Become an advocate for education and youth empowerment while working alongside a community in the Ecuadorian Amazon
This immersive Education Internship offers hands-on experience in teaching, youth development, and community engagement within an Indigenous Kichwa community. Interns support learning both inside and outside formal school settings, contributing to classroom instruction, academic reinforcement, and creative enrichment while building meaningful relationships with students and families.
Beyond teaching, interns collaborate with local partners to support leadership development, youth well-being, and community-driven initiatives. Life outside the education internship includes exploring the surrounding rainforest, immersing in local culture and rural daily life, and developing Spanish language skills through meaningful, everyday interactions.
Learning Objectives
You’ll be working with a nonprofit that connects passionate young changemakers with community-led projects in Latin America. Their mission is to support sustainable social impact by empowering communities to identify and address their own priorities. The organization’s Ecuador project in the Amazon Rainforest launched in May 2023, when they began working directly in the Kichwa community of Shandia and surrounding areas.
Projects take a holistic approach – focusing on areas like education, health, and economic development, as well as other locally identified needs. Since 2004, the organization has partnered with communities to reach thousands of individuals each year, fostering meaningful and lasting impact.
Education interns should expect to engage in day-to-day activities and contribute to projects beyond their primary focus, as the organization takes a holistic approach to sustainable development. This hands-on involvement provides a well-rounded experience, allowing interns to see how different initiatives connect to empower the community.
Placements of 12+ weeks are strongly encouraged, offering greater responsibility, skill-building, and deeper connection with the organization.
Interns stay in one of two shared houses within walking distance of the school and project center. Both homes are well-equipped with WiFi, full kitchens, interior bathrooms, and communal spaces including a dining area and lounge with a projector. Dorms are shared and gender-separated, accommodating up to four people per room, with mosquito nets provided. The accommodation is located on a bus route for easy access to a variety of nearby locations.
Shandia is a quiet, remote village surrounded by the Amazon Rainforest, with hot and humid weather year-round, abundant rivers, waterfalls, and outdoor activities. While the town itself is peaceful, the nearby city of Tena offers more lively shops, restaurants, and attractions. Bicycles are available for exploring the area, and interns should be prepared for typical rainforest insects.
Before your internship, make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up and to receive any recommended vaccines or medications to stay healthy.
Safety in the Napo province of Ecuador is generally very good, and crime rates are lower than in much of country. While serious incidents are rare, it’s important to practice standard precautions such as staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding flashy jewelry, keeping valuables secure, and never wandering alone at night.
The houses where interns stay are safe, with secure entrances and communal living spaces. Living in the Amazon means you’ll encounter insects, so mosquito nets are provided and insect repellent is recommended. Being prepared for the rainforest environment will help you enjoy your experience fully while staying safe and comfortable.
Wifi access is available at the accommodation and the organization’s center. It is also recommended to purchase a local Movistar SIM card upon arrival, so be sure your phone is unlocked for international carriers.
Bottled water jugs are provided at both the accommodation and community center. Food is bought communally on a weekly basis and specific items can be requested. You will assist with the shopping and cooking yourself and it is easy to accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions. Larger supermarkets can be found in Tena City, while Shandia offers a few small shops that sell snacks, drinks, and fresh local produce.
Shandia is a small, remote village of around 300 people nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. The community is predominantly Indigenous Kichwa, speaking both Spanish and their traditional language, Kichwa, with only a few residents speaking English.
As an intern, Shandia offers a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a close-knit, nature-focused community while gaining hands-on experience in education and youth development. The village is a remote setting, so interns should be prepared for limited amenities and a slower pace of life. Shandia is also a community-based tourism hub for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with guided rainforest treks, wildlife spotting, and nearby Laguna Azul—a stunning set of turquoise, natural swimming pools perfect for day trips. The lively town of Tena is approx. 6 kms away and easily accessible by bus for shops, restaurants, night life, and local attractions.
Internship start dates are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
1 month USD 2,673
2 months USD 4,486
3 months USD 4,501
4 months USD 5,768
5 months USD 7,035
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs 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.
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).
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.
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!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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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What to Expect From A Grassroots Research Internship in Ecuador
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
SOCIAL
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
