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Young Women's Health Internship in Ecuador
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Support women’s empowerment in Ecuador by addressing adolescent pregnancy and inequality while gaining hands-on experience in education, psychology, and community development
This Young Women’s Health Internship takes place in Quito and nearby communities, where adolescent pregnancy continues to limit access to education, employment, and equality. Many of the young mothers involved in the program are survivors of violence and face significant social and economic barriers. This Reproductive Health internship offers the opportunity to work alongside a nonprofit that empowers women by promoting sexual health, advocating for reproductive rights, providing psychological assistance, and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
As a sexual health & reproductive rights intern, you’ll contribute to a variety of activities depending on your skills and background. Options include assisting with workshops on sexual health and positive parenting, supporting art and play activities for children, helping with the project’s organic garden, or contributing to fundraising and communications focused on reproductive rights. This placement combines hands-on advocacy and education with cultural immersion, offering valuable professional experience while making a meaningful impact on the lives of women and children in Ecuador.
Learning Objectives
- Support women’s empowerment by promoting education and sexual health and reproductive rights
- Strengthen facilitation skills through workshops and group activities
- Gain experience in childcare and community engagement
- Contribute to psychological and social support initiatives
- Build practical skills in nonprofit management and fundraising
ORGANIZATION
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 community groups, 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 the Young Women’s Health Internship in Ecuador, you’ll support a nonprofit initiative near Quito that addresses adolescent pregnancy and its impact on education and equality. The project works with young mothers to restore their rights, build self-esteem, and promote independence through workshops on sexual health, childcare services, psychological support, and vocational training. By joining, you’ll gain valuable experience in community advocacy while helping create pathways to education and sustainable opportunities for vulnerable women.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This Young Women’s Health Internship is highly flexible and can be tailored to your background, skills, and goals. Depending on your interests, you may focus on psychology, childcare, pedagogy, fundraising, vocational training, or workshops on sexual health and reproductive rights. A sensitive and proactive mindset is essential, as many participants are survivors of violence and benefit greatly from supportive mentorship.
What You’ll Do
- Assist with workshops on sexual and reproductive health and positive parenting
- Support vocational training such as sewing, art, and small business projects
- Help provide childcare services so mothers can participate in workshops
- Contribute to the organic garden to promote nutrition and food sovereignty
- Assist with psychological support activities, using art and play as tools
- Join fundraising and communication campaigns to sustain the program
- Promote leadership and life-planning skills among adolescent mothers
Requirements
- Interest in women’s empowerment, education, or community development
- Emotional sensitivity and respect for vulnerable groups
- Flexibility and willingness to support different tasks
- Minimum Spanish level: B1 (intermediate)
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Motivation to contribute to sustainable social change
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 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 2,730
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
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Wifi access
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Orientation & 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 with Roots was wonderfully supportive, fun and inspiring. I learned so much from living communally and from other interns who were also contributing to community projects. The Roots team provided clear communication and guidance throughout, helping me navigate both the professional and cultural sides of the placement. It encouraged me to embrace the unfamiliar and develop confidence in my abilities, all while exploring Ecuador!
Luke, American – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Community Development and Anthropology Internship, Ecuador
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: Women's Empowerment
TASK FOCUS: Gender Equality, Reproductive Health, Community Development
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,730
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Live and work near Quito while supporting women’s empowerment initiatives
- Gain hands-on experience in education, psychology, childcare, and advocacy
- Contribute to programs that restore rights and promote independence for young mothers
- Learn from professionals dedicated to gender equality and community development
- Explore Ecuador’s culture and natural beauty in your free time
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 (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to 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.
PAYMENT
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.
CONFIRMATION
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!
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