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Mural & Community Arts Internship in Ecuador

by: El Terreno

5 (1)VerifiedSince 2021

A hands-on, personalized internship to help indigenous communities build pride in their cultural identity through creative workshops and artworks. The challenge: The Indigenous communities surrounding Atandahua have few opportunities and resources. Children study in dilapidated schools and receive basic education with minimal creative expression or cultural reinforcement. This affects their personal and cultural identity; many do not see a future beyond what they see around them. The solution: Art can bring communities together, build confidence and transferable skills, and transform communal spaces into vibrant hubs with powerful symbology that can change people's perceptions of themselves. We're looking for passionate interns who can work with children and community groups to design and implement arts programs that result in community-wide impacts that can be a stepping stone to a better life. Our proven methodology Our programs are built around the Design Thinking methodology, ensuring that every solution meets the unique needs of low-income populations. You’ll engage deeply with local stakeholders to understand root challenges, co-create ideas, and test solutions.

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

Locations:
  • Guaranda, Ecuador
Starts At: $100-300
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
  • Winter
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Fields:
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Development
  • Education
  • Graphic Design
  • Liberal Arts
  • Media
  • Photography
  • Sustainable Development
  • Theater, Drama, & Dance
Causes:
  • Arts
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Awards

Community Choice AwardCommunity Choice Awards 2024 WinnerTop Rated HostTrusted Provider

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

1

I will be thinking about all that I learned here for a long time

June 02, 2022by: Kenzie Wilkinson
5

Our stay with Joshua and Karina was so far beyond my expectations. They - and their entire community in Atandahua - embraced us and shared their music, dancing, food, stories, adventures, and work. It is a truly special place and Joshua is kind, organized, communicative, and inspiring. The work is fun and very fair, the accommodations are comfortable, the community and the group of volunteers is lovely and easy to build friendships within. I highly recommend this project to anyone looking to experience this region in a real way, and to become immersed in a small, hard-working community with a beautiful vision for the future. I will be thinking about all that I learned here for a long time.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Guaranda, Ecuador

Types and Subjects

  • Fields
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Development
  • Education
  • Graphic Design
  • Liberal Arts
  • Media
  • Photography
  • Sustainable Development
  • Theater, Drama, & Dance
  • Causes
  • Arts

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
  • Winter
Intern Duration:
  • 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

$100-300

Program Cost Includes

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

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Phone/Video Interview
    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does the Mural & Community Arts Internship cost?

    The Mural & Community Arts internship costs $250 per week.

    What is the duration of this internship?

    The Mural & Community Arts internship lasts a minimum of 4 weeks.

    Where will the Mural & Community Arts Internship take place?

    The Mural & Community Arts Internship will be based in Atandahua, Guaranda, Ecuador.

    Who can apply for the internship?

    The program is open for university students, recent graduates, and professionals from around the world. Volunteers are also welcome to apply.

    What are the application requirements?

    To enroll in the internship, applicants must:
    • be passionate about sustainable development
    • show cultural sensitivity
    • possess teamwork, adaptability, strong communication, and problem-solving skills
    • have physical resilience and the willingness to learn
    • practice personal hygiene
    A related academic background is beneficial but not mandatory. A Spanish B1 level is preferred.

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