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Volunteer Coordinator in Rural Ecuador

by: El Terreno

5 (1)VerifiedSince 2021

Want to use your coordination skills to help create something meaningful? This position is for you! Manage a volunteer program that maintains a thriving cultural exchange center in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Coordinate and help with the cooking and chores around the center to create a clean, welcoming space for visitors and locals to live and work. Join us in supporting those who serve the community! 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. Activities (25 volunteer hours per week, Monday to Friday): Coordinate and train new volunteers. Help with cooking, cleaning & chores around the center. Implement strategies promoting a clean and welcoming space. Write procedures to help with the implementation of the volunteer program. 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.

Program Highlights

Use your coordination skills to help build, maintain, and run a community space where visitors and locals work on sustainable development projects.

Experience traditional indigenous culture: language, clothing, markets, music, food, buildings, and ways of life!

Get to know the warm local people of Ecuador and improve your Spanish with them; they are always keen to chat.

Strengthen your leadership skills and build friendships with international volunteers and interns.

Experience Ecuador's huge diversity in only an hour's drive—hike in the mountains, bird watch in the jungle, and explore colonial villages.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Guaranda, Ecuador
Starts At: No Costs
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 3-6 Months
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Community Centers
  • Cooking
  • Environment
  • Grassroots Organization
  • Volunteer Management
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

A true Ecuadorian experience

August 16, 2022by: Kasper
5

was a volunteer and intern coordinator from May to July 22'. The peaceful solitude of the mountain village of Antandahua and with companionship of other volunteers, is a great place to not only help the community, but also help yourself gain inward perspective. We went through a 3 week 'Paro'. This consisted of road blocks and political demonstrations from the indigionous factions. The last day we cooked dinner on the outside firewood stove, because like everybody else were out or gas. The beautiful thing is, that during the Paro we were safe, because of our connections with and contributions to the community we live. If you or your family are concerned about safety, this is probably one of the safest places in South America. The location is also a good Basecamp in the middle of Ecuador, to explore other places in the 3-day long weekend. You will have your own unique experiences here, because you will be met with open arms and probably leave in tears.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Guaranda, Ecuador

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Community Centers
  • Cooking
  • Environment
  • Grassroots Organization
  • Volunteer Management

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 3-6 Months

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples

Starts At

No Costs

Program Cost Includes

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

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Home-stays

Salary & Compensation

For 25 hours of work a week we provide you the following: Comfortable dormitory accommodation Cooked Lunches Monday-Friday Essential amenities (bedsheets, blankets, hand soap, bottled water, and toilet paper). Access to a communal kitchen furnished with a cooker, fridge, microwave, and coffee maker Personal storage space for food items. 20mb/s fiber optic WiFi. Dedicated hand-washing station for laundry Available office amenities (desks, projector, whiteboard) Recreational activities (hammock, ping pong table, guitar) Free-Time Activity Recommendations Cultural Immersion in Rural Community Optional ability to help out with weekly English classes with local children Written Personal Reference

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Resume

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the programme?

The internship lasts a minimum of 12 weeks. 

What kind of attitude do you look for in interns?

As an organisation 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, can work to deadlines, and takes pride in their work — all this 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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