Summer Volunteer Programs in Ecuador

I learned so much while being here. The internship didn't even feel like work but more like an aadventure while also gaining experience and ECTS (Uni Credits) on the side. The team is amazing and the atmosphere while working was always very relaxed while still getting a lot done with being surrounded by the great view and friendly people.

I learned so much while being here. The internship didn't even feel like work but more like an aadventure while also gaining experience and ECTS (Uni Credits) on the side. The team is amazing and the atmosphere while working was always very relaxed while still getting a lot done with being surrounded by the great view and friendly people.

My experience at El Terreno was an amazing opportunity to learn about architecture in a completely different context. Working alongside local people allowed me to understand how traditional construction methods, native materials, and the environment can influence the way buildings are designed. I really enjoyed being able to combine what I have learned through my studies with hands-on work in the community. Beyond the architectural experience, I also appreciated the cultural exchange and the opportunity to learn from the people of the Andes. It was a valuable experience that helped me grow both professionally and personally.

# Gender Internship Testimonial > El Terreno was a very nice place to meet people from all around the world, work with local people, and learn about the way of life of a small community in the Andes. During my Gender Internship, I had the opportunity to connect with community members, learn from their experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural realities that shape everyday life in rural communities. The experience allowed me to broaden my perspective, develop a greater appreciation for different ways of living, and understand the importance of working together with communities. It was a meaningful experience that combined cultural exchange, personal growth, and valuable learning.

El Terreno was supposed to be a brief learning experience for me, a way to immerse myself in hands on work and building techniques. What it was in actuality, was the creation of a place where people and place come together in harmony. From the local community welcoming us with open arms and teaching their traditional techniques, to the days off spent with strangers who turned into friends; El Terreno reminded me what it means to be at home. It is not a place, but a feeling, that with the right components can be transported anywhere. A little piece of my heart will always remain in the family and home that we built.

My experience at El Terreno was truly special. During my time in the Architecture programme, I had the opportunity to work directly with the community and learn more about local construction methods, traditional materials, and the importance of architecture that responds to its cultural and environmental context. What made the experience even more meaningful was being able to contribute to a project that had a real impact on the people around me. Knowing that my work helped make a young man happy was a simple but incredibly rewarding moment that I will always remember. El Terreno gave me the opportunity to learn, create, connect with the community, and see the personal impact that architecture can have. :)

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship at El Terreno and feel accomplished in all the work we completed. I loved being able to work directly with the community and build meaningful connections with locals. I think the El Terreno internship program is unique in this way, because you are able to fully assess problems and opportunities in the community to ensure your project is actually beneficial. I also loved the freedom to develop the project plan throughout my time in Atandahua. There was so much support behind me in all my tasks as well as setting up meetings with people in so many expertise. I also got to meet so many interesting people from all over the world with similar goals. The lunches were also amazing and I am definitely missing them now. I am so grateful for my time at El Terreno and I would definitely recommend this program if you are interested in meaningful community development.

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.

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.

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.

Projects Abroad is an exceptional program!! I would recommend volunteering at any of the locations to get an insight into the conservation. I learned so much about the culture of the people, how living among the sea lions, iguanas & any other creature is respected, & how family is so important. I can't say enough about this program!!!! At the age of 78 I couldn't have asked for a more enriching experience !!! You're never too old to learn something new!!

I can’t say enough about this experience, from environmental work to helping the community, it taught me a lot about myself. The people were amazing and the trip was really well organized. William Pugh was fantastic in his support of us. This was a truly life changing experience. Thank you!

Thank you for this experience and for welcoming me in Atandahua. I will never forget this time. During my stay, I had the opportunity to work closely with local families on the chocho production project, learning about the agricultural processes, challenges, and traditions that are such an important part of the community. It was inspiring to see the dedication and resilience of the farmers and to contribute, even in a small way, to a project that supports local livelihoods. Beyond the work itself, what made this experience truly special was the kindness and generosity of the people I met. Living and working alongside the community allowed me to better understand their culture, values, and daily life. I am grateful for every conversation, every shared meal, and every lesson learned. The friendships, memories, and experiences I gained in Atandahua will stay with me forever, and I will always look back on this time with gratitude and appreciation.

I absolutely loved my stay at El Terreno. I had the opportunity to apply my passion of social entrepreneurship to craft a project with the incredible support of the El Terreno staff and mentors. I am so grateful for El Terreno as it has shaped my life trajectory and pushed me to become a better individual both personally and professionally!

I spent 12 weeks at El Terreno and I really enjoyed it & found it very valuable. I was part of a project about Indigenous maternal health, and we were working with stakeholders from the community including Kichwa midwives and healthcare staff from local centres. I feel like I got a lot out of it, especially the hands-on work in a changing, unfamiliar environment and picking up new skills. At times it was challenging, but I got great support from Cristian. Outside of the project, I also really enjoyed my time at Quilico - everybody from the El Terreno team is lovely, the intern community was great and I met lots of awesome people, and there were lots of opportunities to get involved with the local culture - you can stay with a homestay, take Spanish and Kichwa classes, and in February we even got to be involved in the annual Carnaval festival! The internship is flexible, it's self-led and you are encouraged to come up with plans and adapt them according to community needs. I found it a really valuable experience.

Specifically speaking from a point of view of an Architectural Intern, I enjoyed a lot working on the projects and hands-on experience with Gina and her family. I learned a lot being fully immersed with the culture and people in the community. I am also grateful for the push and support the mentors and other volunteers and interns gave to work on the projects.

El Terreno es un proyecto maravilloso, creado por una persona maravillosa. El objectivo es ayudar a la comunidad sin hacerles el trabajo : acompanar, explicar, gestionar... Hacer lo que ellos no podrian hacer y darles las herramientas para mejorar su calidad de vida. Fue un placer trabajar alli con la gente. Joshua tiene un gran corazon y necesita a otras personas como él para sopartar ese gran proyecto. Gracias por todo lo que hacéis ! Espero que continuara todo ese trabajo. Os deseo todo lo mejor

Lo pasé genial en la fundación El Terreno. Pude participar en varios proyectos diferentes. También tuve la oportunidad de vivir experiencias con la gente de la comunidad. Conocí a gente maravillosa con la que fue fantástico compartir estos momentos, ¡y las comidas de Karina y Nelly siempre estan deliciosas!

My 10 weeks at El Terreno felt like a carnivalistic rollercoaster (we arrived just before the Carnival week, so the first weeks were literally ruled by Carnival music, dances and Pajaro Azul, phenomenal experience!!). Already after the first week I felt very at home, mainly because of the other interns and people working at the foundation but also because of the very welcoming and warm attitude of the community members from Atandahua and San Juan de Llullundongo. Starting into the gender project was a little rough at first because of the complexity of the situation concerning maternal health in the region but also because of the circumstance that my team mates had been working on the project already for a couple of weeks so I felt like I needed to catch up on a lot of context based research in a very short time, but I managed! I cannot highlight enough how important I believe it to be to have an advanced level of Spanish (~B1) when joining this project. From interviews to field visits to the organisation of meetings and initiatives with the collaborating stakeholders language knowledge really is a decisive factor and in my case allowed me to really feel like I was capable of organizing a project independently without having to rely on the availability of others to translate for me. Overall I would recommend an internship with El Terreno to everyone who is looking to work very independently and has a great commitment to finding solution approaches to very complex and sensitive issues that require endurance as well as openness and respect for a cultural reality that is probably different to what most interns are used to.

I really really enjoyed my time in Ecuador, in the beginning I thought that 6 weeks was a super long time but it was not nearly enough I could have stayed much longer. I’m super happy with the work I managed to get done in this short amount of time! Everyone was super friendly from the other interns to the staff and the community :) I was there over carnaval which was amazing to experience part of the culture , we got to dance. I now have memories and friends for life thanks to el terreno.