeted warmly and always treated kindly by program mentors. Their support and hospitality helped our cohort collaborate and form a strong community. From the chefs to housekeeping, everyone worked hard to make our three-week stay feel like home. This journey was truly transformative. Even after three years of rigorous university classes and guidance from great professors, I gained insights in Mombasa that went far beyond the classroom. I’ve wanted a career in healthcare since high school—partly influenced by my parents, who both work in the field, and partly by my desire to build a meaningful life by serving others. I set my sights on becoming a physician assistant (PA). To gain experience, I started volunteering at my local hospital a couple of years ago, mostly answering phone calls and tidying nursing stations. I became comfortable in a hospital setting but wanted a more immersive, hands-on learning environment. I chose Kenya because I believed the shadowing opportunities would be intensive and eye-opening—and they were. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I would connect with the local community. From my first day, I was struck by the warmth, kindness, and generosity of both patients and providers. Week 1: Accident & Emergency The emergency department forced me to adjust quickly to a fast-paced environment. Without a formal orientation to the local systems on day one, I learned by observing workflows and team communication. The variety of cases was extraordinary; each shift brought a completely different set of presentations, which expanded my understanding of conditions and corresponding treatment plans. One notable case involved an open femur fracture from a tuk-tuk accident—an injury that clearly required urgent surgical care. I observed the team stabilize the patient, and I also saw how resource constraints and staffing pressures can lead to delays. Having volunteered in a U.S. emergency department, I hadn’t seen patients with comparable injuries wait as long; witnessing this underscored the reality of working in high-volume public hospitals. Throughout the week, I asked nurses how I could help to support flow. They gave me simple but meaningful tasks: attaching monitors for new patients, taking vitals, and transporting trauma patients for X-rays. These responsibilities helped me develop my communication skills and learn how to comfort patients in stressful moments. One case that stays with me involved a toddler who appeared to have been abused. He arrived frightened and silent. I sat beside him, introduced myself, and offered a few high-fives until he managed a small smile. In that moment, I realized how much emotional support matters. Health care isn’t only about physical healing—it’s also about presence and humanity. I’ll carry that lesson into my PA career. Week 2: Pediatrics I spent most of the week in the outpatient unit with Dr. Nancy, observing her examine children with a wide range of conditions. She narrated her reasoning—from exam to diagnosis to treatment planning—which made each encounter a teaching moment. We saw several cases of hydrocephalus (excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain), and I learned how limited access to neonatal care can increase risk. I also visited maternity during a night shift and became aware of how water and sanitation constraints can complicate sterile technique. These observations broadened my understanding of how resource limitations affect patient safety and outcomes. I also noticed cultural differences in patient-provider dynamics. Families in Mombasa were consistently trusting and collaborative with the care team and respectful with student observers. Compared to my experiences in the U.S., where families may more actively challenge recommendations, this highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity. As a future PA, I want to adapt my communication style to each family’s needs while supporting shared decision-making. Week 3: Surgery Surgery was exhilarating and humbling. At my local hospital in California, I’m not permitted inside the operating theater; at CGTRH, I stood just feet from the field (while maintaining sterile boundaries), asking questions and learning from surgeons and nurses who welcomed teaching. Watching complex procedures up close revealed just how intricate and coordinated surgical care is. One case—an open-heart operation on a young boy—involved a large, highly skilled team. Even with constant movement in and out of the theater, the team’s focus never wavered. Seeing everyone operate as a single unit reinforced the importance of preparation, communication, and mutual trust. It’s a model I hope to emulate in my own practice. Beyond the Hospital While my clinical knowledge grew tremendously, the most profound impact was the people. Driving from the airport, I saw neighborhoods where families lived with limited resources—often without running water or reliable electricity. Yet the everyday joy I encountered, especially among children, was unforgettable. Each week, our cohort visited K–12 schools to teach basic hygiene. I have never been around more enthusiastic kids—dancing, singing, asking questions, and making us laugh. They reminded me that happiness doesn’t come from what you have, but from connection with others. The Kenyan emphasis on community and caring for one another offered a perspective I’ll carry with me. Looking Ahead My three weeks with International Medical Aid changed my life. I came to Kenya to gain clinical exposure, and I left with so much more: stronger patient-care skills, a deeper understanding of global health disparities, and a clearer sense of the kind of clinician I want to be. As I prepare for PA school, I’ll keep prioritizing kindness, cultural awareness, teamwork, and communication. This journey is one I won’t forget—and it has solidified my commitment to provide excellent care while building relationships rooted in empathy and respect.

Deals Banner Image
Apply for Scholarships & Deals on GoAbroad

to get exclusive discounts on meaningful travel programs!

Apply Now

Recent Intern Abroad Articles