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Circular Economy and Waste Management Internship in Ecuador
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Support Urban Sustainability in Quito Through Hands-On Environmental Action and Circular Economy Initiatives
This environmental internship in Waste Management and Circular Economy in Quito, Ecuador offers an immersive experience in one of Latin America’s most progressive urban sustainability projects. As an environment intern, you will learn how waste reduction, reuse, and recycling contribute to sustainable urban development while gaining insights into how community-driven efforts promote responsible environmental practices. You will also acquire hands-on experience in organizing and analyzing waste separation processes at local collection centers and understand the broader social impact of recycling, especially on marginalized groups such as women recyclers.
This program offers the opportunity to actively contribute to a project that uses innovative tools—including a custom mobile app—to improve recycling logistics and awareness across the city. It’s a meaningful placement for those passionate about sustainability, social equity, and systems-based environmental solutions, with the added richness of living in a dynamic and historic Andean capital.
Learning Objectives
- Learn how waste reduction, reuse, and recycling contribute to sustainable urban development.
- Gain insights into community engagement strategies and how to promote recycling habits.
- Acquire practical experience in organizing and analyzing waste separation processes at collection centers.
- Understand the social impact of recycling initiatives, especially on vulnerable communities such as women recyclers.
ORGANIZATION
Based in Quito, Ecuador, this organization offers immersive internships around the country that blend academic learning with hands-on experience. Through partnerships with local businesses and industry experts, interns gain practical skills in their chosen focus area. These programs provide a structured yet dynamic environment where participants can work on real-world projects while expanding their global perspective. Beyond professional growth, interns have the opportunity to engage with Ecuadorian culture, creating a well-rounded and enriching experience.
During this Circular Economy and Waste Management Internship you will work on an innovative project in Quito that tackles the city’s pressing waste management challenges by combining technology with community-driven solutions. By supporting local recyclers and promoting sustainable practices, the initiative creates both environmental and social impact.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This environment-focused internship is designed to be tailor-made based on your specific role, skills, and learning objectives. While your tasks will align with the core responsibilities of the project, you may also be asked to assist with additional activities that support the wider goals of the initiative—whether that’s coordinating with local partners, contributing to recycling campaigns, or helping organize community events. Flexibility and a proactive attitude are key to making the most of this immersive experience.
What you’ll do
- Develop and implement recycling awareness campaigns.
- Participate in educational outreach through infographics and statistical analysis.
- Coordinate visits to companies and local entities to support recycling initiatives.
- Assist in the development and testing of the mobile recycling app.
- Schedule and support recycling pickups through the app interface.
- Contribute to consultancy workshops promoting recycling in rural and urban areas.
- Engage in follow-ups with municipal partners to monitor improvement in recycler livelihoods.
- Collaborate with administrative teams for fundraising and communication efforts.
Requirements
- Basic understanding of sustainability and related activities in business
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for campaigns and presentations
- Ability to analyze and clearly present recycling data to support initiatives
- Minimum A1 Spanish required for communication with native speakers
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WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll have the opportunity to stay with 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 with a mix of colonial charm and modern vibrancy. Surrounded by stunning mountains, it’s packed with history, culture, and plenty to explore. Quito is the closest capital city to the equator, so you can technically stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern!
DATES & RATES
FEE BREAKDOWN
Arrivals are typically the first Friday of each month, with departures on the Saturday after your internship is finished.
2025 Start Dates: 1 August // 5 September // 3 October // 31 October
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 weeks USD 2,755
6 weeks USD 3,564
8 weeks USD 4,373
10 weeks USD 5,182
12 weeks USD 5,992
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 shared room (sharing with 1-2 other people) in a homestay
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Wifi access
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Guidance, if needed, with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- 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
GALLERY
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: Waste Management
TASK FOCUS: Outreach, Coordination, Recycling
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,756
FEATURED REVIEW
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!
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