Hands-on, personalised internship helping indigenous Andean communities through the business development and marketing of a cultural exchange centre.
If you want to put your marketing & business skills to the test and benefit disadvantaged communities in the Global South, this internship is for you. You will be an integral part in the development of the cultural exchange center, with multiple stakeholders, customers and partners.
You will help develop the business models and marketing activities that will ensure its long- term success. Working closely with our core team, you will get hands-on experience within a young social enterprise and be able to implement ideas.
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The Challenge
40% of the population around Guaranda live in poverty, yet it has enormous human and cultural capital, presenting a fantastic opportunity for sustainable development if unlocked. With the current systems and structures, however, the likelihood of this happening is remote. At El Terreno, we believe that cultural exchange has the potential to create a more prosperous, sustainable and meaningful world, which is why we're building a center for social innovation in one of the most unlikely places.
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The organization is in its early stages, and as with anything innovative and a multi-cultural context, it provides novel challenges that require creative solutions. We will create a personalized internship based on your interests so that you can bring your skills out of the classroom and into the real world. Your efforts will be reflected in the success of an ambitious project that brings together local indigenous communities, NGOs, international volunteers, educational institutions and tourists from around the world.
Your Internship
What's Included
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Support to attain academic credits (through your university/education provider)
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Dedicated programme coordinator
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Mentoring from an engineering professional
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24/7 local coordinator
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Transport & materials budget ($50/month)
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Accommodation (Private Room & WiFi)
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Cooked lunches (Mon - Thu)
What's Not Included
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Flights, visas, vaccines or expenses to reach us
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Travel, health and work insurance
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Other meals
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Leisure time activities
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Spending money
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Requirements
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Low-intermediate level of Spanish
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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.
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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 developing and implementing key marketing and business development strategies.
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You will work directly with community leaders, stakeholders and the project founder that will benefit your studies as well as the local population.
Activities
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Learn about our vision, models & strategy
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Work alongside the team and stakeholders
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Identify a personalized internship & goal
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Research possible strategies
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Create a project action plan
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Build a timeline & budget
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Implement your plan with support
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Evaluate the effectiveness of your plan
¡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
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Fill out the online application form
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Participate in an online interview
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Provide a reference
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Upon acceptance, complete required documents for your education provider
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Place your deposit
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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.