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.
THE CHALLENGE
The indigenous communities surrounding Atandahua and nearby rural areas near Guaranda face serious and interconnected problems regarding water access and quality. Domestic water is usually captured directly from open mountain streams that run downhill from agricultural land. This water carries significant amounts of soil, sediment, agricultural chemicals, and pesticides, especially during heavy rains. There is almost no proper filtration or substantial storage system in place. As a result, families and schools experience high rates of gastrointestinal diseases, parasites, and diarrhoea. Water supply is also highly unreliable — during the dry season or when pipes break, entire communities can be left without water for days.
Furthermore, much of the existing infrastructure consists of leaking pipes and poorly constructed distribution systems built with limited budgets and informal technical knowledge. In the wet season, dirt footpaths turn into slippery hazards and frequent landslides cut off communities from essential services. Years of deforestation have severely disrupted the local hydrology, causing prolonged droughts of 3 to 4 months every year, shortening the growing season and increasing pressure on already scarce water resources. These challenges directly contribute to poor public health and ongoing migration of young people away from the area.
THE SOLUTION
We are looking for motivated and hands-on interns in Environmental & Civil Engineering to help tackle these critical water and infrastructure challenges. Working closely with our experienced team and local communities, you will be involved in the full cycle of community water projects — from initial assessment and design to implementation and monitoring.
Your work may include designing and installing improved filtration systems, building rainwater collection and storage solutions, repairing and upgrading leaking pipe networks, protecting critical water sources through reforestation and soil conservation, and supporting the development of basic irrigation systems. You will also participate in community workshops on water hygiene, maintenance of infrastructure, and sustainable watershed management.
By combining technical engineering solutions with local traditional knowledge and strong community participation, you will help reduce waterborne illnesses, improve year-round water access, and strengthen long-term environmental resilience in these beautiful but vulnerable Andean communities. Previous interns have successfully installed water filters, supported irrigation systems benefiting dozens of families, and planted thousands of trees to protect vital water sources.
Now more than ever, employers are looking for 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!
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.
