5 Reasons Why Ecuador is the Perfect Destination for Internships
Embarking on an internship abroad is more than just a brief stint of work experience, it can also be a journey that can shape your career trajectory and broaden your…
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Our internships in Ecuador give you a chance to dive into the world of sustainability, as you’ll be able to work in wildlife conservation, public health, education, and so much more!
Ecuador, a vibrant and culturally diverse country in South America, offers an exceptional destination for our nonprofit internships. Ecuador is a destination with many upsides, for example, its people, the culture, and, of course, its beautiful geographical features. Ecuadorians value community and social connections, but are also very friendly towards newcomers, such as tourists or, in your case, interns. Ecuadorians often come together for festivals or religious events, which makes their festivities and cultural related parties lots of fun! With its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm-hearted people, Ecuador presents you a unique opportunity to make a positive impact while immersing yourself in a captivating environment!
As an intern, you can contribute to various nonprofit organizations dedicated to community development, conservation, education, public health, and much more. During your internship, you can expect to learn and gain valuable professional & personal experience; just by being part of the local community is an opportunity for growth! For example, our current partner in Shandia works to connect young talented advocates for social change with projects where they can serve disadvantaged communities and help break the cycle of poverty. Ecuador internships are opportunities in many fields, so no matter which one you choose, you can expect to gain experience, connections, and make a positive social impact!
Ecuador Highlights
Diverse Culture and Geography
Ecuador is known for its incredible cultural diversity and stunning natural landscapes, meaning that there’s a wide range of environments to explore during your free time.
Spanish Language Immersion
Ecuador is a Spanish speaking country, so if you are looking to improve your Spanish language skills, this is an excellent place to do so.
Indigenous Culture
You will have the opportunity to engage with Ecuador’s population, which is composed of diverse indigenous communities, each with its own unique customs, traditions, and languages.
Warm and Welcoming People
Ecuadorians are known for their warmth, politeness, and friendliness towards visitors. Whether in cities or rural communities, interactions with locals during your internship will result in splendid encounters.
Browse All Internship Opportunities in Ecuador
Urban Agriculture and Sustainable Farming Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Galapagos, Ecuador
- Business Development, Data and Soil Analysis, Farming
Become an essential part of the host organization's farm workforce, using eco-friendly practices, and contributing to food sovereignty.
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Galapagos Development Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Galapagos, Ecuador
- Education, Social Media, Conservation
Dive into a transformative journey at the heart of Isabela Island where you will be actively contributing in making a meaningful impact on the island's community.
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Galapagos Conservation Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Galapagos, Ecuador
- Turtle/Tortoise Conservation, Eco Tourism, Monitoring, Data Collection
Undertake a unique journey of conservation and transformation, working closely with experts to maintain Galapagos’ ecosystem.
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Project Assistant Internship
- Min. 3 months
- Recinto La Esperie, Ecuador
- Coordination, Fundraising, Communications
Gain multifaceted working experience by joining a nonprofit on a mission to protect the Cloud Forest.
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Wildlife Research Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Recinto La Esperie, Ecuador
- Education, Data capture & Analysis, Community Projects
Gain scientific research experience studying endemic species of flora and fauna.
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Public Health and WASH Engineering Internship
- Min. 3 months
- Shandia, Ecuador
- Education, Research, Operations, Construction, Engineering, Public Health
Help a rural community develop systems for clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
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Sustainability & Ecotourism Internship
- Min. 3 months
- Shandia, Ecuador
- Business Development, Marketing, Sustainable Tourism, Education
Help to establish an ecotourism center in the Amazonian Rainforest region of Ecuador
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Education & Youth Development Internship
- Min. 3 months
- Shandia, Ecuador
- Teaching, Community Outreach, Content creation, Operations
Become an advocate for social change working with a community in the Amazon Rainforest
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Important information about Ecuador
Internship locations in Ecuador
Shandia
Shandia is a captivating village located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest that offers a unique glimpse into indigenous culture and the natural wonders of the region. Located among lush greenery and surrounded by pristine rivers, Shandia provides a serene and immersive experience for visitors.
Recinto La Esperie
Recinto La Esperie is a tranquil location that offers a glimpse into rural life and the stunning natural beauty of Ecuador. Surrounded by rolling hills and majestic mountains, Recinto La Esperie provides a peaceful and blissful setting for visitors.
More Ecuador Information
Weather and Climate
The weather in location near the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador tends to be warm and humid throughout the year, with relatively consistent temperatures. Average temperatures may range from 24°C to 30°C during the day, with nighttime temperatures dropping slightly. Humidity levels are generally high, often going above 80%.
Safety and Support
Throughout your stay abroad we’re here to support you. These small communities in Ecuador are often perceived safer than other Latin American locations. While physical danger and theft are unlikely, it is still recommended that you practice safe travel habits, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding wearing flashy jewelry, and securing your valuables. It’s also important to plan routes and avoid carrying significant amounts of money. Keeping around USD 10 for a taxi in case of darkness or other inconveniences is recommended.
Ecuador Travel Requirements
- Visa – Check with your home country’s embassy to confirm the requirements; Citizens of most North American and European nationalities can enter Ecuador and obtain a tourist visa upon arrival. For further details on visa applications for Ecuador, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
- Travel Insurance – You want to have a carefree experience during your internship abroad, so it’s important to get the right travel insurance; a package that is suited for your upcoming trip. Check out our page with more information on flights and insurance.
- Police Clearance / Background Check – This is a standard policy for most of our internships, as you are often working with vulnerable individuals. The procedure on how to obtain a police clearance/background check varies per country.
- Vaccinations – Some generally recommended vaccinations for Ecuador by WHO and the CDC are: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, COVID-19, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
ECUADOR FAQS
Is it safe to do an internship in Ecuador?
It is generally safe to do internships in Ecuador, but it is always important to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety in a foreign country. Some of the most essential safety precautions are to familiarize yourself with any safety guidelines, keep your personal belongings secure, have emergency contact numbers readily available, ensure you have appropriate medical insurance coverage for the duration of your internship, and respect the local culture, customs, and traditions in order to to avoid any unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings.
Do I need to speak Spanish to be an intern in Ecuador?
It is not a requirement to speak Spanish to be an intern at Ecuador, however, having a basic understanding of the language can greatly enhance your internship experience and improve your ability to communicate with the local community.
What are the living costs in Ecuador?
Ecuador offers a lower cost of living compared to many other countries, particularly in the Western world. However, living costs can vary depending on factors such as the city or region you choose to have your internship in and your personal lifestyle choices. Keep in mind that our internships offer you accommodation and other amenities which can be found on each individual listing.
When should I start planning my internship in Ecuador?
We recommend you to start planning a few months prior to your internship so we can ensure your ideal placement. This also leaves to sort all your documents, travel plans, and vaccinations before arriving at your preferred destination in Ecuador.
How do I apply for an internship in Ecuador?
Check out our Ecuador internships to find which one interests you the most. If any of them spark your interest, you can contact us or you can apply right away by filling out the application form found on each listing. After we have reviewed your application, we will contact you in order to schedule an online interview to give us a broader view of your goals for the internship. You will also be able to ask any questions that you may have. If everything goes well, we’ll send your application to the host organization.
If you’re having trouble deciding which one you should choose, don’t hesitate to send us a message and we’ll help you pick the right one for you!
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!
