If you dream of immersing yourself in South America's andean cultures in view of snowcapped volcanos, while making a real-world impact for rural communities, our Changemaker Programme is for you.

As part of El Terreno's vibrant international community, use your skills on specific social & environmental projects, while discovering your purpose and developing the skills to step into a more significant and successful life — no matter your age.

THE REGION

El Terreno is nestled on a hillside in Bolívar province, just outside the charming colonial town of Guaranda in central Ecuador. Surrounded by traditional farmland and indigenous communities, it promises stunning views of the majestic Chimborazo Volcano, the closest point on Earth to the sun.

Small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in the rural areas around Guaranda typically produce a limited range of agricultural products that they sell in local markets. However, due to multiple intermediaries, heavy dependence on chemical inputs, price instability, and lack of collective organisation, they receive only a small fraction of the final value of their products. Access to affordable credit is very limited, technical support from government institutions is scarce, and most farmers lack basic accounting and business management skills.

Local cooperatives and associations remain weak, making it difficult for families to join forces, negotiate better prices, or access new markets. On top of this, the constant migration of young people to cities and abroad is draining communities of human capital and innovation potential, leaving behind an ageing population with fewer resources to develop new economic initiatives. Without new strategies and support in community business development, many families remain trapped in cycles of low income and poverty.

THE SOLUTION 

We are looking for proactive interns in Community Business Development to work with local small-scale producers and entrepreneurs. You will help strengthen cooperatives and farmers’ associations, improve value chains, and support the creation of new income-generating opportunities.

Your work may include providing basic business training, introducing simple accounting practices, developing collective marketing strategies, and exploring value-added processing of traditional products such as chochos (lupin beans). You will also collaborate on initiatives like community tourism. By combining practical business tools with respect for local culture and collective values, you will help families increase their income, build more resilient enterprises, and reduce poverty in a sustainable way while fostering greater economic autonomy in the Andean communities.

THE CHANGEMAKER PROGRAMME

As part of our flagship programme, you will push yourself out of your comfort zone to experience a life of greater community, culture, contribution and calling.

Based on your skills and interests, you will be assigned to one of our hands-on social and environmental projects based on community needs. With support of our bilingual coordinators, professional mentors and local partners, you will co-create lasting solutions for low-income communities.

On site, you'll be provided the logistical support, food and accommodation for a comfortable stay, as well as regular check-ins, cultural activities and language guidance.

Living alongside a cohort of global Changemakers, you will spend your free time discovering Ecuador's mega-biodiversity and fascinating culture. Everything to provide you the experience of a lifetime.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The programme is open to all ages — whether you're an aspiring talent, experienced professional or insightful elder, you can contribute to a more vibrant, prosperous and regenerative world.

As an organisation committed to a participatory-based approach, we search for ethically minded participants with a respect for cultural differences. Intermediate English or Spanish is essential, and our bilingual coordinators will help with the translation and community integration.

A model participant is passionate, proactive, well organised, 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 a dynamic multi-cultural community.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Since 2021, over 250 people from over 40 countries have contributed to social and environmental projects in diverse areas such as sustainable architecture, cultural preservation, gender empowerment, and community water management. On average, our alumni consistently score us with 4.7+ out of 5 across all programmes and platforms.

FIND OUT MORE!

Are you looking to find your purpose and apply your skills in an impactful way, while experiencing South American landscapes and culture in search of a richer and more meaningful life?

If so, make an application to schedule your free Discovery Call with our Founder and find out what your next adventure could look like.