What is Special Needs Therapy Internship in Peru all about?
If you want to gain experience in special need therapy while helping local disabled children and possibly earning credits towards your degree, this is the internship for you!
During your Special Needs Therapy Internship in Peru, you will be placed in a special education centre in Cusco that hosts approximately 75 children from the age of 5 to 35 years old with different impairments causing them physical, communication and mental disorders caused by autism, intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy, amongst others. The school’s inclusive objective focuses on preparing students to be included into a regular education and/or vocational setting. The staff is composed of qualified professionals in the fields of intellectual disabilities, hearing impairment, psychology, social work, physiotherapy amongst others. The centre is well catered for the local children and is equipped with a modern infrastructure and up-to-date technologies thanks to some government funding.
The centre caters for children with special education needs in Peru and Latin America including significant disabilities and autism. The school promotes teaching skills to achieve autonomy working together with the parents.
This special needs therapy internship is a great and rewarding experience to help you grow personally and professionally.
What are the benefits of interning as a Special Needs Therapy Intern in Peru?
- Work with children as well as share your experience and skills with the staff of the centre.
- Be exposed to children with a variety of health conditions making your work more rewarding and challenging.
- Gain practical experience within the therap field for children with a variety of disorders while building your CV/Resume and practising a second language.
Role of the intern
The interns will help the patients in all capacity including improving their speech therapy, acquiring psychomotor skills, and living their day-to-day life at the centre. The campus include both a primary and secondary school, so depending on the intern’s specific skills and interests, you will be able to contribute to either. Interns will also be able to assist in building the capacity needed for the school to support the students in a meaningful way like serving their meals, helping at toilet breaks, etc etc. In addition, interns will also have the opportunity to implement programs or activities and offer suggestions to improve the school.
What do I need to be an intern as a Special Needs Therapy Intern in Peru?
No particular skills are required to participate in this project. However, volunteers with a background in childcare or special needs are greatly appreciated. A basic level of Spanish is required (level A1 Basic User of CEFR) to enable you to communicate and make the most out of this placement.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
Where Will I Work in Peru?
About the Location
Well-known for being the Inca majestic city for its baroque style of architecture, Cusco is a nice little Peruvian small city worth to visit. Also referred to as the “Archaeological Capital of the Americas”, Cusco mixes modern architecture and indigenous styles of building. The majestic cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and Qoricancha both gives a good example of the history of the City.
Accommodation
Whilst volunteering in Peru, you will be staying with a homestay family in Cusco. The homestay families are familiar with receiving volunteers and will make you feel right at home. Staying with a local family allows you to fully engage with Peruvian culture for the period of time you are there. All homes have electricity, running water and indoor plumbing so you will be quite comfortable. You will generally have your own room, though in the summer months you may be required to share with another participant.
What to do in your spare time
Cusco is a vibrant city with lots to do. Many visitors choses to go to Machu Picchu, either by trekking for 4 days along the Inca Trail, or by 4 hours on the train. You may choose to spend your weekends touring the City, the nearby Inca Ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay or spending in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Make sure you include a visit to the traditional Indian market at Pisac, the beautiful village of Ollantaytambo and the small village of Chinchero located high up in the mountains.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 4 – 12 weeks, longer terms available
- Cost: £1365 / $2184 for 4 weeks
£348 / $557 for each extra week - Requirements: age 18+
- Location: Cusco, Peru
- Project activities: Speech Therapy Support Activities, Physical Therapy Support Activities, Occupational Therapy Support Activities, Childcare Support Activities, English sessions, Special Education discussions, Workplace Skills Training.
- Working hours: Monday – Friday 4 to 5 hours per day.
- Project availability: Every Monday. Project is closed at the end of July and December to March for school holidays. Also, closed during Public Holidays. Speak to your Kaya Advisor to find out more.
- Arrival day: Saturday
What is included
- Accommodation: Single or shared room in a homestay (according to availability)
- Meals: 3 meals provided per day
- Airport pickup and drop-off at Cusco International Airport
- Training: Pre-departure pack, pre-departure & on-site orientation, learning reflection document
- Project certificate on completion of end of placement presentation
- Support: 24 hour support
- Excursions: Staff will help plan cultural visits (activity prices will be extra) for your spare time and weekend off
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visa fees
- Daily transport to the project – Walkable depending on homestay location, or cost approximately $0.25 (bus) to $1.60 (taxi) each way.
- Extra Spanish classes are available for £85/$149 for 10 hours. Please contact us for more information about booking
- Police/Government Background Check; US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check
Pictures from our Special Needs Therapy Internship in Peru
Easy 3-step application process
APPLY ONLINE Click here to apply online and pay your deposit to secure your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW Once we’ve received your application, we’ll be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
GET PREPARED When you’ve been accepted onto your project we’ll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
HAVE A QUESTION?
We pride ourselves on providing you high quality placement information throughout your application process and whilst on the ground. Connect with us if you have any questions.
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