In brief: Our medical electives in Peru combine supervised clinical observation, medical Spanish learning, homestay accommodation, and community health fairs in Trujillo. Programs are suitable for medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals seeking structured clinical exposure and practice in Spanish-language patient communication abroad.
Our medical electives in Peru provide structured clinical exposure within local hospitals and clinics in Trujillo.
Participants observe and engage with clinical teams, gaining insight into a different healthcare system while developing confidence in real-world patient communication.
Placements are organized and supported by our local team, ensuring a safe, well-structured, and worthwhile experience.
Attend hospital and clinic placements, observing consultations and learning how healthcare is delivered in a different system.
Daily afternoon sessions focused on practical communication with Spanish-speaking patients.
Weekly outreach clinics providing opportunities to interact with patients in real-world settings.
Gain structured clinical experience abroad in Peru, with supervised placements, medical Spanish training, and weekly community health fairs.
Emergency, Pediatrics, OBGYN,
Internal Medicine +
4 hours of medical Spanish each afternoon
Weekly outreach clinics in underserved communities
Private room with local host family
Daily transport to hospitals
Trujillo, coastal Peru
Our medical electives in Peru include hospital and clinic placements in specialties such as emergency medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, primary care, and other specialties, depending on availability.
The level of hands-on involvement varies between placements and is guided by the supervising physician, your experience, and the clinical setting.
Emergency Medicine
Pediatrics
Obstetrics & gynecology
Internal medicine
Primary care
Ophthalmology
Infectious diseases
Medical students build practical Spanish communication skills through daily afternoon classes focused on real clinical situations.
All participants combine their morning clinical placement with daily medical Spanish training in the afternoons.
You can also choose an intensive Spanish option before your placement to develop your language skills in advance.
👉 Learn more about our Medical Spanish immersion program in Peru
| Elective Rotation | 8 am – 12 noon |
| Medical Spanish Program | 2 pm – 6 pm |
Ashley (Year 4 medical student from US) speaks about her medical elective experience
One of the most valuable elements of our electives is the weekly community health fairs, held each Friday.
These outreach clinics provide an opportunity to interact with a wide range of patients in a real-world setting, with support from local healthcare professionals and our teaching team.
Each health fair is different. You may see a high volume of patients and a variety of clinical presentations, gaining insight into healthcare delivery in a community setting.
These sessions also allow you to apply your medical Spanish in meaningful conversations, helping to build confidence and communication skills.
👉 Learn more about our Weekly Community Health Fairs
Who can apply for a medical elective in Peru?
Our medical electives in Peru are suitable for medical students, physician assistant students, residents and other healthcare trainees who want structured clinical exposure abroad. The program is especially useful for participants who want to combine hospital or clinic observation with medical Spanish training and community-based patient interaction.
Is the program suitable for US medical students?
Yes. The program is suitable for US medical students seeking a structured international elective that combines clinical observation, medical Spanish, and community health experience. It may be particularly useful for students interested in global health, primary care, emergency medicine, pediatrics, or working with Spanish-speaking patients.
Are the medical electives hands-on or observational?
The level of hands-on involvement varies between placements and depends on your training level, experience, the clinical setting, and the supervising physician. The decision always rests with the supervising physician.
Do I need to speak Spanish before starting?
You do not need to be fluent in Spanish before starting. Some doctors may speak English, but Spanish is used daily in hospitals, clinics, homestays and community health fairs. The program includes afternoon medical Spanish training to help you build practical communication skills with Spanish-speaking patients.
What specialties are available?
Common placement areas include emergency medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, primary care, ophthalmology, and infectious diseases. Availability can vary, so placements are arranged according to your interests, background, and what is possible at the time of your program.
Can I choose my hospital specialty?
You can tell us your preferred specialties on the booking form, and we will normally be able to match your placement to your interests.
What is included in the program fee?
Program fees include clinical rotation support where applicable, daily medical Spanish classes, homestay accommodation with a private room and meals, local support, transport to hospital placements, weekly community health fairs, pre-arrival resources, travel insurance, gym membership, 12 months’ access to the online course, and a digital certificate. Please check our pricing page for current fees by program length and type.
What does a typical day look like?
Medical elective program participants attend clinical placements in the morning, usually from around 8 am to 12 noon, followed by medical Spanish classes from 2 pm to 6 pm. Weekly community health fairs are normally held on Friday mornings and provide additional supervised patient interaction in community settings.
Are accommodation and meals included?
Yes. Participants stay with carefully selected local host families with comfortable homes, usually within walking distance of the program center. Accommodation includes a private room, breakfast and lunch Monday to Saturday, and breakfast on Sundays.
How do I apply?
You can apply by completing the booking form on our website. After registration, we provide pre-arrival information, medical Spanish resources, and guidance on the documents needed for your placement.
Trujillo is a vibrant coastal city in northern Peru, known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its year-round climate. With its colonial architecture, universities, and lively cultural scene, it provides a comfortable and engaging base for your elective.
Nearby highlights include:
Within a few hours:
Many participants also travel further afield, including Huaraz, Cajamarca, Máncora, and Cusco & Machu Picchu, with direct flights available from Trujillo.
Getting around
Participants interested in a broader experience can combine their program in Trujillo with a 2-week medical ship elective on the Amazon River, delivered in partnership with Vine Trust.
👉 Learn more: https://www.vinetrust.org/about/medical-electives-final-year-students
