Nursery Development & Education Internship in Ecuador
by El Terreno
Program Overview
Support the development of a rural nursery and vibrant education for toddlers (1–3 years) from low-income Indigenous families.
THE CHALLENGE
In rural Ecuador, many families struggle to care for and feed their toddlers. Men often migrate to earn an income, while women balance childcare with long hours in the fields. Government-run nurseries offer free meals and care for toddlers aged 1–3, but are underfunded and lack adequate infrastructure, materials, and funds to pay staff.
THE SOLUTION
Make a real impact! Work with local teachers and parents to redesign and decorate spaces, run small fundraising campaigns for essential materials, or help with creative daily activities that nurture children’s learning and wellbeing.
OUR METHODOLOGY
Our internships use Design Thinking to co-create solutions with local stakeholders. You will learn to observe, ideate, and prototype in real contexts, building skills while supporting sustainable change. This program is also open to volunteers.
During weekends—or before and after your stay—you’ll also have the chance to explore Ecuador’s incredible diversity, from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands.
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Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.
Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Winter
- Education
- Nursing
- Childcare & Children
- Education
- Youth Development
Updated Jul 17, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Guaranda, Ecuador
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- 2026
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- Spanish
- English
- Education
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Home-stays
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
- Written Application
- Other
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Winter
- 1-3 Months
- Fall
Starts At
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about El Terreno.
How much does the Internship placement cost?
The cost of this Nursery Development & Education Internship is $250 per week.
What is the duration of the Internship?
The internship program lasts at least 4 weeks.
Who can apply for this program?
The program is open for university students, recent graduates, and professionals from around the world. We also welcome 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
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