6 Best Internships in Ecuador
With a choice of academic focuses, truly worthwhile projects to get involved with, and a collection of amazing destinations, our internship programs in Ecuador are fast becoming some of our…
PROJECT ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP IN ECUADOR
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
GAIN MULTIFACETED WORKING EXPERIENCE DOING VITAL WORK TO PROTECT THE CLOUD FOREST
This is an exciting opportunity to see what it takes to manage an NGO whilst assisting with a variety of conservation research projects. You’ll travel to the Cloud Forest, work closely with the project manager of an NGO, assist with research, coordinate volunteers, and manage fundraising strategies.
This organization is dedicated to devising and promoting alternative, sustainable means of land use and natural resource management in the Cloud Forest. They do incredible work monitoring the flora and fauna of the region with their research. Through this, they provide valuable information to inform conservation solutions and also provide baseline data to measure the impact of climate change. They also develop and support local grassroots initiatives establishing sustainable development and run educational programs teaching conservation techniques to local communities.
As an intern, you’ll be the right hand of the on-site Project Manager. This role will give you expansive insight into what goes on behind-the-scenes of a conservation-based NGO. You’ll get involved with community projects, coordinate volunteers, and have a hand in marketing and fundraising too.
ORGANIZATION
The Tangaré Foundation works to protect the Cloud Forest and its wildlife through a combination of research, natural resource management, and environmental education. Based in the La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve on the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes, they work to promote alternative, sustainable models of development in the area.
They achieve this by researching and monitoring flora and fauna in the region, using their findings to develop sustainable methods of land use and natural resource management, then teaching these practices to local communities.
Active since 2009, the organization has already made a significant impact. Their research has helped to identify and protect important habitats for threatened species, such as the Ecuadorian white-fronted capuchin monkey and felines such as puma, ocelot and oncilla. They’ve reduced deforestation by promoting sustainable agriculture and forest management practices. Their educational programs have trained over 1,000 in environmental education and conservation. They are a valuable asset to Ecuador and the region, and its work is essential to the future of the planet.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This program calls for excellent organizational skills, great communication, and a willingness to get involved with all sorts of work. You’ll be assisting the organization’s project manager which means you can expect a variety of tasks from day to day. It’s a great way to see how different parts of a nonprofit organization operate.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Project Manager in developing and maintaining research projects & outreach programs
- Coordinating the volunteer house
- Intermediating for volunteers and local team
- Content creation
- Assisting with fundraising, donor mapping, and proposal writing
- Coordinating and facilitating community projects
- Assist with group tours
Requirements
- Great organizational and relationship-building skills
- Adaptability and resilience in complex situations
- Experience with event management or fundraising is a bonus
- Intermediate level of Spanish is REQUIRED
- Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
- A passion for conservation in a nonprofit context
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll stay at a dedicated volunteer house with rooms ranging in size from 2 to 6 people, shared bathrooms, and a selection of communal spaces. Excitingly, this volunteer house is located in the heart of the 800 hectare La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve.
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. As you will be staying on a fairly remote project site, there are no specific safety precautions that need to be taken. When traveling, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of the local culture and customs.
Communication
Communication
There is Wi-Fi available on-site the project that is strong enough for WhatsApp and video calls. You can opt to buy a local SIM card, but the network is not very fast in the area.
Meals
Meals
Three meals a day are included from Monday to Friday. Over the weekend you can use the kitchen at the accommodation to prepare your own meals.
Location details
Location details
This is a site of unique importance to the conservation of the Cloud Forest. It is where two of the five biodiversity hotspots in South America converge: the Tropical Andes and the Chocó-Darien. The area has a huge species variety with a large number of endemic species. It is also a site of an array of sustainable farming practices, including: permaculture garlic farms, chocolate production, coffee production, and organic livestock farming.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internships always start and arrive on a Monday, so no arrival over the weekend, always on Monday.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
3-6 months USD 1,811
Longer stays are possible at an additional fee for every extra months.
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 shared room (2-6 pax)
- Three meals a day from Monday to Friday
- Wifi access
- Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Supervision and support during your stay
- Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Exclusions
- Flights to Quito
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Transfers from Quito Airport to the reserve
- Meals over the weekend
- 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!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Recinto La Esperie, Ecuador
PROJECT FOCUS: Nature Conservation NGO
TASK FOCUS: Coordination, Fundraising, Communications
LENGTH: Min. 3 months
COST: USD 700
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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