CAREER EXPLORATION IN SCIENCES & STEM

Dive into a hands-on STEM internship in Peru’s majestic Sacred Valley, where you’ll lead water conservation projects in rural communities affected by drought. Learn from experts in the field to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of modern-day Quechua communities and explore innovative and traditional methods of creating sustainable water systems. Engage with highland communities, learn about artisanal and agricultural practices and witness the ancient techniques that have sustained generations.

In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful places on earth: embark on a two-day hiking expedition through the Andes, raft through a scenic river valley and hike the aptly named Rainbow Mountain.

Experience the vibrant tapestry of Quechua communities, where the tradition and history come to life. Alongside your fellow student interns, learn time-honored artisanal and agricultural practices through immersive day visits and a heartwarming homestay opportunity. Marvel at the architecture of Maras, Cusco, and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Behold the living testament to the Incas’ mastery of engineering, gaze upon celestial wonders, and learn of their astonishing celestial navigation techniques that were light years ahead of their time. Meet with guest speakers, passionate professionals whose insights and experiences shed light on the challenges and triumphs of modern-day Quechua communities.

Internships for high school students like this one are still unique, but are becoming more requisite all the time for teens looking to stand out within large, competitive university applicant pools. This internship can also help you determine whether the focus area you choose – Sciences & STEM – is a good fit for your future college education or career path.

Stay in an exclusive hotel block near the charming colonial town of Pisac, located in the Sacred Valley outside the city of Cuzco. Students stay in gender-segregated rooms with roommates and have an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold water. There is ample space for group activities, conversation with your new friends and shared meals. During weekend hiking excursions, students will sleep in tents and local lodges provided by GLA.

Check out this two-minute overview video on our Peru Internship: Career Exploration in Sciences & STEM experience. If you’re interested in enrolling in this unique travel internship for teens, then we rate this video as not to be missed.

High school students who participate in this GLA travel internship in Peru will develop essential leadership and career development skills, while working on initiatives centered around the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development worldwide.

This is an experiential career development internship with sociological underpinnings into a specific theme and concentration in a field of interest. Interns will gain experience working in-person with a social enterprise or nonprofit host organization from around the world.

Throughout the course of your session you will complete 60 total internship hours:

• Observation Hours: 36
• Professional Development Hours: 12
• Self-Study Hours: 12

The outcomes of this internship are related to five main learning objectives:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of your goals and your professional growth areas, as well as a deeper understanding of Peru and STEM fields such as science and engineering.
2. Attain knowledge and understanding of recent trends, terminology and case studies within the sciences.
3. Learn to recognize and articulate multiple perspectives within a larger social context.
4. Learn to critically analyze quantitative and qualitative sources of information to make informed opinions.
5. Learn to observe and analyze real places and situations where impacts and results can be interpreted and applied within context.

Our partner for this internship, MEDLIFE, began operations in Cuzco, Peru in 2005.

MEDLIFE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with low-income communities in Latin America and Africa to improve their access to medicine, education and community development projects.

Its mission is to build a worldwide movement empowering the poor in their fight for equal access to healthcare, education and a safe home.

MEDLIFE empowers students and volunteers to become advocates for change.

The 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development serves as the framework for discussions and the self-study coursework for our student interns here in Peru. During this travel internship you will focus on three SDGs, including:

• SDG 06: Clean Water & Sanitation
• SDG 09: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production

Explore topics related to building the case for clean water and sustainable innovation practices.

Complete a core curriculum with your peers and through the guidance of your internship supervisor. Build your personal competitive edge, as part of a cohort of student interns working in partnership with our global nonprofit partner in Peru. Create a portfolio from completed project work to enhance your college application or future career resume.

By completing this travel internship you will earn:

• A professional letter of recommendation
• A certificate of completion
• Community service hours
• Relevant experience for college applications and essays

Global Leadership Adventures can also provide any supporting documentation and serve as an organization of record, should you want to earn college credits for your internship.

Global Leadership Adventures is extremely proud to partner with Portland State University, based in Portland, Oregon, to offer college credit for our student interns who successfully complete all requirements for the internship.

Student interns are welcome to enroll in the internship for Portland State University credit. This internship course curriculum is fully accredited for U.S. undergraduate credit through PSU. Credits are transferable to other colleges and universities, though please note that it is the responsibility of each intern to confirm with their university of intent that these quarter credits will be accepted at the institution.

Getting college credit during high school has so many benefits. It can help with earning scholarships for college and even improve your chance of admission into your university of choice.

The additional fee to earn four quarter credits from Portland State University is $750.00. Though recommended, you are not required to purchase the college credit add-on as it is 100% optional. Click here to learn more.

Click here to begin your program application.

To save your spot, an application fee and $600 deposit are required.

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