Support the development of inclusive governance frameworks that empower rural communities to manage their resources and shape their future.
The Challenge
Across the Andes, many rural communities are working to preserve their autonomy while navigating complex legal systems and limited institutional support. In Guaranda, traditional structures like the comuna and juntas de agua — once the backbone of collective life — have weakened over time.
Despite strong values of minga and solidarity, many local organizations face legal and administrative challenges that make it hard to coordinate and make collective decisions. The result: communities managing their own resources, but without the unified structures needed to protect their rights, govern water collectively, and plan long-term development.
The Solution
At El Terreno, we believe that governance works best when built from the ground up. Together with local leaders, interns help strengthen existing community organizations, review their internal rules, and co-create simple frameworks that bring clarity, participation, and cooperation back to local governance.
This program supports communities in developing tools for more transparent, autonomous, and sustainable management — fostering collaboration between comunas, juntas de agua (water boards), and local associations to create a shared vision for the future of their territory.
Our Proven Methodology
Our internship programs are built around the transformative Design Thinking methodology, ensuring that every solution meets the unique needs of low-income populations. You’ll engage deeply with local stakeholders to understand root challenges, co-create ideas, and test solutions that drive real impact. Through immersive guided tours, social innovation workshops, and hands-on prototyping, you’ll collaborate to build and refine sustainable initiatives. By the end of your experience, you’ll not only gain professional skills but also create lasting resources that empower communities and future interns to continue this meaningful work.
Advance Your Career!
Gain experience in community law, governance, and sustainable development 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.
Recommended by Previous Participants
Results from Past Internships
Check out this final presentation from previous interns, to see what they've achieved during their time here
"A wonderful experience"
I participated in their Culture and “El Terreno is a wonderful #experience to learn about the realities of economic, social, and cultural problems, and engage in meaningful work that contributes to #sustainable solutions.
Luke from the USA (Law & Community Governance)
What's Included?
Free Discovery Call & Plan
Flexible Start Date & Duration
Educational Documentation Support
Pre-Arrival & Travel Support
Shared Accommodation with WiFi
(Family Homestay also Available)
Lunches Monday to Friday
Weekly Professional Learning/Mentoring
In-Person Coordination
Cultural Immersion
Free-Time Recommendations
Certificate of Completion
Written Reference
Additional Services
Private Room within a Local Family Homestay
Spanish/Kichwa Classes (before or during visit)
Private Transfer from Airport
Additional Professional Mentoring Sessions
Washing Services
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.
Imagine waking up to the cockerels at dawn as the sun rises over the horizon as you take in Chimborazo volcano over your morning coffee. After breakfast, walk down to meet your mentor, stopping to say hello to the friendly neighbours in the community as they take their cows to pasture.
Spend an hour to talk through your plans with your mentor, deepening your technical knowledge and finding out how to implement it within the local environment. Then take a trip into the colonial city of Guaranda to do some shopping and stop at a café to do some more research. Get back in time for lunch, which you spend with the rest of the team and workers from the local community, sharing stories and learning about the local culture.
Meet with your coordinator in the afternoon, to plan your pilot project or present your findings to the local community, before joining other interns and volunteers to go and watch the sunset, go out to a local bar/restaurant or simply spend the evening learning more from your host family.
Still not sure what a hands-on in the Ecuadorian Andes would look like? Speak to our team who will create you a personalised internship plan to give you a glimpse into the future, all free of charge.
