Internships in Tena, Ecuador

The Amazon rainforest stands as one of the most biodiverse ecosystems globally, hosting over 40,000 plant species. Numerous Amazonian flora and fauna species possess medicinal properties, contributing to about 25 percent of pharmaceutical drugs derived from the rainforest. The primary indigenous group in the region, the Kichwa nation, is renowned for its use of natural healing and plant medicine, treating a wide array of conditions, from common colds to chronic illnesses and wounds. Despite the coexistence of traditional and Western medicine in the area, this province suffers from disproportionate access to healthcare and lacks educational resources for disease prevention. Interns live with an Indigenous host family and experience how herbs and medicine naturally coexist in daily life through the Kichwa chakra system. Interns help cultivate plants, take part in ceremonies, and assist with preparing simple remedies such as teas, salves, or tinctures. Along the way, you’ll observe how ancestral knowledge and forest-based healing are woven into everyday practices.

Learn from and in the Amazon Rainforest—all while helping conserve and teach about sustainability! Join Manna Project International in this opportunity to preserve and grow sustainability and ecotourism in indigenous Kichwa communities in Ecuador's Amazon Rainforest. As an intern, you'll collaborate with local tourism entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, maintain and build trails, learn about local flora and fauna, conduct needs assessments, and develop educational materials for youth with the long-term goal of protecting and preserving the Amazon. This immersive experience enhances your language skills, builds your resume, and develops valuable project management and cross-cultural communication skills. Throughout the internship, you'll gain hands-on experience, make a real impact, and broaden your global perspective in a stunning environment. Example tasks: Collaborate with a Kichwa community to design and implement sustainability projects Conduct needs assessments Develop educational materials and conduct workshops Assist and support local farms, educational projects, trails, and beekeeping Assist in monitoring and evaluating ongoing programs

This is an ideal program for students and recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in social work within an international setting. ELEP welcomes participants who are sensitive to the needs of unfortunate children, women, seniors, and people with mental or physical disabilities. Depending on your abilities and the placement, take on duties such as counseling, training, and mentoring for children, youth, and seniors. You also handle administrative tasks assigned by your immediate superior. Eligibility for this program includes: * Vested interest in training abroad * Willingness to learn and patience for mastering new skills * Initiative, flexibility, and ability to work independently or in teamwork * Professional demeanor * Good organizational skills and attention to detail * Good communication skills, both oral and written * Real interest in social work issues * Outgoing personality and sense of humor * Creative, open-mindedness, self-motivation