Water and Sanitation Volunteer Internship In-Person & Online

Overall, my experience was very rewarding, especially the chance to work closely with my supervisor and directors in a hands-on role. I appreciated the level of trust they placed in me, which isn’t something you always get during an internship. Attending workshops and meetings was an added bonus, and it was inspiring to work in a positive environment with like-minded people. One challenge, however, was managing the frequent turnover of volunteers. I was there for an extended period, and sometimes I found myself responsible for onboarding new WATSAN volunteers and even supervising their work. While I enjoyed the responsibility, it became overwhelming at times, particularly as a volunteer myself. I think this could be improved by ensuring that supervisory roles are managed more directly by a designated supervisor or director to support long-term volunteers better. Despite this, I’d still recommend the program for anyone looking for an impactful experience with a lot of responsibility and trust in a supportive work environment.

One of the highlights of my time in Lobitos was the opportunity to interact with the local community—something not always possible when traveling. Thanks to EcoSwell’s dedication, which included involving local staff and encouraging participation in community events, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and build meaningful connections. This local engagement created a welcoming and authentic atmosphere. And, of course, being close to the beach and ocean added an extra layer of enjoyment, making this experience both enriching and unforgettable.

I recommend this program, especially for those studying civil engineering with a focus on water and sanitation. It gave me the chance to work on a real project directly related to my field, which made the experience incredibly relevant and valuable. One of my favorite parts was also getting to meet all the other interns and spending time together – it was a great way to connect and share ideas. Overall, this program was a fantastic opportunity to apply my studies in a real-world setting while building connections with like-minded people.

One of the most rewarding aspects for me was the opportunity to directly work on solutions in a community facing these challenges. It was fascinating to see the impact of clean water projects up close, like the pontoons, and how they’re helping improve access to safe water. While the beginning was a bit frustrating as we were getting used to everything, the learning experience was incredibly valuable. I also really appreciated the sense of community within the program. The people involved quickly became like family, and that made the entire experience even more meaningful. Overall, this program offers not just technical skills but also a deep connection to the community and the real-world challenges it faces.

I travelled to Lobitos in January of 2017 to develop the project of "Dry Toilets". It was a great experience from start to end! Lobitos is a small town so the community are very friendly and have a great relationship with EcoSwell. The house is comfortable, spacious and really close to the beach so we could go for a dip in the ocean every day to cool off from the hot weather! The guys at the NGO are very knowledgeable of the surrounding area so it was very easy to find everything I needed to develop the project I was involved in. When I was there we were experiencing "El Niño" which meant that the electricity went out from time to time and water was limited for a short time. However, this wasn't too much of an inconvenience and I felt that my time at EcoSwell was very productive!

I studied Civil Engineering in Bristol, England and have now specialised as a Civil Engineer in water and environment. In 2015 I went to Ecoswell in Lobitos for three months to carry out a feasibility study for alternative sanitation. This was in partnership with Engineers without Borders UK. I was nervous at first, because my Spanish wasn't very good, but the directors made me feel so welcome, like a family. They helped me to write my survey and I got involved in the reforestation project too. I particularly enjoyed sitting in on the EL Nino preparation meetings. I learned so much about Peru, Lobitos, and working in disaster preparation. It was a invaluable experience. I also got the chance to learn to surf, swim with turtles, climb around the cliffs at capuyanas and fish with some of the best artisanal fishermen in Primavera. I loved spending time with the community in the El Nino meetings, through Lobitos Verde monitoring and other events. It was wonderful to see the strong relationship the community have with EcoSwell. I now work in the UK for an engineering consultant designing flood mitigation and river rehabilitation schemes. I still volunteer with EcoSwell remotely, helping with technical design and supporting new volunteers. Being a part of EcoSwell has not only helped me in developing professional skills and travel the world, but it has also introduced me to a family of incredible people who are trying to make a positive difference in the world, and I am so glad to be a part of that.