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El Terreno

4.59 (73)VerifiedSince 202121 Programs

Why choose El Terreno?

El Terreno is an Ecuadorian organization, based in Bolivar—one of Ecuador's smallest, poorest, and most ecologically diverse provinces. Communities in this province suffer from low education, health, economic and living standards, with hundreds of families relying primarily on conventional agriculture and livestock. In line with this, the organization aims to create opportunities for locals to ...

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El Terreno Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.59

Total Reviews

73
Leave a Review

Physio in Healtcenter

June 25, 2026by: Noah Attmanspacher - Germany

Program: Medicine & Public Health Internship in Ecuador

5

My experience at El Terreno was truly recommendable. During my time there, I had the opportunity to participate in physiotherapy projects and work closely with the community, which allowed me to apply my knowledge while learning from the people around me. This experience gave me a better understanding of the importance of accessible healthcare, human connection, and community-based support. I appreciated the welcoming environment, the cultural exchange, and the opportunity to contribute through my field of study. It was a valuable experience both professionally and personally, and I would highly recommend El Terreno to anyone looking for a meaningful learning journey.

Restoring Atandhua

June 25, 2026by: Harrison Cadle - United Kingdom

Program: Architecture & Sustainable Construction Internship - Ecuador

5

El Terreno was an incredible experience, one that is difficult to fully explain because it is something that can only truly be understood by living it. My time there allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, connect with new perspectives, and experience a way of life that completely changed how I see the world. Through the people, the community, and the daily experiences, I gained a deeper appreciation for simplicity, collaboration, and the value of meaningful human connections. This journey expanded the small bubble I once lived in and gave me a renewed perspective on life, personal growth, and the impact we can create when we engage with others. If I had the opportunity to relive the entire experience again, I would do it without hesitation. El Terreno will always remain a meaningful chapter of my life.

Internship Rural Ecuador Architecture

Building with Purpose

June 25, 2026by: Ashley Dever - United States

Program: Architecture & Sustainable Construction Internship - Ecuador

5

Learning traditional construction methods with native materials, and working directly with community residents provided the ideal cultural immersion and educational experience to expand my knowledge of vernacular architecture.

Rural Ecuador Andes Architecture Internship

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Cristian Daniel Vargas Altamirano

Cristian Daniel Vargas Altamirano

Interviewed in 2023

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

El Terreno, in Bolivar's province in Ecuador, is the poorest province in the country and the last province in every statistic. It has the worst economy, education, technology, environmental policies, social development, etc.

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Sebastián Araya

Sebastián Araya

Interviewed in 2023

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

The main thing that inspired me to work with El Terreno is to be of service. This means in service to the interns, the communities we work with, and the natural world. Here we work on ecological issues, using community principles and values.

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Lucía Carolina Mayorga Naranjo

Lucía Carolina Mayorga Naranjo

Interviewed in 2023

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

First of all, the impact of being a teacher on the lives of students inspired me. The best reason to be a teacher was that I wanted to have a positive, inspiring impact on children's lives. I achieved this by being kind, caring, empathic, passionate, and funny.

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El Terreno

El Terreno

4.59Verified

Ready to Learn More?

El Terreno is an Ecuadorian organization, based in Bolivar—one of Ecuador's smallest, poorest, and most ecologically diverse provinces. Communities in this province suffer from low education, health, economic and living standards, with hundreds of families relying primarily on conventional agriculture and livestock. In line with this, the organization aims to create opportunities for locals to learn and practice sustainable methods of developing and improving their economy while preserving their heritage. They bring together local Ecuadorians and other tourists across the globe to collaborate towards ecosystem regeneration, promote indigenous culture, propose employment opportunities, and provide a wide range of eco and community tourism experiences. El Terreno offers a variety of pr...

Awards

Check out awards and recognitions El Terreno has received

Community Choice AwardCommunity Choice Awards 2024 WinnerTop Rated HostTrusted Provider