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Ecology & Sustainable Agriculture Internship, Rural Ecuador
by: El Terreno
Help low-income indigenous communities transition from deforestation and the use of agrochemicals towards sustainable and regenerative farming. The challenge: Ecuador is the 8th most biodiverse country in the world. Although the agricultural province of Bolivar has some of the country's widest variety of flora and fauna, it is one of the country's poorest. There is a high rate of malnutrition, il...
Help low-income indigenous communities transition from deforestation and the use of agrochemicals towards sustainable and regenerative farming. The challenge: Ecuador is the 8th most biodiverse country in the world. Although the agricultural province of Bolivar has some of the country's widest variety of flora and fauna, it is one of the country's poorest. There is a high rate of malnutrition, illiteracy, and poverty. Their reliance on agrochemicals has degraded soils and contaminated rivers and drinking water. Native forests have been replaced with fields and eucalyptus trees, biodiversity has plummeted, water security is threatened, and landslides are common. Since the war with Ukraine, the cost of agrochemicals has increased significantly, but the sale price of the limited range of pr...
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 or volunteers - climb mountains, hike through the jungle, and explore indigenous communities.
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Quick Details
- Guaranda, Ecuador
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Fall
- Short Term
- Spring
- Agriculture
- Biology
- Ecology
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- See more
- All Nationalities
Awards



Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
More than I ever hoped for — an unforgettable 4-week journey
June 30, 2025by: Katrina Chan - AustraliaProgram: Ecology & Sustainable Agriculture Internship, Rural EcuadorFor over 5 years I’ve been wanting to have a meaningful volunteering experience in a part of the world that I’ve never been to, and my time in El Terreno was everything I’d hoped for and more! It was a mixture of hands on experience with local guidance, interesting cultural learnings about the region, Ecuador and South America, interactions with the local communities in a language I didn’t really understand but somehow managed to communicate in, and it’s an experience I won’t forget! In those short 4 weeks, I met people from all sorts of background, and discovered so much about myself and the world. There is a lot out there to discover and a lot of needs to be met, so I’d encourage everyone to give this experience a go and give back in any way you can. You might learn something new about yourself!
A deep dive into Andean culture, community life, and personal growth
June 30, 2025by: Aine Laverty - ScotlandProgram: Ecology & Sustainable Agriculture Internship, Rural EcuadorWhat did you most enjoy about your experience? Everything! I loved getting involved with the community. I loved the days up at the school, getting to know the kids, chatting, playing, working on the garden together. I loved the days we spent walking around the land, identifying and mapping the ojos de agua. I loved all of the mingas. I loved being invited along to attend the meetings (even if I didn’t understand everything!). I loved being invited to join the disfile for carnaval with one of the families. I loved how much I learnt! From Sebastian, not only about various farming techniques, native plants and trees, how the water supply works etc but also about cultura andina, traditional methods, beliefs, medicines and how integral it is to the communities. I learned so much from Joshua and Karina about life in Ecuador in general - politics, culture, places! From the communities about life in the Andes. Seeing real progress. Although not complete, we planted in the garden and only had some parts left to finish. With the reforestation project, we mapped, observed whilst Sebastian coordinated where and when with the community and then planted in the minga! I loved the structure of the project. Daily check ins were great to get energised, feel appreciation, check in with each other and to stay up to date about what everyone else was up to. Delicious communal lunch was very much appreciated for the great food and social aspect also. Quilico is perfect. Comfortable, beautiful surroundings, sociable. Great recommendations for local walks - the Komoot link was great! List of things to do on days off. Joshua also shared lots of info of things happening around Guaranda.
A really great and meaningful experience!
June 16, 2025by: Nathan nathan.pionchon2006@gmail.com - FranceProgram: Ecology & Sustainable Agriculture Internship, Rural EcuadorVolunteering at El Terreno in Atandahua was a really great and meaningful experience. I joined a reforesting project, helping to give and plant trees to local communities. I learned a lot about how trees help bring back natural springs, and also improved my social and language skills. The volunteer team felt like a family, and the local people were super kind. El Terreno is a place where anyone can find a project that fits them, even without any experience. I really recommend it to anyone who wants to help and learn in a friendly and safe place.

Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Guaranda, Ecuador
Types and Subjects
- Fields
- Agriculture
- Biology
- Ecology
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Fall
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
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
Ready to Learn More?
Help low-income indigenous communities transition from deforestation and the use of agrochemicals towards sustainable and regenerative farming. The challenge: Ecuador is the 8th most biodiverse country in the world. Although the agricultural province of Bolivar has some of the country's widest variety of flora and fauna, it is one of the country's poorest. There is a high rate of malnutrition, illiteracy, and poverty. Their reliance on agrochemicals has degraded soils and contaminated rivers and drinking water. Native forests have been replaced with fields and eucalyptus trees, biodiversity has plummeted, water security is threatened, and landslides are common. Since the war with Ukraine, the cost of agrochemicals has increased significantly, but the sale price of the limited range of pr...

El Terreno

El Terreno
Ready to Learn More?
Help low-income indigenous communities transition from deforestation and the use of agrochemicals towards sustainable and regenerative farming. The challenge: Ecuador is the 8th most biodiverse country in the world. Although the agricultural province of Bolivar has some of the country's widest variety of flora and fauna, it is one of the country's poorest. There is a high rate of malnutrition, illiteracy, and poverty. Their reliance on agrochemicals has degraded soils and contaminated rivers and drinking water. Native forests have been replaced with fields and eucalyptus trees, biodiversity has plummeted, water security is threatened, and landslides are common. Since the war with Ukraine, the cost of agrochemicals has increased significantly, but the sale price of the limited range of pr...
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