EcoSwell

I truly enjoyed the work I was involved in, especially knowing that my efforts in research and Salesforce contributed to EcoSwell's growth. The Google Ads project that I am working on has been particularly valuable; learning to use both Google Ads and Salesforce has been highly relevant to my professional development. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to work on these projects, as they provided me with practical skills and a sense of meaningful impact.

The best part of my time here has been the incredible sense of community. The environment is relaxed and friendly, with people on the street greeting you, which makes everything feel very welcoming. The EcoSwell house and staff are just as warm—they greeted me every day and made me feel right at home. Overall, this experience has been all about connection, kindness, and feeling truly welcomed, making it a memorable stay.

This internship offered a rich learning experience about the local ecosystem and the impact of climate change on flora, particularly how grazing practices affect the environment. I appreciated the balance between desk work and field work, which kept the experience engaging and varied. However, I do wish there had been more participants in my program, as working with a team would have made the workload more enjoyable and manageable. Overall, the mix of field and desk tasks provided a comprehensive understanding of conservation work, making it a valuable experience.

From the beginning, EcoSwell made it easy to feel part of the house and the community. The team went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, even reaching out while I was still in Lima. This warm and inclusive atmosphere helped me settle in quickly. In terms of work, I especially enjoyed my visit to the Medical Center in Quiñones (where EcoSwell are installing a solar UPS system) with Hugo, my supervisor. I appreciate that my current work, like transcribing interviews and gathering information, is a part of a larger project for the Medical Center in Suyo, where another system is being installed. Seeing the impact of my efforts and how they connect to a greater purpose is incredibly rewarding and makes me look forward to similar work in the future.

The best part of my experience was the strong bond with the group; we got along so well that it made every moment enjoyable. I also loved visiting several solar panel installations and witnessing firsthand how they positively impacted people's lives by making daily tasks easier. Working in Suyo, particularly at the medical center, was eye-opening. We saw how these solar systems benefited the community and learned about the challenges they faced before having access to reliable energy. Seeing the contributions of past interns highlighted the importance of this work. The hands-on learning with the solar panels was another highlight. Taking measurements and observing how parameters changed based on the panel's condition was fascinating, and having the chance to ask technical questions to experts deepened my understanding. Overall, the blend of team camaraderie, real-world impact, and technical learning made this a truly valuable and rewarding experience.

Overall, this has been a wonderful experience. The group of volunteers has been fantastic, and the staff at the medical post have been incredibly kind, friendly, and welcoming. There hasn’t been anything negative about my time here. While the local culture took a little getting used to, everything else has been great, and I’ve truly enjoyed every part of it. The positive atmosphere and the people made this experience unforgettable.

My volunteer experience was very positive, and I learned a lot during my time here. One of the highlights was having the chance to collaborate across different areas. While I was mainly involved in Renewables, I also worked on water, sanitation, and reforestation projects, which I found very rewarding. A standout aspect was observing how volunteers took a project from start to finish. Seeing the progression—from our initial groundwork to the final outcomes and the satisfaction of the families who benefited—made the experience deeply fulfilling.

I’m grateful for this experience, where I learned a lot about the dry forest ecosystem and was able to contribute to both reforestation and water & sanitation (WATSAN) projects. While the reforestation tasks could feel repetitive, the WATSAN projects had a clearer timeline, which added variety—I'm thankful Diego, the Director of the program, gave me the opportunity to work on both. The local food has been fantastic, and trying different Peruvian dishes was a highlight. I was also fortunate to be here when all four directors were around. Diego’s presence added a passionate energy to the work, while Jesús, the Volunteer coordinator program, did a wonderful job organizing outings and encouraging us to participate in local events, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. The trips to places like Piedritas were amazing, and it would be great to see those continue as they add so much to the experience. On the downside, the frequent turnover of volunteers made it challenging to form lasting connections, and finding personal space could be difficult. It would be great to add more outdoor spaces with hammocks for relaxing. Overall, this internship offered a rewarding mix of impactful work, cultural immersion, and community, making it a unique and memorable experience.

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.

This experience provided me with a meaningful opportunity to apply my studies in epidemiology and public health to real-world projects. Being able to work on a public health project similar to what I do in university allowed me to immerse myself practically and deepen my understanding of the field. Collaborating with Alejandro, the supervisor of Research Program on the impact report was especially valuable, as I'm considering a career in nonprofit work. This experience gave me insight into how nonprofits operate and what it's like to work in this sector. Alejandro was incredibly supportive, offering guidance and always ready to help. Overall, this experience was highly beneficial for gaining practical knowledge and exploring potential career paths.

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.

One of the aspects I've enjoyed most about my time at EcoSwell has been the complete immersion in the close-knit community of Lobitos. Getting to know everyone has been wonderful—both the EcoSwell team and the town itself are incredibly welcoming. It’s clear that the locals appreciate having us here, not just as volunteers but as individuals, which made me feel part of something special. From day one, it felt less like a group of coworkers and more like friends, almost like a family. This warm, inclusive atmosphere has made my experience truly memorable.

I've really enjoyed the past few weeks—it’s been such an interesting experience. Being part of the medical program has been eye-opening, allowing me to gain valuable insights. But, without a doubt, the highlight for me has been surfing. I've had so much fun catching waves and truly enjoyed every moment out on the water. This mix of professional learning and personal enjoyment made for an unforgettable experience.

Overall, my experience was very positive. Over the four weeks, I felt incredibly welcomed by everyone. Although I faced a bit of a language barrier, Junior was a fantastic help, and Leslie was super kind. The highlight for me was definitely the people—those at the EcoSwell house and at the medical post. Getting to know everyone and making an effort to learn Spanish added to the experience. Leslie and Louisa made me feel so included, proving that kindness and body language can go a long way in bridging language gaps.

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.

Returning to EcoSwell for a second time, I took a broader approach to my internship, focusing on various projects instead of a single one. In a conversation with Andres, the Director of the Program, we agreed on this structure so I could gain a comprehensive view of how different projects intersect and provide help where it was most needed. This approach became essential in my first two weeks, as I stepped into a supervisory role. During that time, I collaborated with other volunteers to align on ongoing projects, helping them—and myself—better understand the work. It was an insightful challenge that gave me experience in managing multiple projects and ensuring their timelines stayed on track. Eventually, I concentrated on two specific projects: one with the group of the Newcastle University, where I explored project financing related to my field of study, and another focused on developing a centralized organizational system for EcoSwell. The goal was to make project documentation more accessible, streamlining the onboarding process for future volunteers. Both projects broadened my skills in project management and introduced me to innovative ways of implementing concepts in different environments. Compared to my first time here during the pandemic, having a larger volunteer group enriched the experience significantly. I gained valuable insights from people worldwide, which added a new level of learning and collaboration. The larger team made this experience even more rewarding.

I’ve only been here for three weeks, and it’s been amazing! Initially, I was quite nervous about coming to South America, but everyone here is incredibly friendly, which quickly put me at ease. The work itself has been fascinating, and I’ve learned a lot. Michael, my supervisor, has been super engaged and helpful, and I appreciated the entrepreneurial aspect of the tasks I was given—it really opened up a new side of my thinking. Overall, a very rewarding experience!

The internship was an incredibly positive experience. One of the best aspects was the freedom and independence I had in my role, which allowed me to fully engage with a range of tasks. I especially appreciated the variety of work—conducting interviews, going out into the field to connect with the local community, and taking on more creative responsibilities like drafting the company’s impact report. I also enjoyed gathering statistics and conducting research. Overall, it was a truly enriching and hands-on experience.

I had a great time during my stay. The best part was meeting people from all over the world and participating in many activities together, which made it a very social experience. Getting to know the other volunteers was really enjoyable. Jesús, in particular, has been fantastic, and we got along really well—he adds a lot to the sense of community. It truly feels like a little family here, and that sense of closeness has been one of the highlights for me.

Overall, my experience was very positive. I appreciated being placed directly into an environment where I felt like a true part of the organization. The level of autonomy I had was one of the best aspects, as it allowed me to take ownership of my work and manage my responsibilities independently. Alejandro, my supervisor was instrumental in providing this opportunity for autonomy, which made the experience even more rewarding and engaging. This experience gave me a genuine sense of responsibility and hands-on learning that I greatly valued.

This experience has been incredibly rewarding, especially with the variety of new experiences. I've enjoyed diving into so many new engineering-related tasks, like writing reports and assisting with installations at the medical center. Beyond the professional side, being here has also given me the chance to surf and practice Spanish, adding a meaningful cultural layer to the experience.

The work at EcoSwell is structured exceptionally well, with a clear plan and supportive leadership. My goal in coming here was to learn about sustainability, renewable energy, and the inner workings of an NGO, and the directors genuinely allowed me the space and trust to explore these areas. It wasn’t simply “We want you to do this,” but rather they involved me in meaningful discussions, listened, and actively engaged in my learning and professional growth. The experience in the house has also been very positive. The environment feels organized and safe, and Jesus, our volunteer coordinator program, does a great job keeping everyone connected. If any issues arise—like running low on food—feedback is addressed quickly. I truly feel that EcoSwell is invested in making sure we’re well-supported and enjoying our time here.

The best part of my experience was the strong sense of community, both within EcoSwell and in Lobitos. I had the chance to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, building friendships and contacts across various countries. This was exactly what I had hoped for, and the experience exceeded my expectations. Additionally, practicing Spanish with the EcoSwell staff was invaluable—it not only helped me connect more deeply with everyone but also improved my language skills significantly. This experience offered both cultural enrichment and meaningful connections that made it truly memorable.

Working in the program under Diego's supervision was a rewarding experience. I was mostly the only intern in the department, which gave me the opportunity to take on a lot of responsibility. I collaborated with Alejandro on gathering and analyzing data from locals to understand their perspectives, ensuring accuracy in our conclusions. One of my key responsibilities was managing the grass and seedlings in our small nursery during planting days. My favorite part was leading the reforestation efforts next to EcoSwell, where I organized other interns into teams for tasks like collecting mulch and compost. I enjoyed motivating the group each morning, and seeing everyone’s smiles by the end of the day was incredibly fulfilling. Planting days allowed me to share my knowledge with others, explaining the importance of compost and other environmental practices in a way that connected everyone to the work. I also had the chance to support Diego in preparing a presentation, and it was inspiring to contribute to a meaningful project. Additionally, collaborating remotely with Brinda, an online intern based in England, added a unique dimension to my experience. Overall, this internship allowed me to take on leadership roles, connect deeply with conservation work, and contribute to projects that made a positive impact on the community.

Overall, my experience has been incredibly positive. Coming from a non-engineering background, I joined the renewable energy program hoping to gain hands-on experience in solar energy and project management in a real-world context. Working directly with renewable energy installations, like helping install solar panels for a family, provided invaluable practical learning. It was especially fulfilling to engage with communities facing challenges in accessing essential resources, and I feel that I truly achieved my goals here. Additionally, the welcoming team, laid-back atmosphere, and chance to surf daily made my time here even more enjoyable.

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 really enjoyed my time in Lobitos. Lobitos itself is incredibly special; I had never been to a place like that before. There were plenty of new things to try, which was a great experience in itself. Secondly, the people made it even better—the EcoSwell team and the other volunteers were all wonderful. Living in the house felt comfortable and natural, and it was easy to feel at home. Overall, both the location and the community made for an amazing time.

I had a wonderful time during my internship. The sense of community I found with the other interns was one of the highlights—living together really fostered a supportive, team-oriented environment. My supervisor was also fantastic; we grew very close, and I truly enjoyed the community-focused work we did together. This experience was not only fulfilling professionally but also personally, thanks to the connections and teamwork it encouraged.

This experience has been amazing overall, and it's hard to pick just one highlight, as there were so many great moments. However, the standout for me was the school trip we took today. Visiting the school, going into classes, and meeting the children was truly special. The atmosphere at the medical post has also been incredibly supportive, and everyone is so caring. It’s been such a fulfilling experience, and that school visit really captured the essence of what made this time so memorable.

My time in Lobitos has been incredible. I've loved learning to surf, getting to know the town, and meeting amazing people. The work here is fulfilling, and it feels great to know I’m making a positive impact. The best part, without a doubt, has been the people—the dedicated staff and fellow volunteers who make this experience truly special. Being in Lobitos has been everything I hoped for and more.

I spent two weeks with EcoSwell in Lobitos, a lovely little untouched town. The work allowed me to get involved with the community. The EcoSwell team are well established in the locality and have a great relationship with the fishermen of the town. I honestly couldn't have chosen a better place to do my research!

My name is Joshua Hinton and I have just graduated with a medical degree from the University of Bristol. As part of our degree, we are given a two month period to undertake a clinical placement either at home or abroad. It was always my ambition to use this opportunity to travel to South America to experience medicine in a Spanish speaking country and so I started my elective journey searching for placements matching that description. As part of EcoSwell’s Medical Elective Programme, I was aiming to travel to Lobitos to assess the health needs of the town in order to provide a platform for future health professionals to build on. I was also hoping to work closely with the Health Post to treat common conditions. However, in the days running up to my departure the goal posts shifted. The North-West of Peru was hit by ‘el Niño’, a weather front that brings a devastating amount of rain to Peru’s coast and with it, severe flooding. The two empty river beds that sit either side of Lobitos had flooded, leaving the town cut off from the mainland. Lobitos usually relies on water to be delivered by a lorry tanker. However, none of the water trucks could pass the floods to reach Lobitos and so the town had to rely on rain-water as their source of water for drinking, cleaning and cooking. As I arrived, EcoSwell carried out house-to-house visits in the most vulnerable to analyse what support was badly needed. It was obvious that access to clean water had to be the priority. The team sourced water filters from Lima and distributed them throughout the town. They also established a refuge centre at the Fisherman’s Guild, a building that EcoSwell previously fitted with solar power. Here, people could come and filter rain water and discuss any health issues. As the rain subsided and the temperature increased, there was also a looming threat of various waterborne diseases. EcoSwell has organised donations of medication and insect repellent and we distributed these, along with information to prevent an outbreak dengue, chikungunya, malaria, cholera and further gastrointestinal infections. Unfortunately, there were a number of cases of diarrhoea accompanied with stomach cramps, as well as suspected Dengue. However, I’m sure that the supply of clean water helped to prevent anyone from having to be transferred to the local hospital which is a 20 minutes’ drive away in dry weather. As well as been extremely exciting, this elective placement was hugely enriching. It was fun, stimulating, challenging and rewarding. It demands a hands-on approach, but EcoSwell and the health post provide a supportive environment in which students can work, learn and thrive. Everyone is very friendly as the town is extremely grateful for any outside help, especially as the Ministry of Health only places a doctor in Lobitos for 6 months of the year. During the other 6 months, the town relies on a wonderful midwife and a nurse. Therefore, elective students can offer essential medical assistance for half of the year. I can’t speak highly enough of this elective placement. I’ve learnt so much and I’ve made so many friends. The EcoSwell experience is an extraordinary one.

My name is Jorge Schwalb, I’m from Lima, Peru, and studied Business Administration at the University of Lima. I was 2 weeks in Lobitos as a volunteer with EcoSwell, I met them through a talk held at the University of Lima and it caught my attention because I always wanted to be able to help a community doing something that has a positive impact. The main aim of my project was to find a sustainable use for Fishermen’s Guild Community Hall, which has a solar panel and a biodigester that are not being used at full capacity. For that I began exploratory research which sought to define how fish commerce in Lobitos works as well as the whole process of artisanal fishing. I did interviews with owners of hotels, restaurants, several fishermen, traders and people related to the fishing industry, and I found it amazing how open they are all to hear ideas and give their opinion, there was not a single person with who refused to do so, much of this thanks to the EcoSwell team who have made strong ties with the community and have earned the confidence of all. With these interviews came up proposals that now need to be analyzed for viability. I also had the opportunity to support other projects of EcoSwell as “Lobitos Verde” helping to plant, check the plants of families that were involved in the project and delivering fertilizer so they can develop well. Another project was the “Wilipipes” which are the tide tables used by fishermen to determine which days are best to go fishing or make tours for visitors. These tide tables are placed in three points in Lobitos, the Community Hall, the fishing pier and the docks. Apart from the projects I also had time to enjoy the beach, climate and people. The Lobitos beach is very good for surfing, most of the tourists visit for that reason, the water is a little cold but it complements well with the Piuran sun. On one of the weekends we went to the beach “El Ñuro” which is 40 minutes north from Lobitos, it’s a popular beach because you can swim with turtles that go there to eat next to the pier, there’s also good waves and few people go there, so it’s a perfect place to relax and have a good time. The last day at Lobitos we went fishing with Tullio, an artisanal fisherman, his son Antonio and Selcuk, another volunteer from EcoSwell. We arrived at the pier at 5:45am and sailed out for an hour out to sea, where we fished for about two and a half hours. On the way back Tullio made Ceviche with the fish we had caught, then we stopped to watch the sea lions at the oil platforms, and when we were returning to the dock we saw two whales very close to us, an amazing experience! People at the EcoSwell house treated me unbelievably well, they have an incredible positive attitude, a passion for helping the community of Lobitos and have supported me in all stages of my project. It’s amazing what they have accomplished in Lobitos despite all the adversity at the community, like the little support they have from the Government and the problems that exist between some residents and the Municipality. It has been a very good experience and I hope to return soon!

My time at EcoSwell gave me a great opportunity to work closely with a group of diverse and passionate people. This range of volunteers and directors brought unique skillsets and perspectives to the projects at hand, and created a fun working environment. I was introduced to exciting things from learning how to plant seedlings to trying new cuisines. Most valuable however, is the close relationship EcoSwell shares with the community in Lobitos. What i enjoyed the most was the times when we interacted with local schoolchildren, residents and travelers. If you are a social and open minded person, I would definitely consider EcoSwell because it offers a chance to truly immerse yourself within such a tight-knit community. Located in the heart of Northern Peru, Lobitos is ripe with raw beauty. There is a good mix of relaxation and adventure and it is filled with artistic expression. The people there are incredibly easy going and genuine, and Lobitos has undoubtedly earned a place in my heart. The directors do a great job in providing you a balanced experience in which you can both work and soak in all that Peru has to offer. They give you space to explore as much as you desire while also making the home cozy and fun to be around if you wish to stay in. At times I felt singled out when I made mistakes or misunderstood things, but in the end, the directors are supportive of you and have your best interests in mind. As for the work, it is extremely useful to have first hand experience working at an NGO. From this, I have learned so much about how NGOs operate, establish, and maintain themselves. EcoSwell is still relatively new but has done so many impactful things for the community and I am excited to see it grow. With that being said, do have a flexible attitude when interning there. There are many tasks that you may need to help complete even though they are outside of what you signed up for. Use these tasks as a learning experience, and although they may not always cater to your skillset, understand that they are necessary elements to running a successful NGO. At times I felt dispensable and that the experience/knowledge I had to offer were under-utilised, but it is important to acknowledge that EcoSwell's projects continue long after any volunteer's time there, and that it is only in this conjoined effort spanning months of turnover, that great impacts are achieved. Use this as a chance to learn, meet new people, learn new skills, and do your part in contributing to the longevity of this flourishing organization. Overall, my experience was a positive and unforgettable one. I recommend EcoSwell highly and am proud to have been an intern here.

My three months at EcoSwell were some of if not the best I have ever had. One of my favorite parts was the location and atmosphere of the town and that EcoSwell had within their house. My room I found clean when I arrived and it was my responsibility to keep it clean which I did. I think they could have been a little more organized in terms of explaining what we were doing. Sometimes we'd go somewhere as a group and just follow the directors around without knowing what we were going to do, but that's any easy thing to improve or change. They communicated with me well before my internship, however, which was very consistent. I never once felt like I was in danger as Lobitos is very safe. I felt mostly well utilized. At first I had a lot of translations and financial work given to me. I felt like I had too much at some points but I got it done, and for the majority of the time I was very happy with how much work I had and the type of work that I was doing. I was the one of the only volunteers who could speak Spanish fluently so most of my work was to do with that. Communicating with locals and translating. Great experience, overall amazing job by EcoSwell taking me in and helping me make the most out of my time there!

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 spent four weeks in the summer of 2018 with EcoSwell. My role as an NGO Management intern included working on a range of projects, such as reforestation and waste management. As an NGO management intern, I also learnt a lot about the running of the organisation. I was given a high degree of autonomy over projects, such as being asked to write a grant application, and responsibility for the maintenance of a 200 tree forest nearby. The team have a great work-life balance, with plenty of time to surf, explore and relax. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience; everyone I lived and worked with were lovely, driven and inspirational. The location is phenomenal, the scenery stunning, the wildlife spectacular, and the experience incredible. I'd highly recommend an internship at EcoSwell!

EcoSwell provided me with a memorable and life-changing experience. Alejandro, Andres, and Diego gave me the freedom to be in charge of the projects that I was most passionate about, while maintaining a highly efficient and organized structure to the organization's work. A clear emphasis was placed on community participation as we worked with community members on a daily basis and based many of our projects on their needs, desires, and input. This was the most fulfilling aspect of the internship as I was exposed to not only a culture that was unfamiliar to me, but I also made great friends and experienced incredibly welcoming and hard-working individuals while improving their community in a collaborative and sustainable manner. I acquired useful skills as I helped to write grants, designed project profiles, and even organized a community workshop based around the water-efficient irrigation project I'd been working on for months. In our free time, the team and I often went surfing, or explored the beautiful Peruvian coastline. We even had the opportunity to spend a morning fishing with some of the local fishermen. My time with EcoSwell was an experience that will stick with me forever. It encouraged me to open my mind to new cultures, new ways of thinking, and a greater understanding of the world. I highly recommend this organization to anyone who is looking for a well-rounded experience, great company, and stories to tell for years to come.

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.

My 3 weeks volunteering with EcoSwell are drawing to a close and I’ll be headed back to the US. Lobitos is in the desert climate of northern Peru, most well known for its beautiful coastline and waves that attract surfers from all over the world. While I’ve been here I’ve been working mostly with the Green Lobitos project. This is a reforestation programme which focuses on creating green spaces within the community, since its inception about a year ago, it has continued to grow like the trees we’ve planted throughout the town. The ‘amas de casa’ in the community has taken the lead on this project and recycle water that has been used for washing clothes or cleaning dishes to water the plants. They also reuse inorganic material to protect the plants from wind and other factors that could prevent potential growth - the aim is to implement permaculture and sustainability in every aspect of the town. The best thing about my time here? Interacting with these families while tracking the success of this program or getting new members of the community involved has been a fantastic experience. It’s amazing to see how enthusiastic the kids are for this project, they often convince their parents to adopt the recycling techniques that are a part of this program. I’ve also been able to work on funding for an upcoming Surfonomics study. This would put an economic value on the waves that drive the tourism here in Lobitos. As a result, this could be a great tool to convince business owners here to make more of an effort to conserve the beautiful and precious environment of Lobitos. There are only a handful of studies done like this in the world so we’re all excited to see how it goes! We work every day during the week, however, the fun doesn’t stop there! Outside of work I’ve been able to go surfing almost every day and have gotten some amazing lessons from a local surf instructor called Gino Perez from SURF LOBITOS. Our first weekend here we went to Cabo Blanco, home of “Panic Point” another huge surf spot and this past weekend we went to Máncora, a beach town about an hour away from here. Overall, it’s been a great experience! Thanks, EcoSwell! You've got a bright future ahead of you.

After giving myself some time to adjust to being back in the United States after my placement with Eco-Swell, I think I am finally ready to accurately reflect on my experiences there. I think I needed some time because the differences in the environment from my home-town of Madison, Mississippi and that of Lobitos, Peru, and the micro-community within the Eco-Swell house are so profound. I come from a conservative community. I don’t say that to mean the reliance on established principles is a good or bad thing, only that the progressive and intellectually based problem-solving atmosphere of Eco-Swell was a refreshing change. Each day was a new challenge for me. Whether it was researching potential grants, how to build a frame for the solar distiller out of bamboo or new potential designs for the dry-toilet irrigation pipe, I felt challenged intellectually. I felt my capacities were respected and my capabilities developed when faced with problems and offered the freedom to explore and implement solutions. This type of bottom-up approach and its ubiquity within Eco-Swell is something I spoke with Michael and Andres about extensively. This type of approach which differs from that of most other NGOs, allowed Eco-Swell to discover the needs of the community without bias, and address those needs as they were able to grow. In that way, growth in the community was organic and progress came where it was most needed. I will take many lessons from this experience. One, that every day I should strive to learn more about the world around me, and as I inevitably discover issues, try and fix them before they cause problems for everyone. Two, that surrounding myself with knowledgeable and interesting friends and colleagues is perhaps my greatest tool to personal and professional success. The friends that I made at EcoSwell pushed me intellectually and physically to achieve things I most certainly did not think I was capable of. And finally, that good business means beginning with good intentions and following through every day to consciously improve the lives of others. In living with these principles, I hope to carry the fulfillment gained through my three weeks at Eco-Swell into the rest of my career. Thank you to everyone in Lobitos for an amazing experience, and I look forward to seeing you all again someday.

I packaged my Master's learning and travelled to Lobitos to carry out my thesis research, which created a comparative tool to analyse the extent and nature of opportunity identification within multidisciplinary teams. Outside of this purpose I identified an opportunity to help Ecoswell after listening to the hopes and frustrations of the team. The opportunity was to incorporate design and innovation processes into their sustainable development projects to achieve their 2021 vision. So, I created a bespoke design sprint which I found to be the most appropriate method to guide the team in unfamiliar processes; which aimed to co-create with their core team to envision alternative strategies framed by particular constraints and future scenarios; capitalise on the knowledge and networks established in visualising their strategy; and deploying my design capabilities as a creator of compelling narratives to deliver the knowledge and assets required to drive new innovation within EcoSwell. The experience was incredible.The natural beauty of Lobitos was a highlight as well as the food, culture and the surfing. The accommodation was exactly as described with all the amenities and comforts one can expect. I was well looked after with food being provided 3 times a day. The healthy diet provided was a great aspect of the overall stay. The health and safety procedures were thorough. I was also given these procedures well in advance, ensuring I understood the risks and how to mitigate them. I felt safe for the entirety of my time there. I was in constant contact with the EcoSwell team. as mentioned I was given detailed health and safety information prior to arriving. I was also given detailed information on how to get to the location. the team were well organised and we Skyped regularly before and after my time there. I felt that the work I needed to do in terms of my thesis was well provisioned. I was also given plenty of leeway when initiating the design sprint, where the team gave up 3 days of their week towards this project. I felt fully utilised and needed.

My name is David Doyle, I am from Ireland and I have a degree in electrical engineering. All my life I have always wanted to do voluntary work and help people who are less fortunate then me, along with this I have also wanted to visit and explore South America. So, when I discovered Ecoswell I knew it was a golden opportunity to achieve both as well as gaining valuable work experience in my career field. My main task with EcoSwell was to construct a solar water distiller and test its operation. In Lobitos water can be scarce and even more so in the summer months, so having the opportunity to help with and alleviate this problem is very rewarding. In my first week I was working on drip irrigation systems which use recycled water. In my second week, I was working with solar panels and its acquisition of energy usage, for the remained of my time we have being planting native plants in desert area, constructing fences at local schools and providing wave and swell charts for the local fisherman here to use. Along with ordering of materials and planning of construction of the solar water distiller. Every day I know the work I did will practically help the life’s of others and I learnt something new every day. The guys in the EcoSwell house are great to both live and work with and are very laidback and supportive. Since living in Lobitos my Spanish has improved and learned how to prepare and cook some the nicest dishes I have ever tasted (The food in Peru is amazing!), along with what is now my most favourite drink Pisco Sour! I went surfing, hiking and cave exploring with the guys. Life in Lobitos great, the beach is beautiful, the restaurants offer delicious food with the cheapest of prices, the weather is amazing I have discovered my new-found love for surfing. The people and the lifestyle here is very laidback and relaxed. I met a lot of cool people from all over the world. I also have visited Mancora which I would recommend along other beaches and towns in north Peru.

My name is Lukas, I am from Austria and I travelled to Peru in Summer 2017. EcoSwell has a huge impact on Lobitos, a small fishing and surf town in the Peruvian desert, where water is a rare and costly good. Besides helping the local fishermen, EcoSwell has committed itself to reforestation in Lobitos and its neighborhood districts, which is quite a challenge when water is that scarce. Thanks to EcoSwell, I learned a lot about recycling, composting, the unique ecosystem here in the North of Peru and on how to save water and plant trees in a desert. It was very instructive to see how the people are living here and what kind of problems they face, which contrast greatly to those of Europe for example. It was also amazing to experience how the founders of EcoSwell are so passionate about their NGO and their projects. As a result, the organisation is growing and gaining more and more partners in Peru and worldwide. I really enjoyed Lobitos, especially its chilled vibes, the great beaches and amazing waves to surf.

In August 2016 I spent three weeks volunteering with EcoSwell in Lobitos conducting my Geography dissertation research. As part of my qualitative research, I investigated aspects of Lobitos Verde, EcoSwell's reforestation project. The project works with women and their families in the local community by generating an exchange of knowledge based upon sustainable permaculture and the reuse of greywater and household resources. We went around doing house to house visits of the participants, monitoring the plants and public green space created and helping them to maintain and grow their plants. During my stay in Lobitos, we also held a drip irrigation workshop at the EcoSwell house. It was so insightful to see how EcoSwell and the community learn from each other on such a personal and direct level, and this workshop really reflected the great extent to which the local community are engaged with the project. I was also fortunate enough to begin working on structuring and planning a grant proposal for a project aiming to promote the conservation of the Peruvian Plantcutter. This endangered bird species is endemic to the desert region of the Peruvian coastline and there are estimated to be only 500 to 1000 individuals left in the wild due to threats such as deforestation and climate change. EcoSwell's concept is to use native plant species to expand their fragmented habitat. Here is yet another example of how the Lobitos Verde project is increasing in capacity by branching out even further into specific wildlife conservation techniques while empowering women to take such issues into their own hands. During my time in Lobitos I also had surfing lessons, went fishing, swam with turtles, cooked and ate lots of local food and visited other parts of the region so there are many opportunities to explore and try out even more activities while you are out there. EcoSwell's glocalised approach is all about contributing knowledge and adapting it to the socio-economic and environmental context of Lobitos and that's exactly what the volunteer programme the hardworking multi-disciplinary team allow to happen. As a volunteer, the team at EcoSwell and the local people of Lobitos have been so helpful with the whole process of my research, and they have taught me so much about what it means to establish and run a sustainable development NGO. The Lobitos Verde project started with such a simple idea, but it is continuously expanding and growing like the seedlings that the team at EcoSwell and the families have planted together. Through the bottom-up approach, they have successfully created a dialogue for entrepreneurship, sparking ideas and a collaborative passion to care for the environment and people. EcoSwell have an exciting future ahead of them and I feel proud to be a part of their sustainable vision.

This experience was truly career-defining and made me rethink my lifestyle and my values. I don't use those words lightly but EcoSwell has definitely won them. I enjoyed living at the EcoHouse for 3 months and have many amazing things to say about EcoSwell. I had the amazing opportunity to develop a wind turbine project. As a result, i obtained plenty of experience as an engineer and I still wow many employers with my story. Additionally, I learned how to live a sustainable life from a health and environmental perspective. The weekly planting day, the many ingenious way they implement sustainability at the house and the team's enthusiasm about sustainability made me fall in love with sustainability. Lobitos is a great place to go surfing but the unique environment lends itself also to hikes, chill gatherings outdoors and exploring the interesting history and culture of the place.

My experience at EcoSwell was incredible. I learned so much, met awesome people, and was able to experience a completely new and unfamiliar place and culture. The sense of community at Ecoswell was strong; we all lived in the same house so everyone was always working together and having interesting and eye-opening conversations. The Directors were almost always available to discuss any questions about projects or tell stories about EcoSwell's past or teach us about the community and Peruvian culture. I never felt unsafe; the Lobitos community is extremely friendly and the Directors know many people in the community that I got to meet and interact with. I led my own project to build a solar distiller, and learned a lot about effective leadership, create realistic goals and expectations, and crowdfund! Interning for EcoSwell is truly an immersive experience; I would recommend it to anyone who is adventurous, wants to become more mindful of their environmental footprint, and work with a lively, hard-working team to help the community of Lobitos become more eco-conscious whilst improving their quality of life.

Lost. That’s how I felt during my third year of university. But I found EcoSwell’s volunteer internship programme. I was determined. I have always had renewable energy and sustainability in my heart and it was time to take initiative. Here at EcoSwell I got to work on many incredible projects. I got the opportunity to work with the development of water desalination system (solar distiller), plant my first trees, learn about electronics for aeroponics and I even had the opportunity to use my passion of videography to promote the organization and succeed in two crowdfunding campaigns. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience to be working with an interdisciplinary team of engineers and environmentalists in helping bring a more sustainable Lobitos. And it has even gone to inspire me to change my academic focus to sustainable energy engineering. For that I’m grateful, but what will always be in my heart is the people of EcoSwell. The volunteering internship programme is really special in that all the volunteers are here for different time-periods, from 2 weeks to 6 months. Therefore, the team members are constantly exchanging, in and out. And what makes this unique is that you meet many people. The programme attracts the most ambitious and genuine people who are a pleasure to be around. With the incredible work and volunteers that make EcoSwell special, the leadership is what completes the experience. Michael, Andres, Diego, Alejandro and Naiana are all incredible leaders to be around in EcoSwell. They are effective and efficient bosses, but they are also your friends. They will not only make your time at EcoSwell productive, but also enjoyable. I have never laughed so much and been so productive simultaneously. And if leadership that combines productivity with joy isn’t the best form of leadership, then what is? EcoSwell has shown me what great leadership is and I now have the inspiration and principles of which I will develop my leadership skills. I will miss Lobitos. I will miss surfing. I will miss raising Cusquena’s at Tranquis. I will miss everyone and everything. But I will laugh at the times we danced salsa and sang songs in the house. I will laugh at the times I got scared by the iguana 543897 times. I will laugh at my Spanish vocabulary being limited to “yo quiero esposa”. And as I sit here in La Casona watching my last sunset, I see a crack... I step through this crack and I realise I have stepped back into my life in London, but I can feel a new sense of purpose. I can feel that I finally know myself and that for once I can feel an inner success in my life. But before I start running back into my life, I turn back… I can see Lobitos from the sunset’s eyes… They all said Lobitos had the most beautiful sunsets. But they never realized that the sunset had the most beautiful Lobitos.

Upon reflection on my experience volunteering at EcoSwell, I think one of the most important things I learned that the way to create change is through sustainable maintenance of projects. Many NGOs in developing countries is that they tend to start projects, when volunteers come, and discontinue them, once the volunteers leave. This is a problem because many of the projects that foreign volunteers start don’t get completed, or break down without continued maintenance. EcoSwell does things a little differently. In my experience, EcoSwell’s focus is on the maintenance and sustainability of existing projects. Although some volunteers do initiate new projects, the vast majority of volunteers spend their time sustaining projects that currently exist. The sustainability involves regular upkeep, reflection, and redesign. This leads to lasting impact in the Lobitos community and is one of the reasons I think EcoSwell has accomplished so much. I am proud to have had the opportunity to be apart of this process, and believe that the impact I had helping sustain a current project was far greater than the impact I would have had starting a new project that may or may not continue. I think the meeting I had with the fishermen was a success, and hopefully the work I did to help educate the fisherman on their solar energy use will ensure that they treat the solar energy system with care is sustained long into the future. I also feel confident that the EcoSwell team, and their partners, will continue to improve the solar energy project and build off the work I have done. Can’t wait to see what is next!

I spent three weeks in Lobitos with the EcoSwell team. Upon my arrival, the first thing I noticed was how quickly the new arrivals were assimilated into the EcoSwell life and routine. Within a few days of living and working with the directors and the other volunteers it felt like I had been there for months. Overall, my time at the EcoSwell house was life changing. I learned more about sustainability than I ever did in a classroom in college. I had been working in Washington DC for a year prior to my time in Lobitos and the three weeks I spent there were exactly what I needed to reinvigorate my passion for living sustainably and doing my part to ensure the future of this planet. Lobitos is a magical place and the work EcoSwell is doing will help to ensure a bright future for Lobitos and many other places in years to come. I give my highest recommendation for this program for anyone out there who is interested in NGOs and how they operate as well as anyone looking to make a positive impact on this planet we call home.