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Architecture & Sustainable Construction Internship - Ecuador
by: El Terreno
Join this hands-on internship and help low-income Indigenous communities revive ancestral building techniques to create sustainable housing for all. THE CHALLENGE Before the construction of industrialization, Andean communities built with rich clay soils. Globalization shifted practices to single-skin concrete buildings—faster and “modern,” but colder, costlier, less ecological, and more earthqua...
Join this hands-on internship and help low-income Indigenous communities revive ancestral building techniques to create sustainable housing for all. THE CHALLENGE Before the construction of industrialization, Andean communities built with rich clay soils. Globalization shifted practices to single-skin concrete buildings—faster and “modern,” but colder, costlier, less ecological, and more earthquake-prone. Hundreds of adobe homes now lie in ruin, and as these traditional methods vanish, so does their cultural and architectural heritage. THE SOLUTION We’re helping restore these buildings to preserve heritage and provide future benefits, from dignified homes to income through tourism. With support from our experienced team, join a design or build project to learn how adobe houses are made i...
Program Highlights
Design and deliver a unique internship based on your career aspirations and local needs, supported by an experienced international team.
Advance your career, develop your skills, and improve your résumé through a hands-on project with 1:1 mentoring from a professional in the field.
Make a meaningful difference to low-income populations who lack the education, support, and resources to make the changes themselves.
Immerse yourself in another culture and experience a different way of life through family homestays, cultural activities, and life in a small rural community.
Set off on adventures and make lifetime memories with other interns and volunteers – climb mountains, hike through the jungle, and explore indigenous communities.
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Quick Details
- Guaranda, Ecuador
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Birdwatching
- Camping
- Eco Tours
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Construction See more
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Community-Based Architecture Intern
May 14, 2026by: Kinley Yangden - BhutanProgram: Architecture & Sustainable Construction Internship - Ecuador
Specifically speaking from a point of view of an Architectural Intern, I enjoyed a lot working on the projects and hands-on experience with Gina and her family. I learned a lot being fully immersed with the culture and people in the community. I am also grateful for the push and support the mentors and other volunteers and interns gave to work on the projects.
Immersed in the context of a pure living environment
March 26, 2026by: Tibert Merckx - BelgiumProgram: Architecture & Sustainable Construction Internship - Ecuador
I can only recommend an internship at El Terreno. In addition to the architecture programme, I learned so much from the other people around me. It was an adventure that will stay with me for the rest of my life and has opened the door to travelling through South America for me.
Una de las mejores experiencias de mi vida !
January 01, 2026by: Sofia Duque - ColombiaProgram: Architecture & Sustainable Construction Internship - Ecuador
Quería hacer parte de un proyecto que usaba materiales naturales para una arquitectura social y sostenible. Definitivamente una experiencia genial tanto en el aspecto humano como profesional, lo recomiendo al 100%.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Guaranda, Ecuador
Types and Subjects
- Adventure Types
- Birdwatching
- Camping
- Eco Tours
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Some Program Activity Costs
- Wifi Costs
- Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Learn More?
Join this hands-on internship and help low-income Indigenous communities revive ancestral building techniques to create sustainable housing for all. THE CHALLENGE Before the construction of industrialization, Andean communities built with rich clay soils. Globalization shifted practices to single-skin concrete buildings—faster and “modern,” but colder, costlier, less ecological, and more earthquake-prone. Hundreds of adobe homes now lie in ruin, and as these traditional methods vanish, so does their cultural and architectural heritage. THE SOLUTION We’re helping restore these buildings to preserve heritage and provide future benefits, from dignified homes to income through tourism. With support from our experienced team, join a design or build project to learn how adobe houses are made i...
El Terreno
El Terreno
Ready to Learn More?
Join this hands-on internship and help low-income Indigenous communities revive ancestral building techniques to create sustainable housing for all. THE CHALLENGE Before the construction of industrialization, Andean communities built with rich clay soils. Globalization shifted practices to single-skin concrete buildings—faster and “modern,” but colder, costlier, less ecological, and more earthquake-prone. Hundreds of adobe homes now lie in ruin, and as these traditional methods vanish, so does their cultural and architectural heritage. THE SOLUTION We’re helping restore these buildings to preserve heritage and provide future benefits, from dignified homes to income through tourism. With support from our experienced team, join a design or build project to learn how adobe houses are made i...
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