GAIN REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
SEE THE WORLD.
Design & deliver a hands-on, personalised Internship in Extractivism & Environmental Conservation to improve your resume and gain real-world experience, while making a real difference to rural communities in the majestic Ecuadorian Andes.
Support the development of inclusive governance frameworks that empower rural communities to manage their resources and shape their future.
The Challenge
Across Latin America, extractive industries such as mining and large-scale resource extraction threaten the delicate balance between people and the environment. In the central Andes of Ecuador, vast areas have been concessioned for metallic mining, putting local water sources, soils, and biodiversity at serious risk. These activities often divide communities, creating tensions and misinformation while silencing the voices of those most affected.
At the same time, global consumption and demand for minerals—used in everyday products like phones and cars—are rarely connected to their social and ecological costs. Many rural families, who live directly from the land, are left out of the conversations and decisions that shape their future. Building awareness and understanding around these issues is essential to promote responsible choices, both locally and globally.
The Solution
We believe that environmental conservation begins with informed and engaged communities. This internship invites you to explore the complex relationship between extractivism, ecology, and local livelihoods through research, dialogue, and education. Interns may work with community leaders, educators, or local organizations to document local realities, facilitate conversations, or create educational materials that amplify the voices of those protecting their territories.
Recommended by Previous Participants
Since 2021, We've Hosted Over 250 Participants from 40 Countries
Advance Your Career!
Gain experience in environmental research, communication, and sustainability 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.
"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)
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
Projects
Additional Project Costs**
(eg. 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
