GoAbroad

Social Enterprise Gardening, Maintenance, & More

$295Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.0 / 5Overall Rating
1Review
2021Year established

Program Overview

Want to use your skills to help low-income rural communities in Ecuador? This position is for you! Join us and become integral to promoting and growing El Terreno's initiatives. Work alongside the founder and other key stakeholders to help design and implement strategies that ensure long-term success. This role offers the chance to apply your skills abroad and tackle new challenges. Bring your creativity and ideas!

Specialists needed:
Building & Maintenance
Permaculture & Gardening

Work 25-35 hours a week (Mon-Fri) based on your choice: 5 hours/day with a $25 weekly contribution to cover utilities, or 7 hours/day at no cost.

- Learn about our vision, models & strategy.
- Work alongside the core team & stakeholders to design strategies.
- Develop a framework to deliver your strategy.
- Use your skills and ability to work independently to implement your strategy.
- Build relationships with potential collaborators.
- Evaluate your success and add your valuable experience to your resume.

You will also have the chance to explore Ecuador’s incredible diversity — from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands — during weekends, or before and after your stay.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

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

No Inclusions
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Wifi Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Letter of Recommendation

Exclusions

Some Accommodation
All Program Activity Costs
Some 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
Academic Credit
Souvenirs
TESOL Certification
Job Placement

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Guaranda, Ecuador

Types & Subjects

  • Causes
  • Agriculture
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Business
  • Community Centers
  • Conservation
  • Culture
  • Environment
  • Grassroots Organization
  • Historic Preservation
  • Small Business Development

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

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

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Resume

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 3-6 Months

Starts At

  • 1 week: $295

Refund Policy

Other

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about El Terreno

4.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Volunteer Placement
4.0
Living Situation
4.0
Health & Safety
4.0
Day to Day Life
3.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1 of 1 review

Cyrille Du PlessisFrance · August 2022

A great opportunity to immerse in local community

Joshua is a great guy with an ambitious vision. He takes care of the volunteers and is opened to discussion. He is the leader everyone whished to have. The project is meaningful and made me feel useful and part of the community. I enjoyed organising cooking classes for the locals and helping building the house in the mindle of the mountains was a breathtaking experience (in both senses, don't forget you are at 2700m of altitude). I will definitely recommend this experience!

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What kind of attitude do you look for in associates?

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.

What is the duration of the programme?

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.

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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The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and El Terreno is also happy to answer any questions you have.

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