Hands-on, personalised internship helping indigenous Andean communities find economic opportunities by identifying the cultural and environmental tourism potential
Our goal is to support the sustainable development of one of Ecuador's poorest provinces while protecting and celebrating the huge diversity of cultures, traditions and ecosystems it has to offer. In this exciting opportunity, you will be a pioneer in uncovering the best regional, ecological and cultural attractions. Sustainable tourism has the potential to provide locals with a decent living while protecting and celebrating their traditional ways of life.
With support from our team, you will be able to train local people and design packages that will improve their future. You will leave with a real-world experience and the knowledge that you have made a meaningful difference in the world.
The Challenge
The province of Bolívar has one of Ecuador's biggest variety of ecosystems - hiking at over 5,000m on Chimborazo volcano down to the virgin rainforests of the coastal tropics. The capital, Guaranda, is the best-known location for Carnival and as 47% of the local population are indigenous, there's a wealth of culture. However, as one of Ecuador's least developed provinces, local people are choosing to destroy the forests for farming and reject their culture in search for a more desirable western lifestyle.
​
In contrast, many in the Global North are looking to rediscover cultures and landscapes untainted by globalization, in search for a life with more meaning and beauty. Many parts of Ecuador have already been over-exploited by commercial tourism, but Bolívar still has the potential to develop sustainably.
Your Internship
What's Included
-
Support to attain academic credits (through your university/education provider)
-
Dedicated programme coordinator
-
Mentoring from an engineering professional
-
24/7 local coordinator
-
Transport & materials budget ($50/month)
-
Accommodation (Private Room & WiFi)
-
Cooked lunches (Mon - Thu)
What's Not Included
-
Flights, visas, vaccines or expenses to reach us
-
Travel, health and work insurance
-
Other meals
-
Leisure time activities
-
Spending money
​
Requirements
​
-
Low-intermediate level of Spanish
-
Initiative & a positive mindset
Cost: $430 / month
Overview
We're searching for passionate students looking for a unique hands-on internship - to improve your CV and make an impact in the world. You will have a flexible work schedule, personal mentoring and the resources required to reach this goal.
​
You will live with a local family in a private room in close proximity to other international volunteers. Spend your free time experiencing the rich Ecuadorian culture and leave the project with new skills, friendships & unforgettable memories, as well as a meaningful piece of work that can help disadvantaged communities around the world.
Program of Work
In your personalized internship, you can be a part of this change by channeling your passion towards discovering some of the hidden gems in the region and designing tourism activities alongside local people to build a better future.
​
You will work directly with community leaders and stakeholders on a project that will benefit your studies and the local population - your insights and findings may prove foundational in future projects.
​
Activities
-
Search the region for potential activities
-
Identify a personalized internship
-
Build relationships with local stakeholders
-
Co-create tourism activities and services
-
Build a budget & implementation timeline
-
Calculate potential income for activities
-
Create a project plan for the next steps
-
Present your findings to local stakeholders
-
Support in any next steps as required (eg. training, marketing, networking)
¡Apply Today!
Arrival
We welcome interns throughout the year and can be flexible about the time of year you arrive. We receive new people on a Sunday, so that you can receive a tour and get fully integrated on the Monday morning. You can stay anywhere from 1 to 6 months, or whatever is required for you to fulfil your internship requirements.
We are equidistant between Ecuador's two largest cities of Guayaquil and Quito, both 4-5 hours by bus. Travel is inexpensive and generally safe, though there are private car options available. We can help you decide where you would like to travel to and share the information of how to arrive. Once you arrive in Guaranda, you can get a taxi (maximum $5) to reach us.
Application Process
-
Fill out the online application form
-
Participate in an online interview
-
Provide a reference
-
Upon acceptance, complete required documents for your education provider
-
Place your deposit
-
Join us for a memorable experience here in the Ecuadorian Andes!
Free Time Activities
On the weekends, go off exploring the rest of Ecuador. Within just an hour, you could be swimming in pristine waterfalls, learning about the surrounding indigenous cultures or hiking above 5,000m at the foot of the point on earth closest to the sun. Alternatively, go a bit further to the outdoor adventure paradise of Baños or visit the beautiful colonial architecture in the capital Quito, UNESCO's first world heritage site.
¿Who Are We?
El Terreno is a center of cultural exchange and social innovation in the heart of the Andes. We bring together local Ecuadorians and people from around the world to create a more meaningful, sustainable and prosperous world.
In collaboration with interns, partners, volunteers and the community, we work to regenerate local ecosystems, build pride in indigenous culture, support dignified socio-economic development and offer a wide variety of unique tourism experiences.