Fashion Design International Enterprise Volunteer Intern

Daily Tasks

Daily activities vary with our current projects, but interns can get involved in a range of tasks, including but not limited to:

Retail Operations & Customer Engagement - Support daily shop operations in central Cusco, from assisting customers and selling handmade textiles to organising displays and sharing the artisans' stories.

‍Design & Product Development - Help develop new products, colour palettes, and collections alongside the Away Pallay team, using the creative workspace to explore your own ideas while honouring traditional weaving techniques.

‍International Business & Market Outreach - Help expand Away Pallay's global reach by researching new markets, supporting client communications, creating promotional materials, and analysing sales opportunities.

‍Community Visits & Cultural Exchange - Visit the rural weaving communities, spending one or two days learning the traditional process directly from the women artisans and experiencing daily life in the Andes.

‍Community Support & Experiential Tourism - During visits, lend a hand with community projects and activities as needed, from agricultural work to experiential tourism, all included in your financial contribution.

‍Team Collaboration - Work closely with the Away Pallay staff throughout your placement, balancing collaborative teamwork with independent creative work.

Benefits of joining this program

This internship offers hands-on experience in a real social enterprise alongside genuine cultural immersion. Benefits include:

• Practical experience across fashion, design, retail, and international business

• A dedicated creative workspace to develop your own ideas with the Away Pallay team

• Visits to rural high-Andean weaving communities, learning directly from master weavers

• Cultural and experiential tourism activities, included in your financial contribution

• Accommodation with a local host family in Cusco, close to the Away Pallay office

• Transferable skills in design, business, retail, and community development

Requirements

This volunteer internship is best suited for those interested in fashion and textile design, international commerce, or social enterprise and business development. Undergraduates, postgraduates, PhDs and/or professionals are all welcome. However, we do ask for:

• An academic/professional background or genuine personal motivation in fashion, design, business, marketing, international trade, or the like.

• Minimum age 18.

• Basic experience or strong motivation to work as part of a team away from home.

• A decent level of physical fitness. Please note that Cusco and the partner communities sit at high altitude in the Andes, so we recommend allowing a few days to acclimatise.

However, the most important thing is that you have an open mind, positive attitude and willingness to learn!

Before applying, please ensure that you have familiarized yourself with the information regarding the financial contribution required for the volunteer internship. We look forward to hearing from you!