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MICRO-BUSINESS
INTERNSHIPS
IN LATIN AMERICA
The world has gone global and an understanding of commerce and business practices in other parts of the world is a vital part of contemporary business education. With strong, developing economies, robust tourism sectors, and a natural entrepreneurial spirit, Costa Rica, Guatemala,and Peru are exciting places to learn about international business! Considering how fast Latin America’s small business sector is growing, the importance of micro-companies and their impact on local economies and employment cannot be underestimated. However, these small companies need marketing knowledge and help in reaching out to international customers—especially entrepreneurs struggling to compete in a global marketplace.
Micro-business placements are usually in small, local companies and interns get a great deal of exposure to business practices in the developing world. Internships are focused on Marketing, Sales & Client Service, or Accounting. In many cases, international interns work with in-country entrepreneurs to help them improve their companies and expand their capacity to market to and serve international clients. As an intern, you may also help build international marketing and distribution channels, train staff, provide translations, and improve overall client communications. During your international internship, you gain real-world business experience, increase your knowledge of business vocabulary in Spanish, and improve your ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking clients and colleagues. You build your professional foundation to become a globally-minded business person.
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Why I Maximo Nivel
I participated in a micro-business internship with Maximo in San Jose, Costa Rica. I had such a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to experience working life in a different culture. The program staff is always available and willing to help. They were very flexible and welcoming and I appreciated it a lot.
MICRO-BUSINESS INTERNSHIPS
IN COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is one of the most economically successful Latin American countries, and it is a leader in Central America. Since 1960, the country’s GDP has tripled and continues to outpace every other country in the region. Costa Rica’s political impact and economic growth has contributed to one of the lowest poverty rates in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The bustling capital city of San Jose is a prime location for business development and entrepreneurs and international interns get exposed to business practices in a competitive, international setting. Though it is a stable country, with a significantly advanced economy, entrepreneurs in Costa Rica face challenges brought on by government bureaucracy and the high cost of required social programs. Based on your interests, international interns assist small business owners and entrepreneurs in either the for-profit or nonprofit sectors. During your internship, your role may include work in operations, client service, sales, marketing, public relations, accounting, and distribution. As an intern, you gain hands-on experience and Spanish language skills that is sure to make you a more marketable candidate.
MICRO-BUSINESS INTERNSHIPS
IN GUATEMALA
Guatemala is home to the largest economy in Central America with an annual growth rate of more than 3%. However, the economy continues to struggle and Guatemalan small business owners report a lack of clients as the primary disadvantage impacting their growth. This points to the need for marketing knowledge and outreach to international customers.
International internship placements are with small companies and micro-entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs need more opportunities and training to expand their services and develop their products, which in turn means they are able to hire more employees and positively impact the lives of people in their local communities. In your micro-business internship, you help make small businesses successful through your creative approach to business and your understanding of the needs of foreign visitors and markets back home. As an intern, you can help these small business owners put growth strategies in place, as you gain exposure to business practices in a developing economy; you also get practical hands-on experience in operations, client service, sales, administration, marketing, public relations, accounting, and distribution channels.
MICRO-BUSINESS INTERNSHIPS
IN PERU
Take your business experience abroad to one of the fastest growing economies in South America–the beautiful and amazing country of Peru! Studies from the Peruvian Economic Institute show Peru’s GDP growth has outpaced even China’s at various times over the last 10 years. More specifically, the city of Cusco has experienced exceptional growth due mostly to the service, tourism, and construction industries.
With great economic success comes the challenge of sustainability. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and as the travel hub for both foreign and domestic visitors, the city of Cusco buzzes with endless business opportunities! Micro-business internships get you involved with local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Whether you are interested in for-profit or nonprofit work, there is always a demand for international interns. As a micro-business intern, your responsibilities include operations, client service, sales, marketing, public relations, accounting, and distribution. During your internship, you gain exposure to business practices in the developing world, build professional experience in your area of interest, and advance your marketability by building the confidence and skills to conduct business internationally with Spanish speakers.
WHY INTERN WITH MAXIMO NIVEL?
Maximo Nivel is a local organization based in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Our role is to bring structure, organization, and quality service to your internship program.
- New internships start every Monday year-round
- Academic credit available
- Dedicated internship advisor
- Internships available for 4 to 24 weeks
- All-inclusive—Private accommodations, meals, & Spanish classes
- 24/7 in-country support
- Program fees from $1,595
Your internship is personalized from the beginning, and we match you with the very best placement based on your professional and academic goals. Schedule a call with a program advisor today!
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