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Develop Your Healthcare Career and Explore the World

MEDICAL INTERNSHIPS — peru

A Rich History with Contemporary Challenges

Kenya Medical Internships
A person is enjoying time with a group of llamas outdoors.

A Land of Heritage
and Hope

Peru is a land where history and heart intertwine. From the vibrant markets of Cusco to the misty peaks of Machu Picchu, its cultural richness captivates. Coastal Lima pulses with urban energy, while the Amazon rainforest teems with life. Yet, beneath this beauty, Peru faces stark realities. 

Rural and indigenous communities, far from urban centers, struggle with limited healthcare access, battling malnutrition, tuberculosis, and inadequate maternal care. Socio-economic disparities, compounded by the lingering effects of COVID-19, leave women, children, and the elderly most vulnerable.

 

Since 2012, International Medical Aid has partnered with Peruvian communities to bridge these gaps. Our mobile clinics reach remote villages, our hygiene programs empower schools, and our mental health initiatives heal unseen wounds. Rooted in the academics of Johns Hopkins University, we collaborate with local healthcare providers, community leaders, and families to create sustainable solutions. As an IMA intern, you’ll step into this mission, gaining transformative clinical experience while helping Peru write a healthier future.

Medical team attending to a patient in a makeshift clinic. Likely related to a medical internship in Peru.

Why Peru
with IMA?

Imagine standing in a rural clinic, the Andes looming outside, as you assist a Peruvian physician with a patient’s care. Or picture yourself in a Cusco school, teaching children about nutrition, their eager questions sparking change. IMA’s Peru medical internships, founded at Johns Hopkins, offer a rare blend of clinical immersion, cultural exploration, and global health impact. Unlike passive observerships, our programs place you at the heart of care delivery, honing skills in resource-scarce settings that will distinguish you in medical or graduate school applications.

Our in-country Medical Director and Patient Coordinators guide you every step, ensuring you thrive in both clinical and cultural contexts. You’ll live in secure, modern residences with Wi-Fi, savor chef-prepared Peruvian dishes, and enjoy 24/7 security. Beyond the clinic, Peru’s vibrant culture awaits—join traditional festivals, explore Inca ruins, or learn Quechua phrases. 

With flexible 2- to 12-week programs starting every Saturday, IMA crafts your internship to align with your goals, offering academic credit, a certificate of completion, and letters of recommendation to fuel your career.

Key Statistics

Country/Region peru
Population 34,038,429 (2024)
Life Expectancy 77.2 years (2023)
Maternal Mortality Ratio 69 per 100,000 live births (2020)
Under-5 Mortality Rate 15.3 per 1,000 live births (2023)
Healthcare Expenditure (% of GDP) 5.5% (2022)
Literacy Rate 94.7% (2023)
Access to Improved Water 90.5% (2023)
Access to Improved Sanitation 80.2% (2023)
Human Development Index Rank 84 of 191 (2022)
Additional Insights

Child Nutrition: Under-5 stunting rate decreased to 11.0% (2023, UNICEF).
TB Control: Tuberculosis incidence reduced to 110 per 100,000 (2023, WHO).

Sources:

World Bank, WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP, washdata.org

OPEN OPPORTUNITIES

International Medical Aid Specialties and Internship Opportunities

Our medical internship programs in Peru offer an extensive array of specialized healthcare and allied health placements. Each program is carefully designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experiences for interns. The detailed information for each specialty—including program dates, fees, safety and security measures, and residential accommodations—can be accessed through the provided links:

Clinical specialties range from Medicine and Dentistry to Mental Health and Occupational Therapy, ensuring diverse opportunities for professional growth. Interns can select the program that best aligns with their career aspirations and academic backgrounds.

Healthcare and Pre-Med Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
Group of healthcare and pre-med interns in blue scrubs smiling outdoors, holding an International Medical Aid banner in front of palm trees.

International Medical Aid has opportunities for doctors, medical residents, medical students, pre-med undergraduates, and gap medics to work in busy international hospitals, mentored by our outstanding staff of dedicated physicians and other healthcare professionals. We collaborate with an extensive network of public and private hospitals to provide rewarding hands-on programs…

Physician Assistant and Pre-PA Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
Group of physician assistant and pre-PA interns in matching blue scrubs smiling outside a clinical training facility.

International Medical Aid has internship opportunities for pre-physician assistant students, students in graduate physician assistants programs, and licensed physician assistants to work in busy international hospitals, mentored by our outstanding staff of dedicated healthcare professionals. We collaborate with an extensive network of public and private hospitals to provide rewarding hands-on…

Dental/Pre-Dentistry Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
Two medical professionals are performing a dental procedure on a patient.

International Medical Aid’s Dental Internships connect aspiring dental professionals with opportunities to gain clinical and community-based experience abroad. Interns work with dentists and public health educators to promote oral hygiene, assist in preventive and restorative care, and participate in local outreach initiatives. Our internships provide essential exposure to global oral…

Nursing/Pre-Nursing Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
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Nursing Internship opportunities abroad are offered for undergraduate and graduate students in addition to registered nurses and nurse practitioners. Utilizing IMA’s strong network of healthcare facilities, nursing electives are designed around each intern's specific goals and interests. In many developing countries, hospitals are not adequately staffed with nurses; consequently, our…

Mental Health Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
A person in scrubs with a badge interacts with a group of students in uniforms. Keywords: medical internship Kenya.

International Medical Aid offers unparalleled Mental Health Internships for psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and college students. Interns work in dynamic international mental healthcare environments under the guidance of experienced counselors, psychiatrists, and healthcare professionals. Partnering with public and private institutions, IMA empowers interns to enhance community health while gaining practical…

Nutrition Placement/Dietetic Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
A group of medical professionals wearing masks is interacting with a child in a classroom setting.

Recognizing the importance of accessible nutrition counseling in the developing world, IMA has begun offering nutrition placements abroad and Nutrition Internships. Our programs are tailored to undergraduate and graduate students studying dietetics in addition to registered nutritionists. Volunteers work alongside local clinical nutritionists based in large, teaching hospitals. Volunteers are…

Physical Therapy/Pre-PT Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
Group of six smiling healthcare interns in blue scrubs standing together in a classroom setting with medical supplies on the table in front of them.

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in patient rehabilitation and quality of life. International Medical Aid offers Physiotherapy Internship placements abroad for undergraduate and graduate students studying physiotherapy and licensed physiotherapists seeking global experience. Interns collaborate with seasoned professionals in teaching hospitals and rehabilitation centers, engaging in patient assessments, developing treatment…

Midwifery Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
A group of people in blue medical scrubs stand at the front of a classroom, engaging with students, possibly during a medical internship in Kenya.

Committed to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes, International Medical Aid provides Midwifery Internships designed for midwifery students and practicing midwives. In many developing countries, there’s a critical need for skilled midwifery care to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. Interns work alongside local midwives in busy maternity wards and…

CRNA/Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
A group of people wearing blue scrubs are holding certificates, possibly related to medical internship achievements.

International Medical Aid offers once-in-a-lifetime CRNA internships for pre-CRNA students, graduate nurse anesthesia program students, and licensed CRNAs. Work in busy international healthcare settings under the mentorship of dedicated CRNAs and other healthcare professionals. Our program focuses on enhancing the health of underserved populations through medical clinics, public health education,…

Pre-Optometry/Optometry Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
Two people in blue scrubs assist a seated person in a classroom setting, with educational posters on the wall.

Through International Medical Aid’s Optometry Internships abroad, students explore the field of vision care under the guidance of licensed optometrists and ophthalmic professionals. Interns participate in vision screenings, community outreach, and clinical observation while learning how eye health intersects with broader global health challenges. The program enhances clinical readiness and…

Pre-Radiologic Technology Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
A group of people in blue scrubs posing in front of an intensive care unit sign

International Medical Aid’s Pre-Radiologic Technology Internships abroad provide students with early exposure to diagnostic imaging and medical technology practices. Guided by skilled technologists and radiologists, interns assist with patient positioning, image preparation, and workflow observation in modern healthcare facilities. These experiences build a strong foundation in radiologic science while fostering…

Occupational Therapy Internships

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
A group of people in blue scrubs holding certificates, possibly signifying a medical internship in Kenya.

International Medical Aid offers unique Occupational Therapy Internships for students and professionals, providing hands-on experience in dynamic international healthcare environments. Guided by dedicated occupational therapists and healthcare experts, interns will enhance their practical skills and contribute to community well-being. Our programs focus on underserved populations in East Africa, South America,…

Chiropractic Internships Abroad

Abroad
9.96/10
400+ reviews
A group of people wearing blue scrubs, possibly in a hospital setting, suggesting a medical internship Kenya.

International Medical Aid offers immersive Global Chiropractic Internships designed for students and professionals seeking hands-on experience in global healthcare settings. Working alongside experienced chiropractors and multidisciplinary teams, participants learn to assess, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal conditions while understanding diverse patient care approaches. Interns gain valuable clinical insight and contribute to…

Our Impact Toward a
Healthier Peru

Since 2012, IMA has been a catalyst for change in Peru. Our mobile clinics have delivered care to thousands, tackling tuberculosis (110 per 100,000, 2023) and maternal health challenges (69 per 100,000 mortality ratio, 2020). In rural schools, our hygiene education programs foster healthier habits, critical in a nation where only 80.2% have sanitation access (2023).

Our mental health clinics provide counseling to underserved communities, while our nutrition programs combat an 11.0% under-5 stunting rate (2023, UNICEF), nourishing children for brighter futures. Co-designed with Peruvian healthcare providers and community leaders, these initiatives are built to last, empowering locals to lead their own health journeys.

Meet Rosa, an Andean mother who received free prenatal care through an IMA clinic. With support and education, she safely welcomed her daughter, now thriving.

Or consider Maria, a 2023 nursing intern, who shares, “Peru transformed my perspective. The skills I gained and the bonds I formed will guide my career.”

These stories are the soul of IMA’s mission, and as an intern, you’ll add your own chapter.

Support
Our Mission

A Day in the Life
of an IMA Intern

Your day begins with the aroma of Peruvian coffee in your modern residence, where you share breakfast with fellow interns, swapping stories of Cusco’s markets. By 8 AM, you’re in a mobile clinic, assisting with patient screenings or teaching hygiene in a rural school. Lunch is a feast of lomo saltado with Peruvian colleagues, filled with laughter and learning. Afternoons might take you to a hospital, observing a procedure, or to a village, sharing nutrition tips with families. As twilight paints the Andes, you join a cultural adventure—perhaps a weaving workshop or a hike to an Inca ruin. Each day blends clinical excellence, cultural connection, and profound impact, shaping you into a global health leader.

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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]

A group of people is gathered around a person examining soil or potatoes in an outdoor setting.

Our Initiatives in Depth

IMA’s work in Peru is a mosaic of care and empowerment. Our mobile medical and hygiene clinics traverse rugged terrains to deliver healthcare where it’s scarce, addressing tuberculosis, maternal health, and infectious diseases. In schools and villages, our sanitation education programs spark transformation, teaching sustainable practices vital in a nation where only 80.2% have sanitation access (2023).

Our mental health clinics offer counseling and dismantle stigma, fostering resilience in indigenous and rural communities. And our nutrition and food security programs nourish children, reducing an 11.0% under-5 stunting rate (2023, UNICEF) with locally tailored solutions.

These efforts thrive through collaboration. Peruvian healthcare providers, community leaders, and families co-design every initiative, ensuring cultural resonance and lasting impact. As an intern, you’ll be woven into this fabric, contributing to clinical care, education, and advocacy that uplifts Peru’s most vulnerable.

For Our Donors - Building a Healthier Peru

Your support is the spark that lights Peru’s path to health. Every donation fuels mobile clinics that reach thousands, providing free tuberculosis screenings and maternal care. It equips schools with hygiene resources, supports mental health counseling, and ensures children grow strong, tackling an 11.0% stunting rate (2023).

Since 2012, donors like you have powered IMA’s mission, addressing Peru’s healthcare gaps with sustainable solutions. Your tax-deductible gift—whether $25 or $2,500—creates a ripple effect, empowering communities for generations. Join us and see your impact flourish.

A group of people with backpacks are gathered near ancient stone structures in a forested area.
A group of medical professionals and students, in scrubs and masks, attending to a patient in a clinical setting.

Your Journey with IMA

Your adventure in Peru begins with a single step: applying online. Submit your form, personal statement, and documents, and if selected, join us for an interview to find the perfect fit. Once accepted, our comprehensive pre-departure guide covers vaccinations, visas, and travel insurance. In Peru, you’ll arrive at secure residences with Wi-Fi, chef-prepared meals, and 24/7 support.

Your 2- to 12-week internship unfolds with clinical rotations, community outreach, and cultural experiences like Machu Picchu treks. After completion, you’ll return with a certificate, potential academic credit, and recommendation letters, ready to soar. Start today and let Peru shape your future.

Internship Opportunities - Shape Your Path

IMA’s Peru internships offer 13 clinical specialties, each a canvas for your growth. Aspiring physicians can immerse in Medicine or Pre-Medicine, mastering diagnostics in diverse settings. Nurses and pre-nursing students refine patient care, while those in Nutrition or Mental Health lead transformative community programs. From Midwifery to Chiropractic, every internship is hands-on, guided by expert mentors, and enriched by Peru’s culture. Explore your options, from 2- to 12-week programs, and find your calling.

What You'll Gain

You’ll master clinical skills, navigating complex cases in resource-limited settings. You’ll build cultural fluency, forging bonds across Peru’s diverse communities. Your resume will shine with public health experience, program management insights, and a certificate of completion, while academic credit and recommendation letters open doors to medical or graduate school. Above all, you’ll carry Peru’s lessons of resilience, community, and purpose into every step of your journey.

A group of people is wearing matching blue scrubs, possibly related to a medical internship in Peru.
Safety & Support

Your Home in Peru

IMA prioritizes your safety and comfort. Our in-country Medical Director and Patient Coordinators provide 24/7 guidance, from clinical mentorship to cultural exploration. You’ll live in secure, modern residences with chef-prepared meals and a supportive community. Robust security protocols and detailed pre-departure briefings ensure peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

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