Research key development needs of low-income indigenous communities, and propose integrated solutions that also preserve their culture
The Challenge
Guaranda is one of Ecuador's poorest and least developed regions. With a large indigenous population, the rural communities struggle with high poverty rates (40%), child malnutrition (48%) and teenage pregnancy (up to 50%). 500 years after the Spanish colonisation, the forces of globalisation threaten the native language and cultural heritage of these communities, as many young people leave in search of better opportunities in the cities and through illegal migration to the US.
The Solution
We need diverse cultures and indigenous ways of thinking if we are to survive on this planet, but may only have a generation or two to achieve this in Guaranda. Fortunately, enough ancestral knowledge survives for their traditions to be revived within the diverse global community in the 21st century. Our mission is to deeply understand these cultures, enabling us to develop regenerative solutions that not only preserve and promote local pride, but also improve the quality of life for the communities in Guaranda.
Recommended by Previous Participants
¡Advance Your Career!
Gain more anthropology experience 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.
"I had an amazing experience at El Terreno"
I participated in their Culture and Anthropology internship and learned more than I could ever have expected. The support from the team throughout the process was outstanding and my experience in a homestay and with the other volunteers and interns was absolutely amazing. I am so blessed to have had this experience and would strongly recommend to anyone else who is considering.
Naomi from the USA (Culture, Anthropology & Development)
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 Thursday
Weekly Professional Learning/Mentoring
In-Person Coordination
Materials Budget
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
