8 Best International Internships in Latin America
Authored By:
Let's be honest: adding another campus club to your resume isn't nearly as interesting as spending a summer abroad working in São Paulo, helping with environmental projects in Costa Rica, or gaining international internship experience in Buenos Aires.
If you're looking for a way to grow your career without putting your travel goals on hold, international internships in Latin America offer the best of both worlds. You can build professional skills, expand your network, experience a new culture firsthand, and have stories that go way beyond "I worked remotely from my apartment."
Whether you're hoping to spend a semester abroad or want one of the top summer internships in Latin America, these programs make it possible to explore a new destination while gaining experience employers love to see.
Read More: Top 10 Summer Internships Abroad
Top 8 Global Internships in Latin America
Not all internships look the same, and that's a good thing. Some students want a major city with endless coffee shops, nightlife, and networking opportunities. Others would rather spend their semester surrounded by cloud forests or ocean views. No matter your vibe, these are some of the best internships in Latin America for students looking to combine career growth with unforgettable experiences.
Read More: Study Abroad in Latin America: The Ultimate Guide
#1: Semester Global Internship (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
If your ideal semester includes walkable neighborhoods, late-night dinners, live music, and an internship that helps you build real professional experience, Buenos Aires should be on your radar. Known for its creative energy and international feel, the city offers the perfect balance between career development and adventure. One day you could be gaining hands-on experience at your internship and the next exploring local markets, catching a fútbol match, or discovering why Argentina's food scene has such a loyal following.
- Credit: 9-13 semester hours /13.5-19.5 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Featured Excursion: Take a boat trip to the Tigre Delta, exploring its unique waterways and enjoying lunch on one of the islands
#2: Summer Global Internship (São Paulo, Brazil)
Think New York City's energy but with Brazilian culture, incredible food, and a completely different perspective. São Paulo is one of Latin America's biggest business hubs, making it an exciting destination for students interested in fields like marketing, business, finance, entrepreneurship, and technology. When you're not interning, you'll have access to a city packed with art, music, cultural festivals, and some of the best nightlife in the region.
- Credit: 6 semester hours /9 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Featured Excursion: Take a trip to Campos do Jordão, the “Swiss of Brazil,” with its cozy cafés and mountain charm
#3: Summer Intern + Study Abroad (Santiago, Chile)
For students who want more than just an internship, Santiago lets you combine academics and professional experience in one program. The city has a growing startup scene, modern urban culture, and easy access to outdoor adventures. It's the kind of place where you can spend the week building professional skills and the weekend exploring the Andes, trying local food, or discovering new favorite spots around the city.
- Credit: 6-7 semester hours /9-10.5 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Featured Excursion: Visit one of Pablo Neruda's three homes in Santiago, Valparaiso, or Isla Negra
#4: Semester Global Internship (Monteverde, Costa Rica)
Not everyone wants a skyline view from their internship. If you're passionate about sustainability, conservation, or environmental studies, Monteverde offers a completely different experience. Surrounded by lush cloud forests and incredible biodiversity, you'll gain practical experience while living in one of the world's most environmentally focused communities. It's an opportunity to connect your career interests with meaningful work in a place that feels unlike anywhere else.
- Credit: 9-13 semester hours /13.5-19.5 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Featured Excursion: Hike under the dripping boughs of the Cloud Forest to observe colorful plants and animals
Read More: What are the Best Places to Study Abroad in Latin America?
#5: Summer Global Internship (Merida, Mexico)
Mérida is one of those destinations students wish they had discovered sooner. Filled with colorful streets, rich history, and a welcoming local culture, it's an ideal place to build professional experience while immersing yourself in everyday life in the Yucatán. Between internship hours, you can explore historic sites, sample incredible local cuisine, and take weekend trips to nearby beaches and cenotes, making this one of the most rewarding summer internships in Latin America.
- Credit: 6 semester hours /9 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Featured Excursion: Explore one of the most beautiful underground cenotes along the Chicxulub Crater's ring
#6: Semester Intern + Study Abroad (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
If you're looking for a balance of academics, career experience, and island life, San Juan checks every box. This program combines coursework with an internship so you can earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience in your field. Beyond work and class, you'll find colorful streets, beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and a vibrant culture that makes every day abroad feel like an adventure.
- Credit: 12-14 semester hours /18-21 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Featured Excursion: Head to the surf capital of Puerto Rico, Rincón, for a day of water activities with locals on some of the island’s best waves
#7: Summer Global Internship (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Want the Buenos Aires experience without committing to a full semester abroad? This summer internship gives you the chance to gain international work experience while living in one of Latin America's most exciting cities. It's perfect for students who want to strengthen their resume, immerse themselves in Argentine culture, and make the most of their summer break.
- Credit: 6 semester hours /9 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Featured Excursion: Enjoy a private tango lesson followed by a visit to a milonga to experience the local dance culture firsthand
Read More: The 10 Best Study Abroad Programs in Latin America
#8: Summer Global Internship (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
There's something especially rewarding about spending your summer somewhere completely different from home. In San Juan, you'll gain professional experience while experiencing a city known for its history, culture, and coastal beauty. Whether you're exploring Old San Juan after work or spending weekends by the water, this program combines career development with the type of experiences you'll be talking about long after summer ends.
- Credit: 6 semester hours /9 quarter hours
- Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
- Featured Excursion: Explore the underground wonders of Río Camuy Cave Park, one of the largest cave systems in the world
How to Apply for Internships in Latin America
Getting started is easier than you might think. Here's how to apply for internships in Latin America through CIEE:
- Explore available internship locations, programs, and placement opportunities
- Select the program that matches your academic interests and career goals
- Review eligibility requirements and application deadlines
- Complete your CIEE application
- Submit any required materials
- Work with the CIEE team in the personal placement process to finalize your internship
- Prepare for departure and get ready to intern abroad in Latin America
Read More: How to Get an Internship Abroad: 4 Easy Steps
Intern Abroad in Latin America with CIEE
Between classes, deadlines, and figuring out your future, it's easy to stay in your comfort zone. An internship abroad in Latin America is a chance to step outside of it. You'll build professional experience and expand your network, but you'll also gain a new perspective, discover a new place, and collect stories you'll be telling long after graduation.
If you're ready to explore a new destination while building skills that can help you stand out to future employers, start planning your international internship in Latin America with CIEE.