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Rehabilitation Support Internship in Ecuador
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Contribute to the rehabilitation and care of people with disabilities, gaining hands-on experience across 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 Rehabilitation Internship ideal for advanced students or recent graduates in healthcare or human services disciplines who want to make a tangible difference.
Learning Objectives
- Develop a deeper understanding of rehabilitative care and interdisciplinary health approaches
- Gain practical experience supporting therapy sessions and patient progress tracking
- Improve organizational, communication, and patient support skills
- Apply classroom knowledge in real-life clinical and community-based contexts
- Strengthen Spanish language and cultural competency through immersive collaboration
ORGANIZATION
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.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This Therapy 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.
Responsibilities
- Assist professionals in areas such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and psychology
- Support patients during therapy and rehabilitation sessions
- Register patient data and update socio-economic and clinical profiles
- Prepare educational materials used in workshops or therapy
- Help with administrative tasks and patient tracking
Requirements
- University students in at least their 6th semester or recent graduates in healthcare-related fields
- Background in physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, social work, or similar
- Proactive mindset and strong organizational and communication skills
- Empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity
- REQUIRED: Intermediate Spanish proficiency (B1 level or higher)
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
GALLERY
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: Community Healthcare / Social Work
TASK FOCUS: Social Work, Therapy, Rehabilitation, Education
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,730
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Work closely with industry professionals on real robotics projects
- Apply classroom knowledge to practical, cutting-edge solutions
- Learn about automation and AI in global industrial settings
- Live with a host family, explore Quito, and experience Ecuador’s rich culture
- Build an international network in the robotics and engineering fields
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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