Life Outside of Work as An Intern Abroad
You might be wondering what life looks like outside of interning abroad. So, let's talk about what it's really like to spend three to six months living in a foreign country.
This blog post will explore the gritty details of living abroad in Peru. Sometimes, it might feel daunting to acclimate to living in another country for such a long stretch of time, but the key to success is building a routine and sense of community for yourself.
So, the question is, how does one successfully build a temporary life?
Honestly, there's not a one-size-fits-all approach to living abroad. But here are some valuable tips and tricks for creating a sustainable routine and finding ways to immerse yourself in the local scenes of Cusco.
Find a Community Niche:
Establishing a local support system is essential for avoiding homesickness. At Globalteer, our at-home office provides the perfect opportunity to befriend coworkers and have built-in friends to explore Peru with. However, building a sense of community outside work can also be important. Attending events around the neighborhood or larger city center can foster a greater sense of community. Fortunately, there are hundreds of festivals yearly in Cusco, so there is always something interesting around the city.
Furthermore, local cafes like D’wasi, Catfetin, Florencia y Fortunata, La Boheme, Flora, and Cafe Q’omer are good places to make new friends. Or try basking in the sunshine in one of the many Plazas around Cusco or visit some of the sacred Inkan sites around the city. The entire area of Q’encho is phenomenal for walking around and stumbling across archeological wonders. Additionally, Cusco boasts a medley of museums like Museo de Arte Precolombino and Museo Maximo Laura.
Befriend the Locals:
While it can be enjoyable to meet fellow travelers throughout your internship, it’s important to note the fleeting nature of these connections. It is common to make nomadic friends who are only in town for a few days and then tumble on. These brief friendships can be meaningful, but connecting with people who are only in town for a short while will start to feel isolating.
Therefore, it’s more sustainable to focus on befriending the locals and immerse yourself in Peruvian culture.
Find a Tutor or Try a Language Exchange:
If you're living abroad and aren't fluent in the local language, I highly recommend finding a tutor or language exchange to help improve your Spanish. Not only does this make getting around town more efficient, but it's also paramount to building a sense of community.
Take a Class, Get a Membership, or Join a Sports Team:
Developing a sustainable schedule is exceptionally helpful when interning abroad. Attending weekly classes outside of work is a fantastic way to build your social life and encourage a healthy routine. Classes can be anything from martial arts training to photography workshops to salsa dancing. Other interns have enjoyed joining a gym or a local sports team. Whatever enables you to have a weekly routine and meet new people!
Go on Tours:
Cusco is a tourist hub in Peru, meaning hundreds of tours are offered throughout the city and surrounding areas. Of course, the most notable attraction is Macchu Picchu, but there are many other places to go!
If you’re interested in hiking, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Lake Humantay, or the Seven Lagoons are a must. However, avoid getting overcharged for tours by booking online. It’s best to book in person with cash to keep costs down. Special discounts are often offered for groups, so don’t hesitate to ask.
If you’re more interested in cultural immersion than muddy hiking boots, don’t fret. There are plenty of experiences for all. Check out a traditional cooking class, take a chocolate workshop, tour the local markets, or book an Airbnb experience. Visiting the Sacred Valley and getting a tourist ticket is also an awesome way to see some ancient sights.
Embrace the Nightlife:
Cusco has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are many bars throughout the city that offer live music every night. If you’re interested in meeting fellow travelers, then Molly’s Irish Bar is the place for you. On Mondays, there is a weekly trivia night. However, if you like jam sessions and sultry jazz, then embrace the red neon haze of Casa Palacio for a more local vibe. If you’re more into dancing, checking out the local clubs like Changos, La Chupiteria, and Los Perros is fun.
Of course, it’s quite possible to discover a happening spot simply by walking through San Blas, Plaza de Armas, or Tecsecocha.
Take Weekend Trips or Use Vacation Time:
Peru is the third largest country in South America, which gives interns the perfect opportunity to take weekend trips to explore even incredible places. Luckily, when interning with Globalteer, you are allotted vacation time based on the length of your internship, estimating 2.5 days per month.
Below are some remarkable destinations to visit while interning with Globalteer to experience life outside of work.
Lima:
As the capital of Peru, coastal Lima offers delicious food, excellent surfing, and all the amenities of a big city. It is also a launching pad for other destinations like Ica. In the Huacachina Oasis, you can go sandboarding or enjoy a dune-buggy ride through the desert.
Arequipa:
Nicknamed the White City because its buildings are crafted with volcanic stone, this post-colonial city is surrounded by potential adventures. Hikers, bird lovers, and white water rafters often explore nearby Colca Canyon (a natural habitat for the Condor).
Puno:
Located on the edge of Lake Titicaca, Puno is an excellent location for enjoying traditional festivals or exploring the floating islands of Uros and Taquile. This area is also superb for exploring the archeology of Pucara.
Check out the Amazon:
It’s hard to visit Peru without also exploring the nearby jungle. Manu National Park and Madre de Dios are hubs of biodiversity. Meanwhile, visiting Iquitos is a perfect reason to climb aboard a boat to see the Amazon River and maybe even some pink dolphins.
Conclusion:
The best way to embrace life outside of work as an intern abroad is by expanding your comfort and working to make new connections. Enjoy the little moments and find the lifestyle that brings you the most meaning. Don't hesitate to find a Globalteer internship that suits you, so you can experience living abroad!