Education Internships in Quito

Having studied in Madrid the previous semester I really wanted to come back and have a different type of work experience during the summer. I enjoyed the laid back environment of my internship with Fundación Tríangulo yet I gained valuable insight about public health and sexual health in Spain, among many other skills which will benefit my future career/studies. I did enjoy the centrality of our apartment but it was quite small, I know this is normal for Madrid, but I we did not exactly have private living spaces. I really love Madrid and the availability of outdoor activities, shopping, diverse food choices, the kind people, nightlife, and much more. It will stay in my heart forever, the memories, friends, education and work experience, and I hope to return soon.

This was my second time doing an Adelante program, and it was once again an incredible experience. My experience with Adelante the second time around was even greater! The Ecuador program is truly an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in Ecuadorian culture, become fluent in Spanish, and gain valuable work experience. Adelante connects you with talented Spanish teachers who make learning Spanish practical and fun. The housing was in a perfect location, and the host family was welcoming and kind. My internship in Quito was enriching. I learned a lot in my two months, and I was able to work outside in the city and with the community as well. I had a great time, and Adelante helped everything run smoothly and safely.

I spent the summer in Barcelona shadowing psychologists at an assisted living residence. My coworkers were kind and helpful, and the patients were charming and sweet. The local program advisor was very helpful to me and my friends in the program anytime we needed anything. I also completed 2 weeks of Spanish classes prior to my internship. My Spanish improved tremendously, as did my professional skills. I feel that this program exceeded my expectations and helped to prepare me for a career in psychology. In addition to this, Barcelona was just an incredible city with so much life and character--I never ran out of things to do or places to see.

I had an incredible experience with Adelante Abroad in Barcelona. I did a gap year after high school and had the time of my life. The team gave me lots of support leading up to my departure. Someone came and picked me up from the airport and toke me to my accommodation which was in a very central, safe area! The Spanish school was great and I made lots of friends which I stayed close to for my whole time in Barcelona. My internship itself was better than I could have ever asked for. The office was incredible and I loved the team I worked with. I learned new skills and I met people that will become lifelong friends. Overall, I truly had the experience of a lifetime. Barcelona has become a second home to me and I could not be more grateful for my time there! 10/10 experience and highly recommend.

My time in Ecuador with Adelante Abroad was an unforgettable experience that fulfilled all of my hopes and expectations. Despite being much more affordable than other programs, the services provided 2 meals a day, personalized internship placement in the field of my choice, accommodating housing in a safe and accessible neighborhood of the Ecuadorian capital, one on one Spanish classes at the beginning of my stay and multiple personal resources in Quito that I could reach out to with any concern or in case of emergency. In addition to exploring the city, the affordability and flexibility of the program allowed me to visit some of Ecuador’s most popular destinations including Cotopaxi, Mitad del Mundo, and Baños. I was also able to easily plan a trip to the Galapagos to add on to the end of my program which was truly an incredible experience. For my internship I was able to communicate professionally in Spanish while working directly with locals to address issues negatively impacting vulnerable communities. As someone who was unable to study abroad due to COVID, I am immensely grateful for this internship that allowed me to augment my Spanish communication, work experience, and confidence and to visit so many amazing places.

Professionally, I was hoping to receive more opportunity for career development in the area of public health investigations or to really be able to delve deep and learn more about a health topic. While I developed great personal relationships and was able to help out, the placement in the hospital wasn’t really the right place for learning what I had originally wanted to.

My experience with World Endeavors was mostly positive. As far as the communication between me and my advisors, and the willingness to help, it was very positive. However I think Covid and the circumstances it created caused me to be a little dissatisfied with some aspects of my trip. In the end I did enjoy moments at Rio Muchacho and the people I got to meet, however I did not enjoy the "volunteering" aspect and work we were expected to do on the farm, not because it was farming but mostly with how it was run. It felt disorganized at times, and the morale between me and the other volunteers was very low or dismal sometimes. I did not like how the person in charge would impose his stresses regarding the farm or other visitors coming on the volunteers. Also I think World Endeavors could do better by updating the information they have on Rio Muchacho, and being more explicit about what the place does and does not offer, especially due to the earthquake and covid which has significantly impacted the experience at Rio Muchacho. I do not feel like I got full value of what I paid for the trip. The amenities and lodging Rio Muchacho provides for the volunteers was not the best to me, especially compared to the host family I stayed with in Quito. In all though I am very grateful to World Endeavors and the advisors/ coordinators and their ability and willingness to help me navigate my time and experience in Ecuador, and not feel as alone.

Besides a few bumps in the road due to unavoidable circumstances in Ecuador (nationwide protests), I was able to complete my internship requirements, and majorly improve my Spanish which were two goals of mine. I believe this internship set me up for future success, and it was a major personal growth opportunity for me. One suggestion I have is for the program placement coordinators to be more aware of what is and isn’t safe for foreign volunteers. For example, the doctor at the clinic often told me a time to start and often times when I would arrive even a few minutes late, no one was at the clinic to let me in. I understand cultural differences on time. My biggest problem was that when I arrived I was not able to enter the clinic if no one was there. The clinic was in a more dangerous part of Quito, and then I was left to stand in the street to decide what to do. One time I waited almost an hour for the secretary to arrive. I just suggest that maybe local directors are reminded that things that may not be an issue for them can often put volunteers in a vulnerable position. Other than that, everything was great. An amazing opportunity of growth, learning, adventure, and so much more!

I did a legal internship in Oaxaca for three months with Adelante and it exceeded my expectations. I met the best people and lived in a great location with a kind host family and the best internship placement. My spanish has definitely improved thanks to the spanish lessons at the beginning as well as all the other people I met including those at my internship who were very patient and taught me a lot of legal and complex terms. If you are independent and enjoy exploring the city and having great opportunities for cultural immersion and meeting new people this is definitely a great program and excellent value for money. It really helped with my university application and I will definitely be returning to Oaxaca!

I know- it's cliché- but Adelante Abroad was truly a life-changing experience. Leading up to, and throughout the entirety of my trip, Adelante's staff was exceptionally supportive and well organized. Every step of the way, I knew exactly what I was getting into. I always felt completely prepared. As far as Ecuador and my actual internship goes, all I can say is WOW. Don't get me wrong- I had my challenges, but my internship, albeit short, provided me with newfound education and skills I could have never gained in the states. I had the opportunity to learn from highly-knowledgeable, highly-skilled individuals every single day. When I wasn't working, I was fully immersed in the Ecuadorian culture. Somedays that was simply cooking with my host family and other days it was hiking Rucu Pichincha. All in all, come time to leave, I just... didn't want to go home. At the moment, I'm getting back into my daily routine. While it's strange not to wake up in this beautiful country I called home for 2 months, I feel that I've grown into an individual who my younger self would be proud to know. I thank Adelante Abroad for that.

I have had a great experience interning abroad with a civil engineering and architecture company. My hours are flexible, allowing me to take time off to show my parents, who visited me, around the city, and enjoy a long weekend at one of the many beautiful places in Ecuador. My host family has been incredible! My host mom has helped me drastically improve my Spanish speaking skills, cooks delicious traditional food, and provides insight into life in Ecuador and where to visit. I have spent every weekend visiting somewhere different and exploring the rich culture of Ecuador. This experience has been life changing and I cannot wait to return to Latin America.

It started with a Google search. I tried to look for ways to travel despite the pandemic. I am bored to death at home. I searched available internships on Google, and tadah the Institute for Global Studies came up. I was very hesitant at first, but the video call with Dr. Adams made me trust the organization. He assured me everything will be safe and sound. Fast forward, 1 week after my internship in Hawaii. I so missed the people there, the people I bonded the most, the children whom I taught English, and the IGS mentors I gained along the way. Glad that I did that Google search!

As an Education Major, I know that the childhood phase and early youth phase are crucial stages in one's life. That's the precise reason why I chose this internship. Here, I was given the chance to work with children abandoned by parents and committed some juvenile crimes. We created teaching lessons for them and spearheaded class discussions. What melted my heart is that they are really actively participating and very much enthusiastic as they listen. I wish I could extend my trip, but I had to go home because of personal matters. I'll be back I promise!

I became a youth mentor in Bangkok and all I can say is Thailand is really beautiful. More than the postcards and the YouTube videos that I watch, it is intensely more beautiful in person. We toured Bangkok during weekend trips - me and my co-interns. They are nice people and fun to be with at the same time. Among all the places we visited, mI can't forget The Grand Palace and the floating market. There are still so many tourists!

Children and women are being exposed to so many risks, like emotional, psychological, sexual, and physical abuses. While society are doing its best to address these issues, there are still a handful of cases left unheard and unresolved. In my internship, I was tasked to answer hotline calls from abused women and children, interact in their therapy sessions, and even organize parties for the children in the shelter. These kids are so adorable and I could not bear the fact that some people are finding it easy to resent them. At the outset, before we started our internships, we are trained by licensed guidance counselors and psychologists and told us what to and not to do. I learned a lot.

Indeed, domestic violence poses serious threats to women and their children. I have witnessed it first hand in my own home, and I regret every second of it. When I was presented with the chance to work with women and children in their care shelters, I was ecstatic. Even told it to my mom and she was very supportive. Internships like these are rare, and being chosen as an intern here is an honor for me. Happy to do it with IGS! :)

As a policy student, I really am very interested with this internship. When my classmate told me her experience with IGS, I did not hesitate and applied. Good thing, IGS's courses are available the whole year, so I was able to find an internship suitable to my needs and preferences. I got to experience 3 weeks of fulfilling and rewarding internship, and actually make a difference on others' lives.

Being a teaching assistant in the Netherlands is a dream come true for me. In my work, I was assigned to gather and distribute school supplies, helping students with their lessons, and keeping the classroom organized. Having a practical experience inside the classroom - seeing how children behave, knowing what motivates kids - is good exposure for me, as I wanted to be a licensed teacher in two years' time. :)

In my internship, we are deployed in a small community school in Thailand. The kids are really adorable and the teaching staff are so kind! Aa a teaching assistant, I help the classroom teacher in preparing her materials, and having one-on-one sessions with kids that are having troubles with lessons. Dr. Rahim, the school principal, even gave me a letter of recommendation, that I can present to my future employers.

There are dozens of different occupations that involve dealing with kids, but teaching them in an educational setting is my favorite. I'm happy that my mom suggested me this internship and messaged Dr. Adams about the possibility of taking an internship despite COVID. Luckily, they are still open for internships. Everything is wonderful. And IGS never failed to remind us of safety precautions. Thanks, IGS!