Develop your teaching skills while providing children from low-income, indigenous communities with greater life opportunities
The Challenge
Educational standards in rural Ecuador are worryingly low; 1 in 10 are illiterate and only 24% go beyond middle-school. More resources, higher standards and teaching English could provide the skills and confidence for young people to escape the cycle of poverty. Our weekly English classes are popular and our school activities are well-received, but there's a lack of people and resources to really develop grow these programmes.
The Solution
Building upon the success of our current classes, we want to reach more children and deliver a wider variety of high-quality education. Rural schools are keen to learn English from native speakers, while alternative teaching techniques to inspire and empower young people. We're looking for passionate interns to bring fresh ideas in a variety of subjects to change the lives of young people in rural communities. All of this will help build childrens' confidence and the means for the next generation to decide on their future.
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 more teaching experience with the support of trained professionals 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.
"A wonderful cultural exchange experience from beginning to end!"
One of the best parts of this experience was having the best of both worlds culturally: on one hand, you’re able to live in a less-touristy part of Ecuador and immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture, but on the other hand, you don’t feel completely like a fish out of water.
My internship involved interacting and collaborating with various stakeholders, from the teachers to the parents. By the end of internship, I felt that I had made a meaningful contribution. I enjoyed my time in the homestay practicing my Spanish and learning about Ecuadorian culture.
The community of volunteers and interns has also found a special place in my heart. Whatever your reason for looking into El Terreno - it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. I'm very grateful the universe had led me there.
Isabela from the USA (Ecology & Sustainable Agriculture)
¿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 for the morning check-in with other interns, stopping to say hello to the friendly neighbours in the community as they take their cows to pasture.
Then, take the bus with your supervisor to one of the five communities where you will be teaching English. Meet with the teachers, see the space and plan your classes for the week. Have lunch with the rest of the team and workers from the local community, sharing stories and learning about the local culture.
In the afternoon you will teach English to the children in the rural community. Work with a class size you feel comfortable with and build your experience and confidence. Build meaningful relationships with the children who are keen to learn English with you.
After a satisfying day teaching, join 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.
