Support comprehensive rehabilitation care for people with disabilities while gaining experience in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health services
This Rehabilitation Internship in Quito offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an impactful health project providing essential services to individuals with physical, functional, or cognitive disabilities. Interns will support daily operations at a specialized center that delivers therapy and assistance to underserved populations in Ecuador’s capital. From administrative support to hands-on rehabilitation session assistance, you’ll gain a 360° view of integrated care in a multicultural urban setting.
With over 12% of Ecuador’s population living with disabilities and limited access to resources, this project plays a vital role in advancing equitable health outcomes. You’ll work alongside professionals in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and social work—making this internship ideal for advanced students or recent graduates in healthcare or human services disciplines who want to make a tangible difference.
Learning Objectives
Based in Quito, Ecuador, this organization offers immersive internships that blend academic learning with hands-on experience. Through partnerships with local businesses and industry experts, interns gain practical skills in technology, engineering, and automation. 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 Rehabilitation Support internship you will join an inspiring initiative in Quito dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with physical, functional, and cognitive disabilities through specialized care, rehabilitation, and medical support. By addressing healthcare gaps and reducing barriers for those most in need, the project creates meaningful change while offering volunteers the chance to make a real impact.
This internship is well-suited for students in their final years of study or early-career professionals in health, rehabilitation, psychology, or related fields. You will be integrated into a dynamic clinical team and expected to take initiative and work with professionalism and compassion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arrivals are typically the first Friday of each month, with departures on the Saturday after your internship is finished. Exact arrival date options will be discussed with you upon application.
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.
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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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.TEST
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
