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INTERNSHIPS ABROAD FOR HIGH SCHOOL & UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Healthcare Internships in Peru
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, including emergency medicine, OB/GYN, internal medicine, general surgery, and pediatrics.
- 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.
Cultural Tours and Adventure Treks
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.
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-Bacceruralte Students
- Gap Year Students
Program Safety
safety rating
One of the key components of our healthcare internships is program safety. IMA strives to provide and maintain the safest conditions possible for all interns and staff during the program. We at IMA have over a decade of experience and have continued to maintain a 100% safety rating, having had no incidents with staff or interns during any of our programs.
24/7 security
We achieve this high level of safety by housing our staff and interns in gated communities with 24/7 security. We also employ designated private transportation, disallowing any use of public transport while abroad. All the cultural tours and adventure treks are organized by IMA Safaris South America’s contract-vetted travel guides and partners.
comprehensive insurance
All interns are offered comprehensive travel, accident, and health insurance. In the unlikely event of exposure to infectious disease, all interns have access to post-exposure prophylaxis. IMA continuously monitors advisories from the U.S. Department of State, and when deemed necessary, IMA proactively takes measures to protect our interns and staff.
Program Dates
*Exclusive of $995 Program Deposit
SPRING 2026
Session 1:
March 7, 2026 – March 13, 2026
1-Week
Session 2:
March 14, 2026 – March 20, 2026
1-Week
Session 3:
March 21, 2026 – March 27, 2026
1-Week
SUMMER 2026
Session 1:
May 9, 2026 – May 29, 2026
3-Weeks
Session 2:
May 16, 2026 – May 29, 2026
2-Weeks
Session 3:
May 30, 2026 – June 12, 2026
2-Weeks
Session 4:
June 13, 2026 – July 10, 2026
4-Weeks
Session 5:
June 13, 2026 – July 3, 2026
3-Weeks
Session 6:
July 4, 2026 – July 24, 2026
3-Weeks
Session 7:
July 25, 2026 – August 14, 2026
3-Weeks
Session 8:
August 14, 2026 – August 28, 2026
2-Weeks
$3995 ($995 Program Deposit)
View Program Dates and Fees For All Other Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
How is IMA different from other internship or study abroad programs?
Our programs uniquely combine intensive clinical shadowing, service learning, didactic experiences, and expert admissions support to help you advance your career in healthcare. With IMA, you have designated mentors and support available to you 24 hours a day looking after your needs. You are provided with a structured schedule of lectures, hospital rounds, community outreach, and clinical work. Your transportation is taken care of by our private drivers, and your personal safety is our priority at all times.
What are the requirements to participate in an IMA program?
Our programs are aimed towards students who are in or striving to be in the healthcare field. This includes pre-health students as well as medical, nursing, dental, and physician assistant students. A majority of our preclinical programs are based in East Africa. We offer smaller pre-clinical programs in South America. While there are no other formal requirements, successful applicants are able to articulate their motivations for completing an internship and have completed similar volunteer/shadowing work in their home country.
How does an IMA internship abroad help me get into medical school?
Medical schools like to see that their candidates have gone the extra mile towards learning as much as they can about the medical profession. This is proven to them through volunteer work, working in the medical field prior to their pursuit of a medical degree, or the pursuit of opportunities that allow them to learn more about the field of medicine. An IMA internship gives an opportunity to shadow medical professionals in both the best and worst of environments. It helps you gain resourcefulness and a true realization of the importance of medical care throughout the world.
Are there any residency or citizenship requirements?
While we are a U.S.-based organization, we work with interns and volunteers from around the world and do not have any citizenship or residency requirements.
Our new program in Peru will launch in Summer 2023 and for three session:
Session 1: June 3, 2023 – June 17, 2023
Session 2: June 17, 2023 – July 1, 2023
Session 3: July 1, 2023 – July 15, 2023
Interested in programs in East Africa? View more information here.
Candidates may participate in our Peru internship for 2,4 or 6-weeks.
International Medical Aid is a not-for-profit organization based in the United States. Your Program Fee is used to cover costs associated with your placement including arranging housing, transportation, food, mentor salaries, hospital fees and administrative costs. The remaining revenue is used to fund IMA’s Global Humanitarian Initiatives. This unique model allows us to continue providing vital medical aid to targeted communities in a sustainable way without reliance on outside donors.
IMA’s Program Fees are inclusive of all in-country expenses; including accommodations, chef-prepared meals, placement-related transportation, hospital fees, travel insurance, and unlimited wifi access; allowing interns to more confidently study abroad and enjoy their experience. Program Fees do not include international airfare. We recommend candidates budget $50-100 week for personal expenses.
Do you provide accident and medical evacuation insurance for interns?
In the case of an accident or a life-threatening illness, it is important for interns to have proper insurance coverage. A medical evacuation from a developing country could cost upwards of $100,000. IMA provides each of our interns’ comprehensive accident and medical evacuation insurance at no additional cost. Please note that this coverage is extended as a courtesy to our interns and we still recommend that all students carry comprehensive health insurance, professional liability insurance (if needed) and trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
What will I be allowed to do in the hospital?
International Medical Aid strictly adheres to the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Guidelines for Premedical and Medical Students Providing Patient Care During Clinical Experiences Abroad. We recommend that all prospective applicants review this information before applying. In succinct terms, our participants will not be allowed to do anything in our programs abroad that they would not be permitted to do in the United States or Europe. Our Pre-Medical/Pre-Health students will be strictly observing patient care and will have the opportunity to shadow the management of complex diseases that are not often found in the United States. Participants will gain experiential exposure to the differing healthcare delivery models found around the world, and will often be involved in IMA’s community medical clinics and humanitarian outreach programs. Additionally, our local physician mentors regularly conduct seminars on region-specific topics in global medicine.
What does a typical work day look like for program participants?
Interns will typically spend 6-8 hours in the hospital and have downtime in the afternoons for activities and local excursions. Interns are welcome to participate in one night shift per week as well. Weekends are free for excursions or treks; alternatively, you are welcome to work in the hospital on the weekends. Once admitted, you will work closely with your Program Mentor to develop your program schedule. You may view a Sample Program Schedule on our website.
What kind of patient interaction can I expect if I am limited to shadowing?
Your patient interaction will be limited by the medical personnel you are shadowing and how much training and experience you have. You will neither be asked nor expected to do anything you have not been trained to do prior to your experience abroad. Everyone comes into this journey with different training. Your peers might be able to do more because they have the experience and training to do so. For example, if you have not been trained to draw blood, you will not be asked or expected to do so, whereas one of your peers might work as a phlebotomist and will be asked and expected to help with blood draws regularly. There are some volunteer opportunities while on your journey that can provide you with more interaction, like teaching children how to brush their teeth or improve their hygiene. Everyone’s experience differs.
How can I get the most out of my shadowing experience?
The best way to get everything you can out of your shadowing experience is to ask a lot of questions and to keep a journal. Asking questions can serve more than one purpose: it can get you answers and it can help you bond with the doctor who you are shadowing. Any relationships you can cultivate with members of the healthcare profession can serve you well later, as these are the same people who will be writing you letters of recommendation for medical school. The journal you keep can remind you of the details of your observations during your volunteer internship.
What departments will I work in?
We generally start our volunteer interns in the Emergency Department, as this is the busiest part of the hospital. It is where most of the admissions come from, and can provide you the most rounded experience of what practicing medicine is all about. The second traditional rotation is in the maternity department. If your stay goes beyond two weeks, then we will work to place you in a department that mirrors your career aspirations. We offer rotations in anesthesiology, cardiology, epidemiology, general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics, and other specialties.
If I shadow a surgeon, what kind of experience can I expect?
If you choose surgery as an area of interest and shadow a surgeon during your time with us, you will have the opportunity to observe surgery while standing just a few feet away. You will not be taught procedures, nor will you be expected to perform any. However, for an aspiring surgeon, this shadowing experience can provide you with the knowledge that it is the right specialty for you.
What kind of challenges might I encounter that don’t happen in hospitals and clinics at home?
The greatest challenge you may encounter would be a lack of supplies or equipment for diagnostics. This is where you will see medical care at its most basic. This is where a lot of our interns discover the most rewarding experiences. Seeing how doctors operate in the most drastic conditions can be the most rewarding of experiences.
What types of educational experiences can I expect beyond shadowing?
As part of the program, you will be attending lectures and simulations throughout your rotations in the morning hours and participating in medical and hygiene clinics during the afternoons.
Interning in a foreign country can be a rewarding and life-changing experience but it can also be quite challenging. It is important for interns to assure their chosen organization provides structured experiences with ample local support. For families and loved ones back home, it is equally important that such organizations provide a single-point of contact that can be reached in case of an emergency. IMA’s programs balance structure with ample local guidance and 24-hour, U.S.-based support for interns and their loved ones.
How are flight arrangements handled?
Most interns prefer to book their own flights. However, our team in the United States can assist with your flight bookings at no additional cost. If you would like us to help, please let us know and we will take care of the bookings on your behalf.