HELP THIS INDIGENOUS KICHWA COMMUNITY DEVELOP AN ECOTOURISM CENTER AND BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY
Calling all business, sustainability, and tourism students and graduates! Come to Shandia, an indigenous Kichwa community in the Amazonian Rainforest region of Ecuador and help to establish an ecotourism center.
This is an exciting opportunity to work on a grassroot project providing this rural community with holistic community uplift. You’ll be working with Manna Project who have several initiatives in operation at this site (including the installation of a WASH system and development of education programs) and help to establish the community-run Shandia Lodge.
Tourism in the area includes an Eco-Lodge, a local artisan market, hosting several festivals throughout the year, and various hiking and cycling routes. However, many of these initiatives are in their early stages of development The Lodge is in its early stages of development so there is a lot of scope for interns to show initiative, bring their own ideas, and head up their own projects Furthermore, with the project being as grassroots as it is, interns can expect to work on different projects. This means you can move between departments and gain wide-ranging experience in different aspects of nonprofit work.
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
With Manna Project’s operations in Shandia being at such early stages of development, interns can expect a start-up work style. This means they are encouraged to get involved with other initiatives going on in the settlement and should expect to work outside their academic focus on occasion.
What you’ll do?
- Attending town meetings, building relationships with and supporting the community
- Helping to establish and develop small businesses around the Shandia Lodge
- Mapping out, signposting, and maintaining trail routes
- Devising marketing campaigns for the Lodge
- Creating content for social media and copy for blogs and web pages
- Logistical planning of making the site accessible for tourists
- Teaching English classes around ecotourism and tourism
- Assisting with developing and/or conducting educational programs
- Coordinating with WASH Engineers regarding their work
Requirements
- The ideal candidate will be studying towards or already have a business, sustainability, or tourism degree
- Experience in media, social media content creation, or copywriting is a bonus
- Open-mindedness and adaptability
- 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
 |
Shandia, Ecuador |
 |
Community Development NGO |
 |
Business Development, Marketing, Sustainable Tourism, Education |
 |
Min. 3 months |
 |
From USD 3,900 |
INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Work with a grassroots operation and get the chance to head up your own projects
- Develop close relationships and play a role in an indigenous Kichwa community
- Gain insight and experience in a range of nonprofit work
- Join a global community of like-minded advocates for social change among the Manna Project alumni
- Live and work in the Amazonian Rainforest region of 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 with 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.
CONFIRMATION
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you all the information you need.
PAYMENT
We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit. 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!
