Research how Indigenous languages and traditions are maintained, and design community-based strategies to ensure their continuity.
The Challenge
Generations of discrimination have left many Indigenous families feeling ashamed of speaking Kichwa, wearing traditional dress, or celebrating ancestral festivities. As a result, parents often discourage children from learning their own language or engaging with local traditions, prioritizing Spanish or English instead. This has weakened intergenerational transmission: Kichwa is spoken less, rituals are disappearing, and knowledge such as weaving, music, and storytelling is fading. Without urgent action, much of this cultural heritage risks vanishing within a generation.
The Solution
Indigenous languages and traditions carry unique worldviews that the world cannot afford to lose, yet in Guaranda they may only have a generation left without action. Fortunately, enough ancestral knowledge remains for a cultural revival—if supported and shared within today’s diverse global community. Our mission is to work alongside local families and educators to understand these practices deeply, creating regenerative solutions that not only preserve and celebrate cultural pride, but also strengthen identity and opportunities for the next generation.
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Our Proven Methodology
Our internship programs are built around the transformative Design Thinking methodology, ensuring that every solution meets the unique needs of low-income populations. You’ll engage deeply with local stakeholders to understand root challenges, co-create ideas, and test solutions that drive real impact. Through immersive guided tours, social innovation workshops, and hands-on prototyping, you’ll collaborate to build and refine sustainable initiatives. By the end of your experience, you’ll not only gain professional skills but also create lasting resources that empower communities and future interns to continue this meaningful work.
Recommended by Previous Participants
Advance Your Career!
Gain valuable experience in language revitalization and cultural preservation 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.
Results from Past Internships
Check out this final presentation from previous interns, to see what they've achieved during their time here
"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)
¿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 Friday
Weekly Professional Learning/Mentoring
In-Person Coordination
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
Washing Services
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.
