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

While stunningly beautiful, rural Guaranda is one of Ecuador's poorest regions. With high rates of child malnutrition (48%), teenage pregnancy (26%), poverty (40%) and water shortages (3-4 months per year), half of the provincial population migrates in search of a better life.

Local estimates suggest as much as 20% of the local population have migrated just in the last few years — most to the US without documentation — which has led to a loss of local talent, the abandonment of the elderly in poverty, and the risk that their indigenous culture will be lost forever.

THE SOLUTION

To address this, our mission is to co-create more vibrant, prosperous and regenerative communities, where migration is a choice — not a necessity — while being a bridge between modern and ancestral worlds, to see more conscious global leaders.

Through a combination of charitable community projects and transformational leadership programmes, we aim to address the root causes of migration through long-term, collaborative projects with local communities and institutional partners.

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 — from $295 USD per week, less than $45 a day.

DISCOVER OUR INTERNSHIPS

Every placement is built around a real need identified together with local communities and institutional partners. That means the work looks different depending on where you're assigned — and on what you bring to it.

Browse the full range of internship areas, see what each one involves day to day, and find the one that fits your skills and interests.

👉 Explore our internships: https://www.elterrenoecuador.com/internships

TYPICAL DAY

8.30am — Group Check-In: physical warm-up, emotional check-in, daily logistics & quick clean 9.00am — Project Work: often in the field — especially during the academic year and wet season 12.30–1pm — Shared Meal: prepared by our trained staff 2.00pm — Project Work: often meetings or administrative tasks 4.00pm — Workshops / Classes: see below 5.00pm — Free Time: see below

TYPICAL WEEK

Monday AM: Weekly Preparation PM: Family Meeting (2pm) & 1:1s with Programme Manager EVE: Food Shopping (if required)

Tuesday AM: Project Work PM: Project Work & Personal Development Workshop EVE: Trivia Nights (language exchange in Guaranda)

Wednesday AM: Project Work PM: Project Work & Spanish/Kichwa Class EVE: International Shared Meal (cooked by one of the participants)

Thursday AM: Project Work PM: Project Work & Professional Development Workshop EVE: Cultural Activity (eg. cooking class / music night)

Friday AM: Weekly Project Reflection Calls PM: Flexible (project work or early weekend)

Weekend Adventures with other participants to explore the amazing biodiversity and culture of Ecuador!

2027 ARRIVAL DATES

We have two types of arrival dates. Primary arrival dates are every 4 weeks and are ideal for both you and the project, and you will receive all the initial tours and orientation to get you started. For those with a limited window, secondary dates may be possible upon discussion with our team, but you will only receive the essential orientation. We also have seasonal breaks in April, August and December.

PRIMARY ARRIVALS (All Tours & Orientation)

• Jan 10 (Sunday)
• Feb 5 (Friday — in time for Carnaval Weekend!)
• Mar 7 (Sunday)
• May 2 (Sunday)
• May 30 (Sunday)
• Jun 27 (Sunday)
• Jul 25 (Sunday)
• Sep 19 (Sunday)
• Oct 17 (Sunday)
• Nov 14 (Sunday)

SECONDARY ARRIVALS — 2 weeks after each Primary Arrival (Orientation Only)

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Existing skills & experience in the project theme is preferred, but not essential.

Bilingual coordinators will help with community engagement — but you will get much more if you come with B1+ Spanish.

What is essential is a hard-working, professional attitude with passion for making a difference. To thrive in rural Ecuador, you need to be positive, adaptable and a good collaborator.

Mutual respect for communal living, the lived experience from locals and the El Terreno team is key.

FREE TIME ACTIVITIES

In the afternoons and evenings, you have ample time to participate in the weekly language exchange, share international meals and cultural classes, or drive up to a breathtaking cloud-covered sunset.

On weekends you have a wealth of options. You can stay local and explore the picturesque local trails or experience Guaranda's traditional Saturday market. On a day-trip you can tour around the salt mines and micro-businesses of the nationally renowned village of Salinas de Guaranda, hike above 5,000m (16,400ft) on Chimborazo volcano — the point on Earth closest to the sun — or reach the coastal rainforest, bathing in waterfalls while surrounded by tropical birds.

Over just the course of a weekend — you can also venture further to explore Quito's historic centre, Amazon's wildlife reserves, Baños' thermal springs, Quilotoa's volcano crater lake and Puerto Lopez' pristine beaches.

CLIMATE

At 3,000m (10,000ft) above sea level, the average temperature at El Terreno ranges from a refreshing 8°–20°C (45–70°F). The good news is the mosquitos don't like these cooler climes!

Below is a list of typical weather patterns throughout the year, though with climate change you need to be ready for anything!

Dry Season (May–Aug): Hot sunny days, colder cloudless nights and often a strong wind. Wet Season (Jan–Apr): Often dry mornings and heavy rain in the afternoon. Less day/night temperature change and no wind. Autumn Season (Sep–Dec): Somewhere between wet & dry seasons, depending on the year!

SAFETY

Guaranda is one of the safest places in Ecuador, which is largely down to legally recognised indigenous justice processes that exist in the region, meaning that even though there are high rates of poverty — crime is very low.

There is a police station in the village, staff on site 24/7, and since our inception in 2021, nobody has been robbed or assaulted in the community — people generally feel very safe here.

You will receive a full orientation upon arrival on how to have a safe and enjoyable stay. If you have any concerns we would be happy to discuss.

GETTING AROUND

Guaranda is approximately 4 hours from both Quito and Guayaquil, and accessible with public transport, which is generally easy, comfortable, inexpensive and safe. We can also find you a private transfer to our location.

From El Terreno, the nearest town with essential groceries is 10 minutes away. Guaranda is 20–30 minutes away from cafes, supermarkets and restaurants.

MONEY

Ecuador uses the US dollar where cash is king. There are ATMs in Guanujo and Guaranda, which usually charge $2–5 per withdrawal. Budget roughly $50/week for personal expenses.

ACCOMMODATION

You have three options of where you can stay, all have 20 Mbps fibreoptic WiFi.

QUILICO Quilico is our purpose built participant accommodation with hot-water, WiFi, a large living area (with ping pong, film projector, guitar, and wood-burning stove). Most stay in the single-sex dormitories included within the programme (4 max to a room); there is one private room with en-suite bathroom if you want to upgrade.

Living here is the sociable option, but can lack privacy. You have access to a communal kitchen furnished with a cooker, fridge, microwave, coffee pot and personal storage space.

All Changemakers get one washing load per week and while having a weekly cleaner for a deep clean, participants participate in a daily quick clean.

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 a great option. Rooms are humble, in keeping with the locals' reality. However, all include a private room, warm shower, shared kitchen, WiFi and a washing machine. You will also have full access to the communal facilities at Quilico within 10 minutes walk away.

FOOD & DRINK

We provide a cooked lunch for all participants (Monday to Friday) at Quilico; additional meals are available upon request. We serve a variety of Ecuadorian and international food, and we can accommodate most dietary requirements.

For other meals, you have full access to the kitchen (after 7.30am or 7pm when we have cooked meal requests). We have a shop on site, there is a village store with basics, Guanujo will provide you fruit and vegetables and you can find supermarkets in Guaranda.

THE INVESTMENT

From $295 USD per week — that's less than $45 a day.

Your contribution covers accommodation, all meals, in-country logistical support, bilingual coordination, professional mentorship, cultural activities and language guidance. It also directly funds the community projects you'll be working on.

Less than you'd spend on a hostel and eating out in most of South America — for an experience that leaves something behind.

Optional add-ons — private room, additional meals, language classes, health insurance — are available separately or in packages. We'll walk you through the options on your Discovery Call.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Pre-Arrival

• Free Discovery Call with our Founder
• Personalised Changemaker Plan
• Pre-Arrival Logistics & Orientation
• Documentation Support (credits / funding / university requirements)

Accommodation

• Single-sex Dormitories (≤4 beds per room)
• Cooked Lunches (Mon–Fri)
• Washing Service (1x per week)

Projects

• Arrival Onboarding & Orientations
• Weekly 1:1s and Reflection Sessions
• Bilingual Project Coordination
• Professional Mentoring (1hr/wk)
• Participatory Methodology & Tools
• Community & Institutional Collaboration
• Site Visit Coordination
• Accident Insurance

Personal & Professional Development

• Weekly Group Workshops
• Monthly Ancestral Ceremonies

Free Time

• Free Time Activity Recommendation
• Language Exchange Evenings in Guaranda
• Weekly International Shared Meals

Post-Departure

• Certificate of Completion
• Written Professional Reference
• LinkedIn Recommendation
• Alumni Network

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

• 6-Week Pre-Arrival Spanish & Cultural Essentials
• Airport Transfer
• Private Room / Family Homestay
• Breakfast Ingredients
• Breakfast Meals (Mon–Fri)
• Dinner Meals (Mon–Fri)
• Additional Mentoring
• Health Insurance
• Monthly Ancestral Ceremonies
• Language Classes (1/wk)
• Cultural Activity (1/wk)
• Changemaker Coaching Programme

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Flights or Expenses to Reach Us
• Visas or Vaccines
• Additional Services (if not purchased individually or in package)
• Additional Project Costs* (eg. materials, transport, site visits, and coordinator / mentor expenses)

*However, you can apply for a $50 project microgrant and/or we can support you to create a crowdfunding campaign to send through your networks.

HOW TO APPLY — START HERE

From $295 USD/week — under $45 a day, all-inclusive on site.

Step 1. Fill out the application form (5 minutes, no commitment). Step 2. We'll reach out to schedule your Free Discovery Call. Step 3. Together we'll tailor your internship plan — project, dates and goals.

Everything begins with the form. Don't leave it for later: the sooner you apply, the more options we have to match you with the right project.

👉 Apply now: https://www.elterrenoecuador.com/internship-application