GoAbroad

Education & English Teaching Internship in Ecuador

$295Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.5 / 5Overall Rating
2Reviews
2021Year established

Program Overview

If you dream of immersing yourself in South America's Andean cultures amid snowcapped volcanoes, while making a real-world impact for rural communities, our International Changemaker Programme is for you.

As part of El Terreno's international community, you'll use your skills on social and environmental projects while discovering your purpose and building skills for a more successful life — no matter your age.

Educational standards in rural Ecuador are worryingly low: 1 in 10 people are illiterate and only 24% continue beyond middle school. Our weekly English classes and school activities are popular, but a lack of people and resources limits how many children we can reach.

Rural schools are eager to learn English from native speakers and explore new teaching approaches. You'll bring fresh ideas to English and other subjects, building children's confidence and giving the next generation the tools to shape their own future. With bilingual coordinators and local mentors, you'll live in community, grow your Spanish, and advance your career.

In your free time, explore Guaranda's markets, hike Chimborazo, or take weekend trips to Quito, Baños, Quilotoa or the coast. Stay in our purpose-built Quilico accommodation, or opt for an immersive family homestay.

Come for the projects. Stay for the community. Leave transformed

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Program Highlights

HANDS-ON PROJECTS — Use your skills to co-create real-world projects alongside our experienced team, institutional stakeholders and low-income, indigenous communities.
PURPOSE DISCOVERY — Grow personally and professionally through workshops, mentoring and ancestral ceremonies, and leave with a certificate, reference and alumni network.
CULTURAL IMMERSION — Experience authentic rural Ecuadorian life through family homestays, cultural activities, language learning and indigenous worldviews.
GLOBAL COMMUNITY — Live, work and play as part of an international group of like-minded individuals, sharing intimate evenings and unforgettable weekend excursions.
EPIC ADVENTURES — Wake up to Chimborazo volcano, surf the Pacific coast, canoe through the Amazon jungle and summit snow-capped mountains — Ecuador has it all!

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

Exclusions

Some Accommodation
All Program Activity Costs
Medical / Accident Insurance
Travel Insurance
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Welcome Dinner
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
Public Transportation Pass
Visa Fees
International SIM Card
Domestic Airfare
International Airfare
Assistance Booking Travel
Student Union Fees
Transcript Fees
Language Lessons
Background Check Fees
Vaccination Costs
TEFL Certification
Job Search Support
Teaching Practicum
TEFL Course Tuition
Souvenirs
TESOL Certification
Job Placement

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Guaranda, Ecuador

Types & Subjects

  • Fields
  • Education
  • Causes
  • Education
  • English Teaching

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

  • 1 week: $295

Refund Policy

Other

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 :)

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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 programme starts at $295/week (4-10 weeks), with discounts for stays of over 10 weeks and for the first 6 bookings. Exact cost depends on length of stay and any additional services chosen (extra meals, private accommodation, health insurance, classes, etc.)

What is the placement duration?

The minimum stay is 4 weeks, with new arrivals welcomed every 2 weeks year-round (with breaks in April, August and December). There's no maximum: stays of 12+ weeks ("Residents") can pioneer their own projects and access additional benefits.

Who can apply for this program?

Anyone 18 or older, of any nationality, with intermediate English or Spanish (B1+ recommended). We look for authentically motivated participants who respect cultural differences, are proactive, and work well both independently and as part of a community.

What kind of attitude do you look for in interns?

We look for genuine motivation and the ability to work independently (punctuality, organisation, deadlines), a positive and proactive attitude despite setbacks, pride in the quality of one's work, and emotional openness and consideration for others.

Is it safe to stay in Guaranda and Atandahua?

Guaranda is one of the safest places in Ecuador, largely due to legally recognised indigenous justice processes. There's a police station in the village, staff on site 24/7, and since 2021 nobody has been robbed or assaulted in the community.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

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

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