GoAbroad
Kaya Responsible Travel participant with the locals
Social Justice Internship in Ecuador logo

Social Justice Internship in Ecuador

by: Kaya Responsible Travel

5 (1)VerifiedSince 2008

Sign up for this program and contribute to efforts in turning into reality the equal distribution of privileges, opportunities, and wealth within the Ecuadorian society. The Social Justice Internship in Ecuador collaborates with several local organizations based in and around central Quito. They work in certain areas of social and legal rights – gender, LGBTQ+, human, nature, and housing – as well as gender violence. Your placement depends on your experience, interests, and skills. As a social justice intern, contribute to the ultimate goal of equal social, political, and economic opportunities and rights for everyone. You’ll make a lasting impact by helping address relevant issues faced by Ecuadorian NGOs and local communities. You could provide a safe meeting place and help organize social activities for the members of an LGBTQ+ community. Or, you could help give access to clean, drinkable water and sanitation systems. This internship program is available starting Spring, with arrivals throughout the year and a duration of 4-12 weeks. You will go through the interview process to help us determine your eligibility and to place you with a suitable organization.

Program Highlights

Support your career aspirations with practical experience in areas like social justice, human rights, psychology, and nonprofit development.

Contribute to initiatives aimed toward social injustices in Ecuador.

Provide confidence to organizations and communities fighting their causes at a local level.

Live with a local host family who will gladly share their home and traditions with you.

Improve your Spanish language skills while immersing yourself in the Ecuadorian way of life.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Quito, Ecuador
Availability
Intern Duration:
  • 1-3 Months
Age Requirement: 18-35
Types & Subjects
Fields:
  • Criminal Justice
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Work
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Awards

Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

1

A meaningful, responsible, and low-cost experience of a lifetime

October 26, 2022by: Abbey Van Allsburg - United States
5

I'm so thankful for Kaya Responsible Travel. At the end of my college experience, I desperately wanted to go abroad and experience living in another culture both in a meaningful way for me and in an impactful way for the community. I also didn't have much money. I gravitated toward Kaya right away for their cost-efficient programs as well as their commitment to traveling responsibly (as is in their name). Kaya was very personable from the start, my advisor listened to my wishes and concerns and helped me choose a program based my interests and skillsets. It was clear that my advisor was not rushing me to sign up, but wanted to find a program that fit my needs as well as find a program who would benefit most from having me as a volunteer. My internship on Social Justice in Ecuador was more amazing than I could have imagined. The program head in Ecuador was thorough in the orientation, excited to get to know the volunteers and interns, and ready to provide assistance in any way. She explained how the money from our tuition and tourism was circulating in the local community and the importance of responsible travel. I lived with a wonderful host family and felt equally supported at my internship. My internship was assisting a local, LGBTQ+ NGO on administration and events planning and implantation. My supervisor was excited to have me and interested in any input I had. In my free time, I did lots of hiking. The program head helped answer any questions about the logistics of traveling throughout the country, which favorite places to go to, and gave suggestions on tour guides to hire. I'd highly recommend this program for anyone looking for a high-impact internship program with great in-country support.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Quito, Ecuador

Types and Subjects

  • Fields
  • Criminal Justice
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Work

Availability

Intern Duration:
  • 1-3 Months

Age Requirement

18-35

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh

This Program is also open to Solo

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • International SIM Card
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Pre-Departure Orientation

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • Spanish

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What area of social justice will you work with in this internship?

Kaya works with numerous local organizations that dedicate themselves to different causes. Each intern will be matched with a specific organization based on their skills and interests! You can work with the following social justice areas;

  • Human rights
  • Housing rights
  • LGBTQI+ rights
  • Gender violence
  • Gender equality rights
  • Nature rights

Do I need a visa to intern in Ecuador?

You may need to apply for a temporary resident visa to intern in Ecuador. Rest assured that our advisors will help you with every step of the preparation process!

What level of Spanish is needed for this internship?

All interns looking to apply for this social justice internship must have a basic grasp of the Spanish language. A minimum of A2 level CEFR is required! However, if you’re looking for an intensive course or refresh before you begin your internship, we have courses available for all levels! Find out more information here.

Why be part of social justice in Ecuador?

Ecuador faces chronic human rights challenges, including weak institutions, poor prison conditions, violence against women, restrictions on women’s and girls’ access to reproductive healthcare and a disregard for indigenous rights. As an intern, you will be able to gain invaluable experience working first hand with companies that create an impact every day.

What if my question isn't answered here?

If you have any questions that aren't listed here, please feel free to contact our friendly Kaya advisors who are available to answer any of your questions, no matter how small! Alternatively, you can request a brochure.

Kaya Responsible Travel

Kaya Responsible Travel

5Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Sign up for this program and contribute to efforts in turning into reality the equal distribution of privileges, opportunities, and wealth within the Ecuadorian society. The Social Justice Internship in Ecuador collaborates with several local organizations based in and around central Quito. They work in certain areas of social and legal rights – gender, LGBTQ+, human, nature, and housing – as well as gender violence. Your placement depends on your experience, interests, and skills. As a social justice intern, contribute to the ultimate goal of equal social, political, and economic opportunities and rights for everyone. You’ll make a lasting impact by helping address relevant issues faced by Ecuadorian NGOs and local communities. You could provide a safe meeting place and help organize s...

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like