Use sustainable architecture to restore traditional buildings and support community development in rural Ecuador
The Sustainable Building Internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sustainable design and traditional construction in Ecuador. You’ll join a community-led project focused on restoring a century-old adobe farmhouse using eco-friendly, low-impact building techniques. Working alongside professional architects and local builders, you’ll learn to apply structural assessments, 3D modeling, interior design, and adobe construction in a real-world setting.
Beyond technical experience, you’ll play a part in a broader initiative that supports marginalized communities through sustainable infrastructure, cultural preservation, and economic development. The restored building will serve as a future visitor accommodation, helping generate local income and celebrate ancestral architectural knowledge. This Sustainable Architecture Internship is ideal for students or recent graduates in architecture, civil engineering, or sustainable design who want to make a tangible impact through purpose-driven work.
Learning Objectives
Based in 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 Sustainable Building Internship, you’ll specifically join a community-driven initiative working to preserve ancestral construction methods like adobe, using sustainable local materials to restore homes for families in need. By revitalizing these buildings, the project not only safeguards cultural heritage but also creates opportunities for future housing and community-based tourism.
This is a tailored architecture internship that will be aligned to your skills, interests, and academic background. You’ll be integrated into daily construction & design activities and supported by professionals throughout the process.
Upon arrival on Friday, you will explore Quito for the weekend with accommodation in a hostel including breakfast. On Sunday, you’ll travel with the team to the project site in the Central Highlands region of Ecuador. During your internship, you’ll stay in a shared room at the Casa Comunal, with up to four people per room and access to communal living spaces and a shared kitchen. The house offers a basic but comfortable setup, with reliable electricity and Wifi, although heating is not available—so pack warm clothing for the cool mountain climate. A family homestay option is available for those seeking more privacy and cultural immersion, at an additional cost. Whether at the volunteer house or with a host family, your accommodation offers a unique opportunity to live within a welcoming rural Andean community and engage deeply with local life.
Prior to your internship, be sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up and obtain any recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. Be mindful of potential altitude sickness due to elevation in the Central Highlands (over 9,000 feet / 2,750 meters), so allow time to acclimatize upon arrival and stay hydrated.
Being based on a rural project site, you will have 24/7 access to the team on the ground in case of any emergency. The team will inform you of any safety guidelines regarding the area and any wildlife/insects to be mindful of.
While interning in this quiet and welcoming Andean town, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and practice common-sense safety precautions. As a foreigner, it’s important to be respectful of all cultures and local customs, avoid weary flashy clothing or jewelry, and never walk alone at night. Public transport is available but limited in rural areas, so be prepared to coordinate your travel plans in advance with your host or local contacts.
Wifi is available at the volunteer house and easily accessible in the closest town, 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.
Lunch is provided from Monday to Friday, giving you a chance to enjoy freshly prepared local dishes. For breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals, you’ll have access to a shared kitchen at the Casa Comunal, where you can store groceries and cook your own food. Many also choose to travel and eat out on weekends.
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so we can accommodate your needs during your time in Ecuador.
The internship project site is located 20 minutes from Guaranda, in central Ecuador. Sitting at over 9,000 feet in altitude, this remote rural community in the Andes mountains boasts unbeatable daily views. Surrounded by mountains and indigenous culture, the area offers natural beauty, strong community spirit, and nearby excursions to places like Chimborazo volcano, Salinas de Guaranda, and the Andean Cloud Forest. Most of the community identify as indigenous, however, their language is endangered, as many young people leave their culture behind and move to the cities in search of new opportunities.
Arrivals are typically the first Friday of each month. Exact arrival date options will be discussed with you upon application. You must arrive on the specified Friday as you will spend the weekend in Quito and travel to the project on Sunday with the team. You will end your internship on a Thursday with transport back to Quito on Friday where you’ll have an exit interview. 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 2,561
6 weeks USD 3,134
8 weeks USD 3,708
10 weeks USD 4,313
12 weeks USD 4,918
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
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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.
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
