Microfinance Internship in Peru

What is the Microfinance Internship in Peru all about?

This Microfinance Internship in Peru has been working for 20 years, providing microfinance services to the local communities in and around Cusco, especially to those living in rural areas. Many Peruvians live off of small business ventures, like selling artisan products or running food stalls at the markets. Microfinance is an important option for people, who cannot receive loans from reputable sources, to borrow money for developing and continuing their businesses. These small loans help the workers to expand their businesses and earn more income to support their families.

The local team has a good understanding of the challenges facing borrowers and are aware of the types of people and businesses that are able to repay the loans. They’ve noted that women, in particular, have proven to be reliable in their repayments. This understanding is essential in ensuring that this microfinance programme is sustainable. Those interested in banking, accountancy or economics will find this Microfinance Internship placement extremely interesting as it would give them a unique perspective into the financial matters of another culture.

Why choose this Microfinance Internship in Peru Placement?

Interns ensure this project’s success by helping with community visits and administrative work. They also provide new perspectives and ideas to the local team for running financial education sessions. Interns will gain a much better understanding of the process of microfinance by seeing aspects like borrowers, loan securement and repayment challenges and the impact of this service to poorer communities.

Role of the Business & Microfinance Intern

Interns will support local staff with their duties and may be involved with:

• visiting borrowers to gage their financial management and business success
• visiting small companies that do money loans
• running education sessions on financial management, including introducing the concept of savings
• assisting with administrative tasks and paper work as needed

All interns will be expected to be flexible as tasks will vary depending on the progress of the different loan cycles.

What skills do I need to be a Business & Microfinance Intern in Peru?

Interns should be able to speak Intermediate Level Spanish (Level B1 Intermediate User of CEFR) as they will need to be able to converse with borrowers who speak little to no English. Interns who are studying or who have a background in economics, accountancy, banking or international development will be of most use to the local project team. Interest in this project is very high and it is recommended to apply in advance to ensure your placement.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. In the case of Cusco projects, you will remain in a hotel for the first 3 nights of your placement before joining your host family. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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