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Education & English Teaching Internship in Ecuador
by: El Terreno
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.
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.
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.
Quick Details
- Guaranda, Ecuador
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Winter
- Education
- Education
- English Teaching
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Where I found home again
June 16, 2025by: Valery Benavides - SpainVolunteering 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.
This experience changed my life and perception of the world
August 19, 2022by: Elea CabassutI 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 :)
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Guaranda, Ecuador
Types and Subjects
- Fields
- Education
- Causes
- Education
- English Teaching
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Winter
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Fall
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- 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
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- English
- Spanish
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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