Applications Open for Summer & Winter 2026 Programs
Develop Your Healthcare Career and Explore the World
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Healthcare Internships in Peru

Internships abroad for high school & undergraduate students healthcare Internships in Peru

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Country Profile

Peru is an incredibly diverse and vibrant country with the third-largest population in South America. It is home to more than 1.5 million Indigenous people and is a country of great contrast and culture. It is also a representative democratic republic, with a government actively representing its citizens' interests.

Peru boasts one of the most rapidly developing economies in the world. Immigrants have been flocking to Peru to capitalize on the economic opportunities for many years, and recent data shows that the country's economic growth has been steadily increasing over the last decade.

With its varied landscape, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains, Peru is home to the Amazon rainforest, exotic glaciers, beautiful beaches, and the stunning scenery of the Incan Ruins. Those who choose to visit this picturesque country will not be disappointed by its sights.

Program Highlights

International Medical Aid (IMA) is a not-for-profit organization founded by two Johns Hopkins alums. IMA seeks to provide high-school and undergraduate students with the unique opportunity to participate in healthcare internships abroad. Some areas where these internships take place include the Caribbean, East Africa, and South America. Our healthcare internships abroad help provide those in these areas with urgently needed medical care while allowing participants to gain valuable exposure to various medical specialties and shadow physicians, PAs, and other healthcare providers in a busy, international hospital setting.

Why Choose Our New Flagship Pre-Clinical Experience in Peru?

This program includes various opportunities to learn about global health, shadow physicians/PAs, volunteer in the local community, and develop cultural competence.

  • Interns participating in this program will have the opportunity to work in major hospitals in Cusco, Peru, in multiple medical specialties.*
  • While working in hospitals in Cusco, you will experience language immersion, allowing you to learn medical Spanish and some indigenous languages, such as Quechua.
  • Interns gain clinical and direct patient care hours through hospital rotations and outreach programs, including hygiene education programs and community medical clinics.
  • IMA's healthcare internships also include clinical simulation sessions and global health education lectures where you can learn more about the Peruvian healthcare system and how it differs from the U.S. model of care delivery.
  • IMA program alums continue to receive support after the program has ended. Alums can expect to receive medical school and PA school admissions support, which includes help with letters of recommendation, interview coaching, and personal statement reviews.
  • In addition to gaining valuable medical knowledge and alums support, IMA's pre-med study abroad programs allow interns the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of the destination.

*Departments vary with cohorts and candidates' levels of training.

Cultural Tours and Adventure Treks

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Cultural tours and adventure in Peru

Peru has a wealth of beautiful, scenic areas to explore and enjoy during your stay. As part of our program, IMA provides time for interns to participate in adventure treks and cultural tours. Experience the historic city of Cusco and its many attractions, or go on an exciting journey through South America and explore its iconic sites, such as Machu Picchu, Inca Trails, the Galapagos Island, and the Amazon rainforest. Our program provides ample opportunity to experience Peru's breathtaking landscapes and rich culture.

There is no lack of activities during these treks either; the Peruvian Amazon Trek is one of the many options available. This trek includes up to six days of sightseeing and unique activities, including breakfast with the dolphins, swimming in the Amazon River, a jungle walk, fishing for piranhas, and much more.

Learn More

Safety and Security

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At International Medical Aid (IMA), the safety and well-being of our interns is our highest priority. We've built our programs with robust safety protocols to ensure peace of mind for students and families alike. IMA has maintained a 100% safety record for all high school and pre-health interns.

Interns stay in secure, program-managed residences located in safe, convenient areas. Housing is shared with a small cohort of peers, fostering a supportive, immersive experience. IMA also offers guidance on local personal spending expectations to help students plan for meals, transportation, and personal items.

Gated residential housing with 24/7 on-site security staff
On-site program coordinators trained in emergency response
Real-time parent communication through U.S.-based support staff
Comprehensive safety briefings and cultural orientation sessions
Emergency medical support, evacuation protocols, and constant site monitoring

To enrich the experience, IMA coordinates curated cultural excursions, trips, and safaris, with each selected and organized for safety and cultural depth.

Program
Fees and Dates

*Exclusive of $995 Program Deposit

CURRENCY

SUMMER 2026

SESSION 1

May 9 – May 29, 2026
3-Weeks

$4,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

SESSION 2

May 16 – May 29, 2026
2-Weeks

$3,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

SESSION 3

May 30 – June 12, 2026
2-Weeks

$3,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

SESSION 4

June 13 – July 10, 2026
4-Weeks

$5,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

SESSION 5

June 13 – July 3, 2026
3-Weeks

$4,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

SESSION 6

July 4 – July 24, 2026
3-Weeks

$4,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

SESSION 7

July 25 – August 14, 2026
3-Weeks

$4,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

SESSION 8

August 14 – August 28, 2026
2-Weeks

$3,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

WINTER 2026

SESSION 1

December 5 – December 25, 2026
3-Weeks

$4,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

SESSION 2

December 5 – December 18, 2026
2-Weeks

$3,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

SESSION 3

December 26, 2026 – January 15, 2027
3-Weeks

$4,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

SESSION 4

January 2 – January 15, 2027
2-Weeks

$3,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started

SESSION 5

January 2 – January 29, 2027
4-Weeks

$5,995

($995 Program Deposit)

Get Started
View Program Dates and Fees For All Other Programs

(Program Fees Exclusive of $995 Program Deposit)

Candidates

  • High-School Students (16 years or older)
  • Undergraduate Students (Pre-Medicine, Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Nursing and Pre-Dentistry)
  • Graduate Students (Medicine, PA, Nursing, and Dentistry)
  • Post-Baccalaureate Students
  • Gap Year Students
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Hear From Our Alumni

Don’t just take our word for it—listen to the experiences of our past healthcare and pre-health interns. Our alumni have pursued successful careers, using the skills and knowledge gained during their internships to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Here are some of our alumni's success stories:

My experience with International Medical Aid in Mombasa, Kenya, was deeply meaningful and transformative. From the moment I arrived, the in-country support team made me feel grounded and safe. Margaret, my program mentor, was incredibly supportive—always checking in on my well-being and helping me process the emotional weight of clinical work. Janet was equally encouraging, […]
Tyra Dennis

Tyra Dennis

East Africa [Mombasa, Kenya]

My experience in Kenya was amazing. I loved fully embracing the culture and meeting so many new people. The people who worked at IMA and in the hospital were wonderful. From the moment Michelle picked me up from the airport, she made IMA feel like home. She was so welcoming, and we quickly became very […]
Kayla McBride

Kayla McBride

East Africa [Mombasa, Kenya]

This trip was truly life changing and inspiring, I am very thankful for all of the staff for their amazing support through the process. I loved everything, the food and culture were beyond amazing. I want to give a shout out to my bestie Janet, she accompanied me through my weekend treks. I had a […]
Grace Munoz

Grace Munoz

East Africa [Mombasa, Kenya]

My experience in Kenya with International Medical Aid was incredible. The in-country support was excellent, and I always felt safe thanks to clear guidance and protocols. Accommodations were comfortable, and the food was a wonderful introduction to Kenyan cuisine. The clinical experience was invaluable, I got to shadow PAs and physicians, learning how they provide […]
Ija Mumford

Ija Mumford

East Africa [Mombasa, Kenya]

Frequently Asked Questions