GAIN EXPERIENCE.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
SEE THE WORLD.
Design & deliver a hands-on, personalised Internship in Nursery Development & Education to gain real-world experience while making a real difference to rural communities in the majestic Ecuadorian Andes.
Help the improvements to a rural nursery and vibrant education for its toddlers (1-3 years) for low-income indigenous families.
The Challenge
Low-income rural families don't make enough money to take care and feed their babies well enough. The men often migrate in order to generate an income and the women either stay at home or have to carry their children while they work long days in the fields. In some villages, there are government-run nurseries that offer free childcare and meals for toddlers aged 1-3, giving families more freedom to work. However, these nurseries are severely underfunded, meaning that they lack adequate infrastructure and the educational resources necessary; they often don't even have money to pay staff!
The Solution
You can help in many ways. If you have a creative eye and know how to make spaces beautiful, help redesign and decorate the nursery buildings and gardens. You could also develop a fundraising campaign to provide the nursery with essential materials. And of course, you can help with the day-to-day activities of looking after the children and delivering creative educational activities! It's a great way to get hands-on experience while making an impact in communities that desperately need your help.
Recommended by Previous Participants
Since 2021, We've Hosted Over 250 Participants from 40 Countries
¡Advance Your Career!
Gain hands-on experience in early childhood education while working in a rural nursery that serves low-income indigenous families.
Now more than ever, employers value real-world experience. This internship will strengthen your resume with practical experience, mentorship, and a strong professional reference.
"Where I found home again"
Volunteering with El Terreno and the Atandahua community was one of the most meaningful and beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. From the very beginning, I felt completely at home. The warmth, kindness, and strength of the people there made it so easy to feel connected—like I belonged.
The children at the nursery are full of life, curiosity, and potential—and spending time with them was a true joy. What made this experience so special wasn’t just the work, but the relationships, the cultural connection, and the sense of purpose I felt every single day.
Reconnecting with my roots in such a personal and heartfelt way is something I’ll always be grateful for. To anyone considering volunteering here: do it. You’ll be embraced by a community that stays with you long after you leave.
Valery from the United Kingdom & Ecuador (Community Youth Education Programme)
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)
Accommodation
Single-sex Dormitories (≤4 beds per room)
Cooked Lunches (Mon-Fri)
Washing Service (1x per week)
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
Personal & Professional Development
Weekly Group Workshops
Monthly Ancestral Ceremonies
Free Time
Free Time Activity Recommendation
Language Exchange Evenings in Guaranda
Weekly International Shared Meals
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
Project Costs
Additional Project Costs**
(e.g. materials, transport, site visits, and coordinator / mentor expenses)
**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
less than $45 per day
Those who stay longer can make more impact:
Get 12 weeks for the price of 10
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.
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?
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.
If you'd like to learn more now, we've written the following blog to help you come prepared:
