What to Expect from a Conservation Internship in the Galapagos
“I wanted to work with an NGO where I could actually make an impact and help preserve one of the most amazing ecosystems in the world. I love being outdoors…
Gender Equality & Human Rights Internship in Ecuador
Home » Internships »
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Promote equality and human rights by joining an organization tackling gender-based violence in Ecuador
Promote equality and human rights by joining an organization that tackles gender-based violence and supports people in situations of human mobility in Ecuador.
This Gender Equality & Human Rights Internship in Ecuador is not for the faint-hearted — it’s for those ready to roll up their sleeves and confront human rights challenges head-on. Whether you’re sparking tough conversations through art and games, navigating the legal system to support survivors, or diving into research that exposes the realities of violence, your work will help break deeply rooted cycles of injustice.
You’ll be part of a passionate local organization that collaborates with public and private institutions to strengthen protection systems, ensure fair legal processes, and give survivors the tools to rebuild their lives. Depending on your background, interests, and Spanish level, you’ll contribute to one of two interconnected programs:
-
Promotion of Human Rights, focusing on empowering women survivors of violence and trafficking through workshops, legal and psychological assistance, and advocacy.
-
Human Mobility, supporting people affected by displacement and migration through education, psychosocial care, and human rights promotion.
Both programs share the mission of restoring human dignity, promoting gender equality, and raising awareness of human rights across Ecuadorian society. During your orientation, you’ll meet with the local coordinator to determine which program best fits your profile and interests.
Throughout this Human Rights Internship, you’ll help drive initiatives that reshape the landscape of equality and protection for vulnerable communities. Based in Ecuador’s vibrant capital, you’ll have the chance to explore its historic center, connect with local culture, and spend weekends surrounded by breathtaking Andean nature — all while contributing to meaningful, hands-on work that demands creativity, resilience, and a genuine commitment to social change.
Learning Objectives
- Develop skills in human rights advocacy by supporting survivors and individuals in vulnerable situations through legal aid, education, and empowerment initiatives
- Gain experience in case analysis to identify systemic issues affecting marginalized communities and promote justice, protection, and social equity
- Learn to design and implement workshops and awareness campaigns that educate, engage, and empower communities
- Strengthen policy research and recommendation skills to advance inclusive practices and human rights initiatives
ORGANIZATION
Based in Ecuador, this organization promotes gender equality and human rights, weaving its mission around the protection and empowerment of those affected by violence. With a compassionate focus on guiding individuals to recognize their experiences as survivors, it offers the tools to process emotions and transform their narrative from victimhood to resilience. By spreading awareness and providing the knowledge to claim their rights, the organization helps rebuild lives and fortify communities against cycles of violence. Its ultimate vision is a society where every individual can live free from harm, empowered to stand tall and thrive. This initiative shines a vital light on Ecuador’s pressing struggles with violence, inspiring change and hope for a more just future.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Your daily activities are based on the specific project you join. Those working with the Promotion of Human Rights initiative may help organize workshops, accompany women to legal or medical appointments, and assist in awareness campaigns. Interns placed with the Human Mobility program may focus on research, educational workshops with communities and institutions, or policy and advocacy projects addressing the rights of migrants and refugees.
Your daily responsibilities will vary depending on the project, but all interns play a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission to protect vulnerable communities and promote human rights.
Responsibilities
- Supporting workshops and educational initiatives: Help plan, organize, and facilitate workshops that empower women survivors, migrants, and displaced individuals. Topics may include health, arts, entrepreneurship, conflict resolution, and human rights awareness
- Assisting with legal and psychosocial support: Work alongside professionals to provide case support, observe legal and psychosocial processes, and help ensure fair treatment for survivors and people in human mobility
- Conducting research and analysis: Gather data, support investigations, and help analyze cases to identify trends, systemic challenges, and opportunities for social impact
- Planning and implementing awareness campaigns: Contribute to campaigns that raise community awareness about human rights, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable populations
- Supporting program coordination and logistics: Assist with scheduling activities, managing resources, and ensuring smooth execution of events and initiatives
- Collaborating with institutions: Help the team liaise with public and private institutions to strengthen human rights protections and implement policy or advocacy initiatives
Requirements
- Academic background or experience in social work, human rights, gender studies, law, psychology, or international development
- Passionate about the advocacy of human rightsÂ
- Empathy to support victims with compassion and understanding
- Wilingness to learn about human rights law
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Capacity to work under pressure
- REQUIRED: Intermediate Spanish proficiency (B1 level or higher)
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Upon arrival on Friday, you will explore Quito for the weekend with accommodation in a hostel including breakfast. From Sunday, you’ll join a welcoming host family which offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture and build meaningful connections. You’ll enjoy the privacy of your own room while benefiting from shared amenities like Wifi, washing machines, and a kitchen for preparing lunch. This option offers a warm and welcoming home experience, making your living experience in Ecuador as authentic as possible. If you’d prefer to stay in a hostel, please reach out for prices and availability.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, support staff on the ground, along with an internship supervisor and program coordinator.
Being a capital city, tourists can be easy targets for pickpockets in Quito, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Stick to populated areas and always know how to safely return to your accommodation. Use recommended taxi drivers/official apps (Uber or Didi), keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), and keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and never walking down dark streets.
Communication
Communication
Wifi is available, although connection strength can vary. For consistent Internet access, you can also use roaming on your current data plan (which can be costly) or ensure your phone is unlocked for international use to purchase a local SIM or a global e-SIM.
Meals
Meals
Breakfast and dinner are provided daily and you can join in the meal preparations with your host family to learn about Ecuadorian cuisine. For lunch, you can use the kitchen at your homestay or try out the various restaurants and cafes in Quito.
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so we can accommodate your needs during your time in Ecuador.
Location details
Location details
Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a city where history, culture, and adventure collide. Surrounded by dramatic Andes peaks, its UNESCO-listed old town is packed with colonial plazas, stunning churches, and lively cafés, while modern neighborhoods buzz with art, nightlife, and food. As the closest capital to the equator, you can even stand with one foot in each hemisphere!
For interns, Quito offers more than just work experience—it’s a chance to dive into a vibrant culture, explore world-class nature on weekends, and live in a city where every day brings something new.
DATES & RATES
FEE BREAKDOWN
Arrivals are typically the first Friday of each month.
Exact arrival date options will be discussed with you upon application. You should arrive on the specified Friday for orientation prior to your internship. Flights home or to onward travel can be booked from the Saturday your placement is over.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
4 weeks USD 2,730
6 weeks USD 3,563
8 weeks USD 4,396
10 weeks USD 5,260
12 weeks USD 6,125
Internships longer than 12 weeks are possible - please get in touch for rates.
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in a private room in a homestay. If you prefer to stay in a hostel, please contact us for availability and prices.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Wifi is available, but the connection can be inconsistent
- Orientation and city tour of Quito
- Guidance, if needed, with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins during your internship
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to/from Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Daily lunch
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Ecuador.
What can I expect from an internship in Ecuador?
You can expect to work on your Spanish language skills while gaining hands-on experience in your preferred field. From exploring diverse ecosystems to engaging with local communities, your stay in Ecuador will provide you with insights into the country’s rich biodiversity, while the challenges and accomplishments that you experience will foster your adaptability and global perspective.
Will I have time to explore the country during my internship?
Yes! There is always time to explore the surrounding area. Our nonprofit partners are based around the country (and on the Galapagos Islands) and they can offer recommendations about which places are the best to visit! When you are based on the mainland, some of the highlights of Ecuador are, for example, the city of Cuenca or the Cotopaxi National Park. If you are based on the Galapagos Islands, there are great excursion options on the island(s) including fantastic diving. If you are keen to also explore the mainland of Ecuador, you will need to do so before or after your Galapagos internship because of the distance (and costs of the flight).
Does an internship in Ecuador qualify for university credit?
Yes, but you must ensure with your university that your supervisor approves this. It is also possible to purchase transfer credits that can be added to your internship.
Will I be paid during my internship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning. As your internship with the nonprofit organization will be unpaid, you can check out ways to fund your internship here. The wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth throughout your experience are invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Quito, Ecuador
PROGRAM FOCUS: Human Rights & Female Empowerment
TASK FOCUS: Legal Support, Education, Promotion & Defense of Rights
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,730
HIGHLIGHTS
- Empower survivors of violence
- Develop hands-on experience in the promotion and defense of human rights work
- Elevate your skills in research, advocacy, and communication
- Drive change in local communities through workshops and awareness campaigns
- Live and work in the capital of Ecuador
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
"*" indicates required fields
RELATED PROGRAMS
Young Women’s Health Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Quito, Ecuador
- Gender Equality, Reproductive Health, Community Development
Champion women's reproductive rights and gender equality by delivering workshops, psychological support, and vocational training to young mothers.
Find out more
Women’s Empowerment Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Central Highlands, Ecuador
- Education, Outreach, Research, Mentoring, Material Development
Transform lives in underserved communities by delivering programs that promote women's self-esteem, leadership, and reproductive health education.
Find out more
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Quito, Ecuador
- Advocacy, Research, Outreach, Support
Advance LGBTQ+ and human rights in Ecuador through advocacy, community engagement, and social justice initiatives.
Find out more
RELATED BLOGS
What to Expect From A Grassroots Research Internship in Ecuador
What to Expect From A Grassroots Research Internship in Ecuador
“I wanted to participate in a project that allowed me to think critically about labor in the Latin American context. I was eager to connect academic insights with real-world community…
Lessons Learned on a Wildlife Conservation Internship in Ecuador
When Joslyn arrived in Ecuador for her Wildlife Research Internship, she came with a degree in Environmental Science and a desire to grow–in experience, perspective, and purpose. What she left…
