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Art Therapy Internship in Ecuador
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Engage in music, dance, painting, and therapeutic workshops for children and young adults with disabilities while experiencing life in Ecuador
This Art Therapy internship takes place in Quito, a vibrant city surrounded by the Andes where historic culture meets modern innovation. The placement partners with a nonprofit school that uses the arts as a powerful medium to support young people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Through music, painting, dance, and theater, students develop confidence, social skills, and adaptive abilities while participating in a supportive and inclusive community.
As an art therapy intern, you’ll help deliver creative workshops, assist with therapeutic sessions, and support daily activities tailored to students’ needs. Living in Ecuador gives you the chance to experience one of South America’s most dynamic capitals while contributing to inclusive education and community development. This program is ideal for students or professionals interested in psychology, education, occupational therapy, or the creative arts who want to build practical skills and cultural understanding while making a meaningful impact.
Learning Objectives
- Support inclusive education by assisting in art-based therapy sessions
- Develop facilitation skills through music, painting, dance, and theater workshops
- Gain experience in special education and psycho-pedagogical support
- Contribute to community engagement activities that promote inclusion
- Build practical skills in nonprofit program planning and adaptive teaching
ORGANIZATION
Based in Ecuador, this organization offers immersive internships across the country that blend academic learning with hands-on experience. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, and community groups, 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 Art Therapy Internship in Ecuador, you’ll support a pioneering nonprofit in Quito that uses music, dance, painting, theater, and other creative arts as therapeutic tools for people with disabilities. The project integrates psycho-pedagogical support with artistic expression to develop social, cognitive, and language skills, helping students gain confidence, autonomy, and inclusion. By contributing to classes, workshops, and therapeutic activities, you’ll gain valuable experience in special education, art therapy, and community development while making a tangible difference in the lives of children and young adults.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This Art Therapy Internship in Ecuador is highly adaptable and can be shaped around your background, skills, and learning goals. Depending on your interests, you may focus on art instruction, therapeutic exercises, or community engagement. A patient and proactive mindset is essential, as many participants are living with disabilities and benefit from supportive mentorship.
What You’ll Do
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- Assist with music, dance, painting, or theater workshops for children and young adults
- Support the team in planning and preparing materials for art courses
- Accompany students during therapeutic activities and exercises
- Help apply adaptive teaching methods for individuals with special needs
- Contribute to community events and presentations that showcase students’ work
- Assist with fundraising or communications to sustain the program
Requirements
- Interest in art therapy, special education, or community development
- Patience, empathy, and respect for individuals with disabilities
- Flexibility and willingness to support different tasks
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Motivation to contribute to inclusive education and social change
- Spanish language skills are not required – but willingness to learn is encouraged
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 must arrive on the specified Friday as you will spend the weekend in Quito and travel to the project on Sunday with the team. You will end your internship on a Thursday with transport back to Quito on Friday where you’ll have an exit interview. 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.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Two meals each day with host family; one meal each day in hostel
- Wifi access
- 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
- 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: Special Education and Arts
TASK FOCUS: Special Education, Art Therapy, Community Development
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,730
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Live and work in Quito while supporting an innovative art therapy program
- Gain hands-on experience in music, dance, painting, theater, and therapeutic techniques
- Contribute to inclusive education for children and young adults with disabilities
- Learn from professionals dedicated to adaptive teaching and community support
- Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture and explore the Andes in your free time
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!
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