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Ecology & Sustainable Agriculture Internship, Rural Ecuador logo

Ecology & Sustainable Agriculture Internship, Rural Ecuador

by: El Terreno

9.71 (7)Verified

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...

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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.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Guaranda, Ecuador
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundIntern Duration:
  • 1-3 Months
  • 3-6 Months
  • Fall
  • Short Term
  • Spring
Cost Per Week$100-300
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Agriculture
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Awards

Community Choice Awards 2024 WinnerTop Rated HostTrusted Provider

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.71

Total Reviews

7

More than I ever hoped for — an unforgettable 4-week journey

June 30, 2025by: Katrina Chan - AustraliaProgram: Ecology & Sustainable Agriculture Internship, Rural Ecuador
10

For 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 Ecuador
10

What 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 Ecuador
10

Volunteering 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.

Reforestation Project

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

Intern Duration:
  • 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

$100-300

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

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Phone/Video Interview
    • Online Application
    El Terreno

    El Terreno

    9.71Verified

    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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