a partire da 614€

Eccezionale 4.9rating (23)

Community Water Projects Internship

location
4 - 24 settimane  ·  Età 18 - 50+

rating  Eccezionale 4.9  · 
  Verificato da Volunteer World
  Tasso di risposta eccellente

Punti Salienti

  • Design & deliver a unique internship based on your career aspirations and local needs, supported by an experienced international team
  • Make a meaningful difference to low-income populations who lack the education, support and resources to make the changes themselves
  • Advance your career, develop your skills and improve your resume through a hands-on project, with 1:1 mentoring from a professional in the field
  • Immerse yourself in another culture and experience a different way of life through family homestays, cultural activities and life in a small rural community
  • Set off on adventures and make one in a lifetime memories with other interns/volunteers - climb mountains, hike through in the jungle and explore indigenous communities

Particolarmente adatto per

Età 18+
Singoli
Coppie
Gruppi
50+

Sul programma

A hands-on, personalised internship to help low-income communities gain reliable access to clean drinking water through community education and infrastructure projects

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 offers stunning views of the majestic Chimborazo Volcano, the closest point on Earth to the ...

Sul programma

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 offers stunning views of the majestic Chimborazo Volcano, the closest point on Earth to the sun. 

However, due to multiple challenges related to health, organisation, infrastructure, ecology, education, economy and equality - many (if not most) young people are migrating to the cities and abroad in search of a better life. Through the use of cultural exchange and social innovation, we are working with low-income communities to transform them into vibrant, prosperous and sustainable places to live.

THE CHALLENGE

Safe and accessible drinking water is a human right. However, Atandahua and surrounding communities are suffer serious issues regarding water quality and security. Outdated and failing pipework, illegal connections, deforestation, and inadequate storage have led to water scarcity, while unsustainable agricultural practices and a lack of filtration has resulted in a high prevalence of gastrointestinal issues and malnutrition among the population, especially children (48%).

THE SOLUTION

Addressing this water crisis requires a comprehensive approach. From public health initiatives to domestic filtration systems, reforestation efforts, and infrastructure improvements. With the guidance and support of our experienced team, you will engage with the local community to identify and implement sustainable solutions that ensure long-term access to clean and secure drinking water; making a tangible impact to these communities.

A PERSONALISED PROGRAMME

Now more than ever, employers are looking for a candidates with real-world experiences and strong references that an internship provides. That's why we will work with you to co-create a hands-on internship that matches your unique passions with local community's needs. You will receive a professional mentor throughout your internship and we arrange frequent site visits to other projects to expand your learning. 

We want your internship to be an unforgettable experience where you make an impact, and something that will give you a head start when applying for the job of your dreams!

¿WANT TO EXTEND YOUR IMPACT?

If you’re eager to take your passion for water management further, we also offer a comprehensive 12-week cohort program in summer 2025. This extended opportunity not only covers all the essentials of the shorter internship plus additional benefits like 4x the amount of mentoring, weekly Spanish classes, Design Thinking & personal development workshops, and several site visits to successful community water projects, all alongside a group of your peers passionate about sustainable water solutions. It’s the perfect chance to work on initiatives that will have a lasting impact.

¡FIND OUT MORE!

¿Interested in developing your career while making a meaningful impact in low-income communities? Schedule your free discovery call to begin co-creating your personalised internship in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.



Giornata tipica

TYPICAL WORKDAY OUTLINE (Mon-Thu)

Daily Activities

  • 8am: Warm up & check-in with other interns & volunteers
  • 8.30am: Project activities with support from a professional mentor
  • 12.30pm: Cooked lunch with other interns & volunteers
  • 2pm: Programmed afternoon activities, independent working or head for a ...

Giornata tipica

TYPICAL WORKDAY OUTLINE (Mon-Thu)

Daily Activities

  • 8am: Warm up & check-in with other interns & volunteers
  • 8.30am: Project activities with support from a professional mentor
  • 12.30pm: Cooked lunch with other interns & volunteers
  • 2pm: Programmed afternoon activities, independent working or head for a walk/into Guaranda
Weekly Activities

  • Mon 2pm: Casa comunal cleaning
  • Tue & Thu 3pm: English classes Atandahua (optional)
  • Tue & Thu 4pm: Spanish classes for interns/volunteers (optional)
  • Fri: Local Site Visits (optional)

Imagine... waking up to the cockerels at dawn as the sun breaks over the horizon, before taking in Chimborazo volcano over your morning coffee. After breakfast, you stroll down to the casa comunal, stopping to say hello to the friendly neighbours in the community as they take their cows to pasture. At the morning check-in, connect more deeply with the community of international volunteers and interns and plan your day.

You then dive into another fulfilling day at your internship; collaborating with community members, learning from experienced mentors and developing valuable experience alongside your peers. Enrich yourself with a mixture of intelectual, social and practical projects that helps you further your career while making a lasting impact in the community. At lunch, you share a hearty meal alongside the team, sharing stories and learning about the different cultures. 

In the afternoons and evenings, immerse yourself in independent project work, join in with an engaging community activity, take a peaceful walk in nature or hop in a pick-up with other interns for a fun evening at one of the more modern cafes and restaurants with the other volunteers and interns.

Attività del tempo libero

FREE TIME ACTIVITIES

With your time off, you can take a walk around any of the beautiful local trails around the communities, down to the river or jump in a taxi to savour the spectacular could-covered sunset. There are regular buses into town if you would like to go shopping, try the local food or ...

Attività del tempo libero

FREE TIME ACTIVITIES

With your time off, you can take a walk around any of the beautiful local trails around the communities, down to the river or jump in a taxi to savour the spectacular could-covered sunset. There are regular buses into town if you would like to go shopping, try the local food or learn about Guaranda’s Carnaval - the most infamous in the country.

For a day’s outing, don’t miss hiking up to Chimborazo’s refuge and enjoying a hot chocolate at over 5,000m above sea level. Alternatively, take a tour around the salt mines and micro-businesses of the nationally renowned village of Salinas de Guaranda. If you prefer warmer climates, within an hour you can drop down to sea level and go hiking in protected virgin forests in the search of pristine rivers, tropical birds and immense waterfalls. Bolívar really has it all (minus the tourist traps!).

CLIMATE

We are at almost 3,000m (10,000ft) above sea level and the average temperature is 13°C (55°F). Below is a list of typical weather patterns throughout the year, though climate change is definitely throwing these off, so be ready for anything!

  • Summer (Jun - Sep, around Christmas): hot sunny days (leading to water shortages), colder cloudless nights and often a strong wind
  • Winter (Feb - Apr): Often dry mornings and heavy rain in the afternoon. Less day/night temperature change and no wind.
  • Spring/Autumn (May, Oct - Jan): Somewhere between summer and winter!

Due to the high altitude, the sun feels cooler but will burn you more easily - so be prepared with a hat and sun screen. The temperature is cool at night and Ecuadorian houses have no insulation/central heating, we have blankets and hot water bottles to help keep you cosy. Fortunately there are no mosquitos at this elevation!


Requisiti

Requisiti

Età minima: 18 anni

Per partecipare al programma è necessario avere almeno 18 anni alla data di inizio del programma. Potrebbero esserci delle esenzioni se si è in grado di fornire il permesso del proprio tutore legale o se si è accompagnati dai propri genitori.

Competenze linguistiche

È necessario parlare di Spagnolo (livello base) o Inglese (livello base)

Restrizioni sulla nazionalità

Nessuna restrizione. Gli aiuti da tutto il mondo sono benvenuti.

Altre competenze

Our internships are best suited for pro-active, solution-focussed people who have a genuine desire to understand and meet the needs of rural communities. Strong people skills, independent working and a level of Spanish fluency is also required to make the most of your experience.

Impegno di tempo

Il vostro aiuto sarà richiesto lunedì, martedì, mercoledì e giovedì da 08:00 - 16:00

Servizi inclusi

Servizi inclusi

Servizi per El Terreno

What's Included Before you Come:

  • Free Internship Discovery Call
  • Free Personalised Internship Plan
  • Support for Education Provider, Funding or Credits
  • Pre-Arrival Internship Planning
  • Support with Travel Logistics

What's Included During Your Stay:

  • Accommodation in Shared Dormitory
  • Cooked Lunches Monday-Friday
  • Weekly Session with a Professional Mentor
  • 24/7 In-Person Internship Coordination
  • Internship Activities Budget
  • Land and Facilities for Pilot Projects
  • Free-Time Activity Recommendations​
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Written Personal Reference
Optional Extras:

  • Private Room in Family Homestay
  • Airport Transfer
  • Spanish Lessons (before or during)
  • Additional Mentoring
What's Not Included:

  • Flights, visas, vaccines or any other expenses to reach us
  • Travel, health and work insurance
  • Other meals
  • Leisure time activities
  • Spending money

Alloggio

You have two options of where you can stay:

Quilico:
Quilico is a shared communal space, with dormitories and living spaces. If you stay in Quilico, you will sleep in a shared dormitory with 4 beds. Living here is the best way to socialize with other volunteers, however it lacks privacy and services such as a washing machine. You will have access to a communal kitchen furnished with a cooker, fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Personal storage space is provided for your food items. There are shared bathrooms and shower stalls, with hot water, and a hand-washing station for laundry. 

Family Homestay:
If you would prefer to practice your Spanish, get to know the local culture and enjoy a little privacy, a family homestay is also an option (subject to availability). Rooms may be humble, in keeping with the lifestyle that people live here. However, all will include a private room, hot shower, shared kitchen, WiFi and a washing station (either by hand or machine). You will also have full access to the kitchen, bathroom, living areas and WiFi of Quilico (volunteer dormitory accommodation), just a few minutes walk away.

Cibo e Bevande

We provide a cooked lunch Monday to Friday at Quilico, cooked by our volunteers. We can accommodate most dietary requirements.

The remainder of your food you must cook yourself. There are basic shops in the village and nearby town (10mins bus/30 minutes walk) or supermarkets in Guaranda (30 minutes bus)

Accesso a Internet

Buon accesso al sito del progetto

Cosa NON è incluso?

Cosa NON è incluso?

Prelievo dall'aeroporto a Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Neanche il prelievo dall'aeroporto è incluso nel costo del programma.

Biglietti aerei

L'aeroporto più vicino è Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) a Quito. Vi aiutiamo a trovare voli economici per Ecuador. TROVARE VOLI ECONOMICI

Assicurazione di viaggio

Andare all'estero è un'avventura ed è sempre meglio essere preparati. Malattia o infortunio improvviso, annullamento o furto: un'assicurazione di viaggio per Ecuador offre sicurezza ed è un vantaggio da avere. OTTENERE UN PREZZO

Vaccini

Se avete intenzione di fare volontariato a Ecuador dovete chiedere un parere medico prima di iniziare il vostro viaggio sociale. Controllare le vaccinazioni richieste per Ecuador. CHECKER PER I VACCINI

Dettagli all'arrivo

START DATES
We receive interns year-round for internships anywhere between 4 to 24 weeks. We welcome new arrivals on a Sunday for a full orientation the following morning, before beginning with your internship.

ARRIVAL DETAILS
Guaranda is located in the centre of Ecuador, 4-5 hours by bus from Ecuador's two largest cities of Guayaquil and Quito. Public transport is cheap and generally safe, though private transfers are also available. We are located 20mins ($4/5) by taxi from Guaranda.
Disponibilità
gen feb mar apr mag giu lug ago set ott nov dic

Tariffe del programma

4 settimane (soggiorno min.) 614€
6 settimane 922€
8 settimane 1.229€
10 settimane 1.536€
12 settimane 1.843€
24 settimane (soggiorno max.) 3.686€
Tariffe medie 154€/settimana

Tariffe del programma

154€ tariffe settimanali 4 - 24 settimane Età 18 - 50+

Modalità di pagamento

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NESSUNA COMMISSIONE PER LA CARTA DI CREDITO


Durata

4 - 24 settimane

Deposito

Il deposito serve semplicemente a prenotare il vostro posto di volontario. I pagamenti sono gestiti da PayPal, il nostro fornitore globale di fiducia. Se non avete un conto PayPal, potete pagare anche con carta di credito.


Pagamento Finale

Il pagamento finale sarà concordato con El Terreno durante il processo di candidatura. Le soluzioni più comuni sono il bonifico bancario o il pagamento in contanti presso la sede del progetto.


Incontra il tuo ospite

El Terreno

Eccezionale 4.9 rating (23 recensioni)

Agenzia - fondata nel 2021

Verificato da Volunteer World

  Tasso di risposta eccellente

Ospitato da

Joshua

Lingue parlate: Spagnolo, Inglese

Sul progetto

Cultural Exchange Centre in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Our internships help you develop skills, make a difference to low-income communities, and travel the world.

Incontra il tuo ospite

Nestled within the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, El Terreno is encompassed by picturesque valleys, the warmth of its people, and the richness of culture. Since 2021, El Terreno has been building a dynamic cultural exchange centre, uniting global citizens and local communities in a shared mission to foster a more meaningful, prosperous, and regenerative world. 

We are Joshua (UK), Karina (Quito, Ecuador) and our toddler son, Liam. We have a strong passion for positive change and years of experience in social development, volunteer coordination and sustainable tourism. We chose to dedicate our lives to Atandahua due to it's amazing landscapes and people, but it's also a place with a lot of need:

  • 40% poverty
  • 48% child malnutrition
  • 75% children don't go to high school
  • 26% teenage pregnancy rate
  • >5% indigenous children speak the native language
  • 3-4 months of water shortages per year
  • 95% local forests destroyed

With your help, we're working to regenerate local ecosystems, build pride in indigenous culture, provide dignified employment opportunities, offer a wide variety of unique eco & community tourism experiences, and ensure interns like you learn valuable skills, meet extraordinary people and leave with unforgettable memories.

23 recensioni · rating4.9

Matthieu Levasseur rating5

2024 at Community Water Projects Internship

Interning with El Terreno was an incredible experience! Every aspect, from project organization to social activities and daily life, was meticulously planned and executed perfectly. Joshua, the founder, is truly one of the most inspiring individuals you could meet. He settled in the area, built ...
After my first attempt at volunteering in Peru didn't work out, I found this opportunity which felt like a close fit and had great reviews. Leaving my family for 4 weeks sounded like long time, but it takes a while to make an impact. I'm so glad that I decided to go to Atandahua and help with ...
I had the privilege of interning at El Terreno for 6 weeks, where I worked on a water project and was able to learn so much and make a difference in the community. I worked with a great team, did a lot of hiking to water sources, talked to community members, learned a lot from our mentors ...
After doing an internship of 6 weeks at El Terreno I can say without hesitation that I loved the experience. Joshua is open for the different goals and experiences people strive for, making it easy to create a well suited programme. It allowed me to develop myself in a new environment wherein I ...
You can feel that this Project comes from the heart and that the main motivation is improving the quality of live for the local community. The love and energy that Joshua and Karina put into the work is omnipresent and create a wonderful atmosphere. I was nervous to spend such a long time away from ...
Julia Spiegel rating4.8

2023 at Medicine & Public Health Internship

I have nothing negative to say about my experience at El Terreno. The medicine and public health internship allowed me to get a close up look at how a healthcare system runs in rural Ecuador and I was able to make meaningful connections with the community members we ...

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