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LGBTQ+ Advocacy Internship in Ecuador
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Support LGBTQ+ rights and human rights in Ecuador through advocacy, community engagement, and social justice initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit work
The LGBTQ+ Rights Internship in Ecuador takes place in Quito, the country’s capital and a hub for culture, activism, and social progress. While the city is vibrant and diverse, LGBTQ+ populations face challenges such as discrimination, inequality, and barriers to healthcare and employment. This Advocacy Internship gives you the chance to gain real-world human rights experience abroad, supporting a nonprofit organization that works at the intersection of education, legal protection, health services, and community empowerment. It’s an opportunity to combine practical nonprofit training with cultural immersion, making this program ideal for anyone interested in advocacy, social justice, or international development.
During this LGBTQ+ Internship, you’ll play a direct role in advancing equality and supporting grassroots initiatives in Ecuador. Depending on your background and interests, you may contribute to workshops, research, fundraising, awareness campaigns, or shelter and community support services. The Advocacy Internship not only strengthens your skills in nonprofit management and cross-cultural communication but also allows you to be part of meaningful projects that promote human rights and empower LGBTQ+ communities. This combination of professional development and hands-on social impact makes the internship a valuable stepping stone for future careers in advocacy, public policy, or community development.
Learning Objectives
- Develop advocacy skills by supporting campaigns for LGBTQ+ rights
- Strengthen research abilities through data collection, analysis, and reporting
- Contribute to nonprofit management by assisting with fundraising and event planning
- Enhance cross-cultural communication by engaging with local communities
- Build awareness strategies that promote equality and reduce discrimination
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 LGBTQ+ Advocacy Internship, you will join a nonprofit in Quito that works to defend human rights and promote equality. The organization focuses on education, healthcare, legal protection, HIV prevention, and community empowerment, while also leading advocacy to reduce discrimination. By contributing to workshops, research, fundraising, and community support services, you’ll gain valuable skills in nonprofit management and advocacy while helping advance social change for LGBTQ+ communities in Ecuador.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This LGBTQ+ Rights Internship in Ecuador is highly adaptable and can be shaped around your background, skills, and learning goals. Depending on your interests, you may focus more on advocacy research, community workshops, event planning, or direct support services. Since the placement involves working with vulnerable groups in dynamic nonprofit settings, having an open-minded and proactive approach will help you get the most out of the experience.
What you’ll do
- Support advocacy campaigns that promote equality and human rights
- Assist with research and translation for reports, publications, or grant applications
- Help organize events such as workshops, awareness campaigns, and Pride celebrations
- Contribute to fundraising initiatives that support ongoing programs and services
- Provide support at the community center through activities, workshops, or outreach
- Assist at the temporary shelter by helping with reception, donation organization, or basic services
- Join HIV prevention efforts, including awareness activities and education campaigns
- Collaborate with legal staff to provide support for cases involving discrimination or gender-based violence
- Participate in psychological and social support activities offered to the community
- Contribute creative ideas for new workshops or community engagement activities
Requirements
- Interest and ideally an academic background in human rights, advocacy, social justice, or related fields
- Flexibility and willingness to support different tasks and projects
- Open-mindedness and respect for diversity and inclusion
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
- Motivation to contribute to community-based initiatives
- Basic level of Spanish (A1) is helpful and encouraged, but not required
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 should arrive on the specified Friday for orientation prior to your internship. 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.
- Accommodation in a private room in a homestay. If you prefer to stay in a hostel, please contact us for availability and prices.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Wifi is available, but the connection can be inconsistent
- Orientation and city tour of Quito
- 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
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!
REVIEWS
My internship focused on community-based economic development, where I researched Ecuadorian social and popular law to support the creation of small agricultural developments. I worked alongside the dedicated team and the local community. This experience gave me hands-on insight into how law and policy can empower grassroot initiatives, and how collaboration lies at the heart of sustainable development.
Luke, American – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Community Development and Anthropology Internship, Ecuador
I was able to have hands-on interactions with many incredible animals, learn about how to care for them, and feed them. I also had the opportunity to choose one of animals at the center and spend time training it one-on-one. I worked with Yalla, an Andean mountain fox, training her to sit, stay, lay down, paw, and many more tricks. I was able to go in her enclosure and really interact with her, which was incredible; I truly bonded with her. This internship helped me confirm that working with animals is what I want to do in the future, and it provided me with invaluable work experience for my resume.
Della, American – Yale University
Amazon Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship, Ecuador
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Quito, Ecuador
PROGRAM FOCUS: Human Rights
TASK FOCUS: Research, Advocacy, Community Outreach, Social Support
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,730
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Live and work in Quito while supporting a nonprofit that champions LGBTQ+ rights
- Gain hands-on experience with advocacy campaigns, workshops, and awareness events
- Contribute to community services such as shelter support, HIV prevention, and legal assistance
- Learn from professionals actively engaged in human rights and social justice work
- Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture while building skills for a future career in advocacy
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 and share your CV with us.
CONNECT
We’ll set up a call to get to know a bit more about you and your internship goals.
MATCH
Your placement manager will confirm with the host organization that you are qualified for their current projects.
CONFIRM
When your host site confirms that your application is being given strong consideration, verify your interest with a USD $250 deposit.
ENROLL
Meet with your host organization and move forward with your new role. We’re excited to help you plan your international internship!
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
If you’d like to ask us some questions about our internships, fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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