GAIN REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
SEE THE WORLD.
Design & deliver a hands-on, personalised internship to research gender equality issues in low-income indigenous communities, particularly related to education and sexual health.
Research key inequalities of women & girls in rural indigenous communities, and propose integrated solutions that empower them.
The Challenge
In the rural communities surrounding us, teenage pregnancy is at 26% and women face many economic, social and educational barriers. This is due to prevalent 'machista' within the culture, as well as a lack of education and resources to enable women to make empowered choices.
The Solution
Gender roles can provide a valid community and family function, but it needs en ensure that all have a voice and have equal opportunities, especially in respect to education, work and reproductive health. As an intern, you will help to identify the key problems faced and co-create sustainable solutions, in collaboration with community members, schools, health centres and other key stakeholders.​
Recommended by Previous Participants
Since 2021, We've Hosted Over 250 Participants from 40 Countries
¡Advance Your Career!
Gain valuable experience on real-world projects using our sustainable development methodology
With the certificate, reference and alumni group, it's a great way to take your profession to the next level!
"An Amazing Experience"
My internship at El Terreno in the rural Andes was an extremely valuable learning experience. Thanks to its human-centered nature, I got to work with many locals and discovered new methods of participatory research. Besides conducting qualitative research, I improved my Spanish, networked with stakeholders, held workshops and improved my graphic design skills.
Working with the community and learning about their challenges was a strong motivation. I loved engaging with the locals and realizing solutions with my teammates. Although, the topic of my research was at times challenging, I enjoyed working on my project thanks to the friendly atmosphere at El Terreno. Waking up every day with the view of Chimborazo is pretty awesome too!
Anna from Czech Republic (Gender Equality Research and Pilot Project)
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**
(e.g. materials, transport, site visits, and coordinator / mentor expenses)​​
** However, you can apply to our small charity for a $50 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
-
Fill out the online interest form
-
Participate in your discovery call, free of charge
-
Review your personalised internship plan, free of charge
-
Place your deposit & confirm your place
-
Complete any required documents for your education provider
-
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:
