GoAbroad

Journalism & Multimedia Internship in Ecuador

$295Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 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.

Rural Guaranda is one of Ecuador's poorest regions, with high rates of poverty (40%), child malnutrition (48%) and teenage pregnancy. Five centuries after colonisation, globalisation and migration threaten the Kichwa language and cultural heritage, as young people leave for the cities or the US.

With just a generation or two before much of this culture could be lost, documenting it has never been more urgent. Through photography, film, writing and digital storytelling, you'll share these communities' stories with the world and inspire young people to take pride in their ancestral roots. 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
Wifi Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Some Equipment
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Training
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Letter of Recommendation
Certificate of Completion
Internship Placement
Some Program Activity Costs
Group Meals
Academic Credit
Emergency Support
Academic Advising

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
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Communications
  • Creative Writing
  • Development
  • International Relations
  • Journalism
  • Liberal Arts
  • Marketing, Advertising, & PR
  • Media
  • Music
  • Photography
  • Sustainable Development
  • Causes
  • Journalism

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

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

Education Levels & Language

  • 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

5.0
2 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
2
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0
Internship Placement
5.0
Work Environment
5.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews

Louise FaesBelgium · February 2025

Incredible meaningful & amazing experience!

It was an incredible experience. Not only did I find a space to work on my own project, but I was also surrounded by an inspiring and collaborative atmosphere. I loved how everyone in the house was deeply involved in their own projects as well as with the local communities. Joshua was a great help with my photography project, connecting me with other people and communities. This project opened my eyes to new perspectives and possibilities. I never thought I could do all these things at 20 years old, and visit so many places, meet so many new people & cultures but with the trust of Joshua & everyone else in the house everything became possible!

Jeff YuMay 2022

It’s totally worth it!

Joshua was a great host, with an inspiring vision and making a difference in the community. It’s such a unique project that introduced me to so many concepts like permaculture, I’ve come away with a massively widened worldview. As for Joshua itself, I was absolutely blown away by his incredible patience- after filming for hours and hours to produce the video, he never lost it at all. If anything, he only became more invested and passionate about the video project, generating tons of ideas and suggestion, and being incredibly cooperative and flexible in the process of giving time to complete it. The area is also very interesting - I was looking to get away from the touristy parts of Ecuador and in the countryside, you are absolutely getting a true taste of Ecuador! From hitchhiking on the camioneta pick up trucks into town to buying food on the side of the road in the village of Guanujo, to shopping in the nearby provincial capital of Guaranda, you can get a piece of all types of life. One thing though - if you come in the winter, beware, as it does get pretty cold! (50F) but other than that, it’s totally worth it!

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much does the Journalism & Multimedia 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 duration of the internship?

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 the Journalism & Multimedia Internship?

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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