BECOME AN ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE WORKING WITH A COMMUNITY IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST
This is an incredible opportunity for those interested in gaining well-rounded experience in education, social work, and psychology. Travel to the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador and provide a range of educational programs to an indigenous Kichwa community, Shanida.
This program places you with an organization that takes a holistic approach to community uplift so expect your work to go beyond the classroom. You’ll gain plenty of teaching experience, not just with children of primary and secondary school age but with adults in evening classes too. However, you’ll also endeavor to get to know and better understand the youth scene of Shandia so that overtime you can identify what the needs of the community are. From there, you can begin to devise your own educational programs and classes.
ORGANIZATION
You’ll be working with Manna Project International. This nonprofit works to connect young talented advocates for social change with projects where they can serve disadvantaged communities and help break the cycle of poverty. Their mission is to enact social change through ‘communities serving communities.’
Their projects take a holistic approach to community development, developing systems for health, economic development, education and whatever else is needed. They’ve been working in Latin America since 2004, and their projects serve more than 3.000 community members a year and help to break the cycle of poverty.
TASKS & REQUIREMENTS
Manna projects are in the early stages of operations in Shandia. This means in true start-up style you can expect to work a few days outside of your academic focus.
What you’ll do
- Assisting with teaching classes of children ranging from primary to secondary school age
- Conducting evening classes for adults in the community
- Helping to run sports camps and public health workshops
- Joining town meetings and building relationships with the community
- Planning and devising future educational programs
- Creating content for social media and copy for blogs
- Developing awareness and fundraising drives
- Assisting with the daily operations of NGO management
Requirements
- Open-mindedness and adaptability are essential
- A passion for education, youth development, social work, and psychology
- Experience working with children is a bonus
- An interest in community development and a willingness to learn about Kichwa culture
- Your own laptop
- Spanish is not essential, but it is requested that at least some effort is made to learn before coming as it will help build trust with the community
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Shandia is a small rural settlement of around 300 people situated in the Amazonian Rainforest Region of Ecuador, a short distance from the town of Tena. The residents of Shandia are an indigenous Kichwa community speaking predominantly Spanish and the traditional language of the region, Kichwa — less than 10% speak English.
Being the Amazonian Rainforest, weather is hot and humid year round and you can expect a wealth of rivers, waterfalls, and outdoors activities in the area.Interns will stay in one of two houses both of which are within walking distance of the school and Manna’s centro. Both are well-equipped with wifi, a full kitchen, and interior bathrooms.
DATES & RATES
Internships ideally start in January or July. If you prefer a different start date, please contact us and we can discuss it during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2023 rates)
3 months USD 3,900
4 months USD 5,200
5 months USD 6,500
What you are paying for:
- 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.
- Project transport
- Accommodation in shared house. You will share your room with 2-3 people. If you are interested in a single room, please contact us for availability and prices
- Airport transfer
- Three meals a day
- Professional development training
- Spanish classes
- Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor.
- On the ground support during your stay
- Regular check ins during your internship with you and your supervisor.
- Access to free workshops with a focus on career development
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Excludes:
- Flights
- Visa, medical and 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
QUICK FACTS
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Shandia, Ecuador |
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Community Development NGO |
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Teaching, Community Outreach, Content creation, Operations |
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Min. 3 months |
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From USD 3,900 |
INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain insight and experience in a wide range of non-profit, education, and social work
- Build close, trusting relationships with Kichwa community members
- Gain practical experience teaching children of a range of ages and adults too
- Join a global community of like-minded advocates for social change
- Live and work in the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador
- Improve Spanish skills
3 MONTHS USD 3,900
4 MONTHS USD 5,200
5 MONTHS USD 6,500
4 MONTHS USD 5,200
5 MONTHS USD 6,500
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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