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Social Work Internships in Ecuador

33 Social Work Internships in Ecuador

Adelante Abroad

9

2

International Internship Programs with Adelante Abroad

What is it really like living in another country and experiencing how the local people live? Want to know where to begin with this process? This is where Adelante Abroad comes in. Adelante Abroad was established to enable people to achieve their dream goals of living and interning abroad. Adelante has been in business since 1999, when we began with internship programs in Madrid. The program followed a simple formula - airport pickup and orientation to assist in your arrival; a good, clean, safe place to live; intensive Spanish classes to practice and improve your language skills; and a contracted internship placement working in a local company with Spanish coworkers. The process worked, providing candidates with the essential components needed to live abroad while still allowing them the independence to find their way in a new city and to create their own unique experiences. Fast forward to today, we now have year-round programs in Spain, Chile, Mexico, Scotland, Uruguay, Ecuador, and summer programs in Scotland. The best part is that we pride ourselves on being the most cost-effective and well-priced internship programs on the market.

See All 3 Programs

Roots Interns

9.5

2

Galapagos Conservation Internship in Ecuador

Prepare to go on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that encourages you to become an integral part of the ongoing mission to safeguard the unparalleled ecosystems and rare species on the Isabela Island in the Galapagos. This remarkable opportunity promises to be transformative, not only for you but also for the natural world itself, setting the stage for a profound impact that will resonate for many years. At the heart of your internship lies the organization that you will be working for, which is deeply committed to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. By joining this organization, you are entering into a dynamic network of passionate individuals, including local stakeholders, renowned experts, governmental authorities, and people with a passion for making a positive impact on the Galapagos. Intern's tasks may vary depending on the role and personal preferences, mainly focusing on environmental conservation and wildlife preservation. Contribute to activities designed to nurture and protect the island's unique ecosystems and its rare species, as well as diverse initiatives aimed at the care and protection of Isabela's natural wonders, ensuring that they continue to shine.

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Institute for Global Studies

9.29

7

Early Childhood (Education/Social Services) Internships

Specializing in early childhood education? Apply your knowledge and skills in a real work setting anywhere in the world. Institute for Global Studies offers internship placements in various destinations—choose where you want to travel! Past interns have worked in traditional daycare settings, working with children ages three to six and facilitating all aspects of their day. Other interns have created reading programs and tailored these to current needs. They have also helped plan field trips and supervised excursions. IGS encourages host organizations to give the option to create and share any area of expertise, challenging interns to come up with original ideas on how to best help the children. Skills and attributes that may prove useful in this internship include the willingness to accept and implement the philosophy of giving, the ability and skill to communicate with people of different cultures, the ability to write and speak clearly, and the ability to work under conditions of stress and change.

See All 8 Programs

World Endeavors

9.38

13

Intern in Ecuador with World Endeavors

Join World Endeavors for an affordable and unique internship opportunity in Ecuador. Ecuador is one of those rare destinations in the world that seems to have the right combination of natural beauty, intriguing history, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Equator in the northwest corner of the South American continent, much of the country remains wild and uncharted. It is home to the highest active volcano in the world, pristine Pacific beaches, and unspoiled tropical rain forests, as well as ancient Incan history now echoed through the lively Ecuadorian culture. Interns must be 18 years or older and have completed high school (or equivalent). World Endeavors’ International Internship program is open to current students, graduates, and mid-career professionals. Internship placement opportunities increase with experience or relevant coursework.

Kaya Responsible Travel

10

1

Social Justice Internship in Ecuador

Sign up for this program and contribute to efforts in turning into reality the equal distribution of privileges, opportunities, and wealth within the Ecuadorian society. The Social Justice Internship in Ecuador collaborates with several local organizations based in and around central Quito. They work in certain areas of social and legal rights – gender, LGBTQ+, human, nature, and housing – as well as gender violence. Your placement depends on your experience, interests, and skills. As a social justice intern, contribute to the ultimate goal of equal social, political, and economic opportunities and rights for everyone. You’ll make a lasting impact by helping address relevant issues faced by Ecuadorian NGOs and local communities. You could provide a safe meeting place and help organize social activities for the members of an LGBTQ+ community. Or, you could help give access to clean, drinkable water and sanitation systems. This internship program is available starting Spring, with arrivals throughout the year and a duration of 4-12 weeks. You will go through the interview process to help us determine your eligibility and to place you with a suitable organization.

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International Medical Aid (IMA)

10

10

IMA Cross-Cultural Care Mental Health Internships Abroad

International Medical Aid (IMA) pioneers impactful mental health internships worldwide for undergraduates, graduates, and licensed mental health professionals. Through these programs, developed at Johns Hopkins University, participants provide vital mental health services in underserved regions of East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Focused on bridging the gap in mental health access, IMA's internships confront cultural stigmas and enhance community well-being through comprehensive public health initiatives and education. This hands-on experience not only furthers interns' practical skills but also integrates them into meaningful projects that combat the root causes of mental illness. IMA's dedication to ethical, sustainable solutions and its substantial investment in local communities set these internships apart, ensuring a safe, enriching experience backed by 24/7 support. Participants emerge from the program with enhanced clinical acumen, a deeper understanding of global mental health issues, and a fortified application for graduate schools, enriched by unique cultural immersions and professional mentorship.

El Terreno

9.4

5

Anthropology & International Development Internship

Research key development needs of low-income indigenous communities, and propose integrated solutions that also preserve their culture. THE CHALLENGE Guaranda is one of Ecuador's poorest regions. Most Indigenous people live in rural areas where poverty exceeds 40%, child malnutrition 48%, illiteracy 10%, and teenage pregnancy 26%. Five centuries after colonization, globalization could be the final blow to these cultures. Many young people migrate to cities to support families, and the Kichwa language risks extinction. THE SOLUTION We may have only a generation or two to ensure these cultures survive. Fortunately, locals work to continue traditions and rebuild pride. With your help, we can understand the factors determining whether they preserve and regenerate their culture while joining the global community of the 21st century. OUR METHODOLOGY Our internships use Design Thinking to co-create solutions with local partners. You’ll learn to observe, ideate, and prototype in real contexts, building skills while driving sustainable change. On weekends—or before and after your stay—you can explore Ecuador, from the Amazon to the Galápagos.

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Projects Abroad

9.41

296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

See All 2 Programs

IES Abroad

9.27

30

IES Abroad: Study Abroad & Intern

IES Abroad offers 140+ programs in more than 35 locations worldwide for undergraduate students. We're a little obsessed with study abroad, and not at all ashamed to admit it. We are a highly-charged force of study abroad enthusiasts. Every day we have the privilege of witnessing how study abroad changes our students' lives. That's the reason we do what we do: to provide once-in-a-lifetime educational adventures. Everything we do is about the IES Abroad student. Our goal is to provide personal support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process. Whether it's housing or cultural events or field trips, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. Study with us for a summer, semester, or year. No matter the term, our world-class faculty and courses will engage you as you discover new ways of learning both inside and outside the classroom. How will study abroad redefine you? We can't wait to find out.

ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs

0

0

Career Training – Internships and Volunteering in Ecuador

ELEP is an experiential learning and training programs provider specializing in high-quality, customized international internships. We also offer rewarding and meaningful volunteer experiences, as well as intensive language courses, to study, learn, or improve your Spanish language skills in Ecuador. Our programs are open to students, recent graduates, and young professionals from around the world. ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs collaborates with Career Services Centers of international universities to help students with their career goals through training across a well-organized internship or volunteer program. We offer numerous internship placements, covering almost every field of study. Additionally, our team continually seeks new internship opportunities that align with the interests and needs of our participants. Internship lengths vary depending on the field and placement, ranging from a minimum of 4 weeks to a maximum of 24 weeks.

See All 7 Programs

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Latest Program Reviews

A Transformative Mental Health Internship with International Medical Aid in Mombasa, Kenya

November 11, 2025by: Isabel Strelneck - United StatesProgram: IMA Cross-Cultural Care Mental Health Internships Abroad
10

Every aspect of my International Medical Aid internship exceeded my expectations. From the moment I arrived at the Mombasa airport, the incredible IMA staff helped me feel at home. Throughout my five-week internship, they made sure I was safe, comfortable, and supported through every high and low. The program mentors—Michelle, Hildah, and Margaret—checked in daily about my experiences at the hospital and generously shared their knowledge of both Kenyan healthcare and culture. The drivers navigated the often chaotic roads safely while keeping us entertained with conversation and music, and I always felt well cared for. The residence was comfortable, clean, and a genuinely enjoyable place to spend time. The housekeeping team went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed and even did our laundry every day. The food—a mix of Kenyan dishes, international options, and familiar comfort foods—was consistently delicious. The kitchen staff took our requests seriously, accommodated our busy schedules, and even surprised us with a cake on Valentine’s Day. I also appreciated the cultural treks, which provided balance to the emotional intensity of hospital work and helped us better understand the communities we were serving so we could connect with them more meaningfully. I cannot say enough positive things about the kind, professional, and supportive staff I interacted with throughout the program. My time with the Psychology team at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital was truly transformative. As a mental health intern, I had the opportunity to shadow outpatient counseling sessions, observe psychiatric evaluations, and join ward rounds in maternity, pediatrics, internal medicine, oncology, emergency, and post-operative wards. I expected to learn primarily about conditions like anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, and how they are diagnosed and treated. I did see these cases, but I also saw far more intense situations that revealed the deep intersections between mental health, trauma, poverty, grief, and limited access to care. Over the course of a single week, I witnessed moments that will stay with me: a woman attempting suicide after being unable to leave the hospital because she could not pay her bill; a mother grieving a stillbirth linked to lack of prenatal care; a 15-year-old boy facing amputation after a school bus accident; a family in oncology learning that their child had very little time left without fully understanding what cancer is; and a community mourning two college students who drowned. These experiences, among many others, showed me how deeply human suffering is intensified when health systems are overburdened and resources are scarce. They motivated me not only to support individuals in their mental health in the future, but also to think critically about systemic change. A central theme of my experience was the role of education in patient outcomes. Many patients—especially those from rural or lower-income communities—arrived at the hospital with very limited understanding of their conditions or when to seek medical attention. Because many cannot afford preventive care, they often present late in the disease process, when treatment options are more limited. Gaps in health education, cultural and religious beliefs, and reliance on traditional healing can create communication barriers between patients and hospital staff. At the same time, healthcare workers are understaffed and overextended, leaving little time to thoroughly explain diagnoses or provide emotional support. In this environment, the psychology team often became the bridge: helping patients process difficult news, understand their situation, and feel seen. The demand for mental health support was overwhelming. The psychology team I shadowed could only see a small number of patients each day, yet we were frequently approached by nearby patients and families who asked to be added to the list. Nearly everyone in a hospital like Coast General is in crisis in some form—physically, emotionally, or both—yet mental health services remain limited and, for many, unfamiliar or stigmatized. Through this internship, I came to appreciate the importance of meeting patients where they are, rather than expecting them to navigate unfamiliar systems alone. I was grateful to contribute in a small but meaningful way through IMA’s community outreach efforts. I helped lead clinics on hygiene, menstruation, and mental health at local schools, where we aimed to empower students with knowledge and practical tools, such as sanitary pads and toothbrushes. These sessions reinforced for me how interactive, engaging education—songs, demonstrations, questions, and open dialogue—can help young people retain information and feel more in control of their health. Seeing students connect with these lessons showed me how early education can reshape health outcomes, whether that means recognizing pregnancy, understanding consent, or knowing when to seek care. This internship also brought my academic studies in psychology, community and global health, and epidemiology to life. I observed diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression in real clinical settings. I watched psychiatrists conduct evaluations, form treatment plans, and collaborate with counselors, and I had the opportunity to debrief with them afterward, which added depth and context to everything I witnessed. I also saw, firsthand, the burden of HIV, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases and how policy decisions—such as cuts to external funding—directly affect access to medications and staffing. The experience tied together theory and practice in a way no classroom ever could. Throughout my time at Coast General, I noticed small but powerful examples of systemic tension: suggestion boxes that no one used, overflowing containers of condoms alongside persistently high rates of HIV and unplanned pregnancy, and brand-new computers sitting unopened while essential supplies like gloves and needles remained limited. These details highlighted the complexity of building effective health systems and the importance of thoughtful implementation, not just resources. Ultimately, this experience deepened my understanding of how culture, stigma, education, and economics shape access to mental healthcare, and it solidified my commitment to being part of positive change. It reinforced my desire to work in the mental health field, to advocate for health education, and to support communities facing structural barriers to care. My internship with International Medical Aid in Mombasa was challenging, eye-opening, and profoundly meaningful, and I will be recommending this program to everyone I know in the pre-health world.

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