Help protect Andean biodiversity while reconnecting people with the ecosystems that sustain their lives.
The Challenge
The Ecuadorian Andes are one of the most diverse regions on Earth, where steep valleys, cloud forests, and traditional farmlands coexist in a fragile balance. This biodiversity—rich in endemic species, pollinators, and native crops—has long sustained both people and ecosystems. Yet, it now faces unprecedented threats. Expanding agriculture, deforestation, and the intensive use of agrochemicals are degrading the soil, contaminating rivers, and reducing the abundance of native flora and fauna. The loss of pollinators, birds, and medicinal plants affects food security and community wellbeing alike. As migration increases and ancestral ecological knowledge fades, many families lose their connection to the land and the sustainable practices that once ensured harmony between humans and nature. Without immediate action, this irreplaceable biodiversity—and the culture it supports—could be lost forever.
The Solution
At El Terreno, we believe that protecting biodiversity starts with understanding and community collaboration. This internship invites you to explore the local ecosystems of the Andes through fieldwork, research, and conservation activities that combine science with cultural awareness. Whether documenting native species, supporting reforestation, or designing environmental education projects, you’ll work alongside local families to co-create solutions that restore nature and strengthen the bond between people and their land.
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.
Recommended by Previous Participants
Advance Your Career!
Gain hands-on experience in biodiversity and conservation 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.
"Great experience to learn from and enjoy"
I loved the experience. Joshua is open for the different goals and experiences people strive for, making it easy to create a well suited programme. It allowed me to develop myself in a new environment wherein I could learn new things as well as giving something back.
Living with the other interns was a really pleasant experience. The group activities we organised made the work / travelling experience nicely balanced. Lastly the location, Atandahua itself is a rural quiet place, in the direct surroundings there is enough to do during the week and the central location allows for easy trips throughout Ecuador during the weekends.
Jasha from the Netherlands (Ecology & Sustainable Agriculture)
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?
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.
