GAIN EXPERIENCE.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
SEE THE WORLD.
Design & deliver a hands-on, personalised Internship in Medicine & Public Health to develop your CV and gain real-world experience, while making a real difference to rural communities in the majestic Ecuadorian Andes.
Help low-income communities live healthy lives through public health initiatives, outreach programmes and health centre support
The Challenge
In rural Guaranda, there is a pressing need for improved healthcare services. The local health center struggles to meet the demand of 5,300 people over 17 remote communities. Gastrointestinal and nutrition-related problems account for 25% of all cases, primarily due to poor hygiene practices and unsafe drinking water. This has led to high levels of malnutrition, particularly among children (48%). Additionally, the prevalence of teenage pregnancy, estimated at 50%, is largely attributed to a lack of education and awareness about contraception.
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The Solution​
Medical interns are welcomed at the health center to provide primary care services in the clinic and during community outreach programs. Medical professionals specializing in pediatrics, gynecology, geriatrics, physiotherapy, and psychology are particularly sought after. However, even if you don't have medical experience, your contribution can still have a significant impact. Preventative education initiatives focused on hygiene, mental well-being, and reproductive health can make a meaningful and lasting difference in the community. ​​
Recommended by Previous Participants
Since 2021, We've Hosted Over 250 Participants from 40 Countries
¡Advance Your Career!
Gain more medical experience with the support of trained professionals 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.
"In short, amazing experience, don't think twice!"
The internship here in Atandahua was amazing. I got to learn and improve my medical skills as a 4th year student and was immersed in a very different setting. The rural indigenous population has a very different relationship with healthcare which was very enriching and eye-opening.
I got to learn a lot from the other volunteers... which made me feel super integrated to the group very fast. I also improved my Spanish a lot and got to share the culture with locals firsthand in my host family. On the weekends you can go roaming around in Ecuador sightseeing and visiting places, both nature and cities. Ecuador is a very rich and diverse country so there is plenty to see!
Arthur from the Netherlands (Medicine & Public Health)
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)
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Accommodation
Single-sex Dormitories (≤4 beds per room)
Cooked Lunches (Mon-Fri)
Washing Service (1x per week)
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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
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Personal & Professional Development
Weekly Group Workshops
Monthly Ancestral Ceremonies
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Free Time
Free Time Activity Recommendation
Language Exchange Evenings in Guaranda
Weekly International Shared Meals
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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​
Project Costs
Additional Project Costs**
(e.g. materials, transport, site visits, and coordinator / mentor expenses)​
**However, you can apply for a $50 project 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
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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.
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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
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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.
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.
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If you'd like to learn more now, we've written the following blog to help you come prepared:
