GAIN REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
SEE THE WORLD.
Design & deliver a hands-on, personalised Internship in Community Water Management to improve your resume and gain real-world experience, while making a real difference to rural communities in the majestic Ecuadorian Andes.
Help low-income, indigenous communities gain access to clean drinking water through community education and infrastructure projects.
The Challenge
Safe and accessible drinking water is a human right. However, Atandahua and surrounding communities are suffer serious issues regarding water quality and security. Outdated and failing pipework, illegal connections, deforestation, and inadequate storage have led to water scarcity, while unsustainable agricultural practices and a lack of filtration has resulted in a high prevalence of gastrointestinal issues and malnutrition among the population, especially children (48%).
The Solution
Addressing this water crisis requires a comprehensive approach. From public health initiatives to domestic filtration systems, reforestation efforts, and infrastructure improvements. With the guidance and support of our experienced team, you will engage with the local community to identify and implement sustainable solutions that ensure long-term access to clean and secure drinking water; making a tangible impact to these communities.​
Recommended by Previous Participants
Since 2021, We've Hosted Over 250 Participants from 40 Countries
¡Advance Your Career!
Gain more project experience with the support of trained mentors to expand your knowledge and build your confidence.
Now more than ever, employers are looking for a resume with diverse experiences, certificates and strong references that an internship provides.
"Time well used"
I think that the work of Joshua, Sebastián, Cristian, and all the other important people (maintenance, cooking, Neiser) is a great chance for the region to improve in so many ways. I felt part of the team from day one and tried my best to make a difference. I think there's much to say about the programs, the house, the surrounding nature, and the local people. But the most important thing to me was that this organisation brings out the best in the people they work with. Maybe it's a vibe, maybe it's structure, and maybe it's just the patience I experienced there every day. Adding to the greater good in society and improving the lives of so many—El Terreno simply rocks.
Florian from Germany (Water Projects & International Development)
Results from Past Internships
Check out this final presentation from previous interns, to see what they've achieved during their time here
¿What's Included?
Pre-Arrival
Free Discovery Call with our Founder
Personalised Changemaker Plan
Pre-Arrival Logistics & Orientation
Documentation Support (credits / funding / university requirements)
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Accommodation
Single-sex Dormitories (≤4 beds per room
Cooked Lunches (Mon-Fri)
Washing Service (1x per week)
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Projects
Arrival Onboarding & Orientations
Weekly 1:1s and Reflection Sessions
Bilingual Project Coordination
Professional Mentoring (1hr/wk)
Participatory Methodology & Tools
Community & Institutional Collaboration
Site Visit Coordination
Accident Insurance
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Personal & Professional Development
Weekly Group Workshops
Monthly Ancestral Ceremonies
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Free Time
Free Time Activity Recommendation
Language Exchange Evenings in Guaranda
Weekly International Shared Meals
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Post-Departure
Certificate of Completion
Written Professional Reference
LinkedIn Recommendation
Alumni Network
¿What's Not Included?
Pre-Arrival
Flights or Expenses to Reach Us
Visas or Vaccines
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Projects
Additional Project Costs**
(eg. materials, transport, site visits, and coordinator / mentor expenses)​​​​​​​
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**However, you can apply for a $50 project microgrant and/or we can support you to create a crowdfunding campaign to send through your networks.
Only $295/week
That's less than $45 per day​
You can make more impact when you stay longer:
12 weeks for the price of 10
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First 6 deposits of the season choose from
$25/week discount
Dinner Meals Included Mon-Fri
$250 Project Transport & Materials
50% off additional all services, up to $250
We are a small independent organisation and receive no external funds for our programmes.
Your contribution is used to exclusively to deliver you the best internship programme possible!
Additional Services
6-Week Pre-Arrival Spanish & Cultural Essentials Course
Airport Transfer
Private Room / Family Homestay
Breakfast Ingredients
Breakfast Meals (Mon - Fri)
Dinner Meals (Mon - Fri)
Additional Mentoring
Health Insurance
Monthly Ancestral Ceremonies
Language Classes (1/wk)
Cultural Activity (1/wk)
Changemaker Coaching Programme
The Ideal Candidate
Existing skills & experience in the project theme is preferred, but not essential. Bilingual coordinators will help with community engagement — but you will get much more if you come with at least B1 Spanish.
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What is essential is a hard-working, professional attitude with passion for making a difference. To thrive in rural Ecuador, you need to be positive, adaptable and a good collaborator.
Mutual respect for communal living, the lived experience from locals and the El Terreno team is key.
Application Process
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Fill out the online interest form
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Participate in your discovery call, free of charge
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Review your personalised internship plan, free of charge
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Place your deposit & confirm your place
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Complete any required documents for your education provider
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Join us for an unforgettable experience in the Ecuadorian Andes!
Gain Experience.
Make a Difference.
Travel the World.
Safety in Ecuador
We sometimes get asked about travelling in Ecuador — is it safe?
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While it's impossible to answer with a 'yes' or 'no', what we can say is that since starting programmes in 2021, nobody has been robbed or assaulted at El Terreno, and with a police station in the village, people generally feel very safe.
As with many places in the world, you need to take care of yourself while travelling, and we will provide a full orientation including how to be a savvy traveller. If you follow our advice, you're most likely to have a safe and fun experience.
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If you'd like to learn more now, we've written the following blog to help you come prepared:
