GoAbroad

Education & English Teaching Internship in Ecuador

by El Terreno

Inquire Here
group photo of El Terreno team
$100-300Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.5 / 5Overall Rating
2Reviews
2021Year established

Program Overview

Join this hands-on, personalized internship and help provide low-income Indigenous communities with greater opportunities by teaching English.

THE CHALLENGE
In rural Ecuador, limited resources lead to poor education: 1 in 10 are illiterate, and only 24% finish middle school. Few speak English. With 40% of the population living in poverty, English can open opportunities in tourism. We’ve seen strong demand for our weekly classes—some walk over an hour to attend—but a lasting solution must be more regular and accessible.

THE SOLUTION
We’re seeking interns eager to apply their English teaching, TEFL, or TESOL skills in five nearby communities. You’ll get support from our team to visit schools, meet teachers, design programs, and deliver engaging lessons mainly for children. Gain hands-on experience while making a real difference and creating a brighter future.

OUR METHODOLOGY
Our internships use Design Thinking to co-create solutions with local partners. You’ll learn to observe, ideate, and prototype in real contexts, building skills while driving sustainable change.

During, before, and after your stay—you can explore Ecuador, from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

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 once-in-a-lifetime memories with other interns or volunteers – climb mountains, hike through the jungle, and explore indigenous communities.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Some Program Activity Costs
Wifi Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Group Meals
Some Equipment
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Training
Academic Advising
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Academic Credit
Letter of Recommendation
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support
Internship Placement

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Guaranda, Ecuador

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
  • Winter
  • Short Term
  • Spring
  • 1-3 Months
  • Fall

Starts At

$100-300

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about El Terreno

4.5
2 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
1
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Work Environment
5.0
Social Life
5.0
Internship Placement
4.5
Program Administration
4.5
Living Situation
4.5
Health & Safety
4.5

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews

Valery BenavidesSpain · June 2025

Where I found home again

Volunteering with El Terreno and the Atandahua community was one of the most meaningful and beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. From the very beginning, I felt completely at home. The warmth, kindness and strength of the people there made it so easy to feel connected, like I belonged. The children at the nursery are full of life, curiosity, and potential—and spending time with them was a true joy. What made this experience so special wasn’t just the work, but the relationships, the cultural connection and the sense of purpose I felt every single day. Reconnecting with my roots in such a personal and heartfelt way is something I’ll always be grateful for. To anyone considering volunteering here: do it. You’ll be embraced by a community that stays with you long after you leave.

Elea CabassutAugust 2022

This experience changed my life and perception of the world

I come back enriched by this experience in the Ecuadorian Andes. Those are the classes with the children that have caught my attention the most but also the connection that we can have with the community. Volunteers are welcome. However, I encourage you to make the effort to learn Spanish and create a connection. You are here to get out of your comfort zone and you will like it, for sure :)

Inquire

Inquire about this program

Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.

Step 1 of 4Timing

How long do you want to travel?

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about El Terreno.

How much does the Education & English Teaching Internship cost?

The Education & English Teaching internship costs $250 per week.

What is the placement duration?

The Education & English Teaching internship lasts a minimum of 4 weeks.

Who can apply for this program?

The program is open for university students, recent graduates, and professionals from around the world. We welcome both interns and volunteers.

What kind of attitude do you look for in interns?

As an organization committed to a community-based approach, we search for ethically minded participants who share our vision for a more vibrant, prosperous, and sustainable world. An ideal participant is passionate, proactive, able to meet deadlines, and takes pride in their work — all while desiring to step outside of their comfort zone, build authentic relationships, and become a member of our international community.

Is it safe to stay in Guaranda and Atandahua?

Yes! El Terreno is based in a peaceful rural community where people know and support each other. The region is considered very safe, and Atandahua even has its own local police station. There have been no security incidents involving our interns or community members since our start in 2021. We also maintain close partnerships with local authorities and provide 24/7 on-site support to ensure all participants feel safe and welcome.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Community Choice Award
Community Choice Awards 2024 Winner
Top Rated Host
Trusted Provider

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like

Listing Photo
Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) logo

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

4.81

70 reviews

Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to assist at the tortoise breeding center. You will be a member of the research and z...

Visit Website View Program
IVHQ Programs
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

4.68

834 reviews

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. ...

Visit Website View Program
GoEco - Wild Animal Rescue Shelter
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization logo

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

4.67

12 reviews

Ecuador - Wild Animal Rescue Shelter

Spend a week getting to know the beautiful city of Quito, Ecuador! Partake in a week of touring and Spanish lessons. Travel highlights include a ...

Visit Website View Program

Have more questions?

We're here to help!

The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and El Terreno is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Request Program RecommendationsAsk a Question

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997