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Overview of Internship Programs in Ecuador

Those seeking to experience a dynamic international internship while being immersed in a new culture and language need look no further to meet their professional and personal goals. With a strong and growing economy, Ecuador is not only investing locally, but globally as well, which has created opportunities for interns in many fields to gain hands-on, real world work experience.

World Endeavors offers internships in a wide range of professional fields in Ecuador, and our advisors are proud of their ability to find great opportunities in unique and highly specialized fields.

WHY DO AN INTERNSHIP IN ECUADOR

Interning in Ecuador offers interns truly diverse landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands, which provide a unique backdrop for personal and professional growth. Engaging in conservation efforts, sustainable tourism, or research projects in such biodiverse environments can be a rewarding experience, and one that contributes to global preservation efforts.

Internships in Ecuador also combine cultural immersion and language development. Living and working in Ecuador exposes interns to the richness of Latin American culture and offers opportunities to practice speaking Spanish, or even become fluent. Embracing the local customs, traditions, and festivals enhances interns’ cross-cultural understanding and broadens their global perspective, which is increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected world. Moreover, the warmth and hospitality of the Ecuadorian people make it a welcoming environment for interns seeking an enriching and unforgettable international experience.

ECUADOR INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Here are just a few of the best things about interning in Ecuador:

  • Internships in Ecuador offer a chance to work in one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world.
  • Ecuadorian internships provide an immersive experience in Latin American culture, allowing interns to embrace local customs, traditions, and festivals and have the opportunity to practice Spanish.
  • Interning in Ecuador often involves working with local communities, which allows interns to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, fostering a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
  • Ecuador’s diverse landscapes help interns develop a deeper appreciation for nature and the world around us.

Our Ecuador Internship Programs

Browse all of our internship programs in Ecuador below. If you can’t find a suitable internship, check out our main program finder to continue your search for internships beyond Ecuador.

Intern Abroad
Ecuador

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Ecuador

Work with an organization that provides therapies to children and teens with diagnoses like Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Ecuador

Work with an organization that provides therapies to children and teens with diagnoses like Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy. In addition to shadowing an OT, you can also help with therapies in a pool (hydro therapy) and with horses (equine therapy).

Intern Abroad
Ecuador

Occupational Therapy Internship in Ecuador

Ecuador's occupational therapy internships offer a unique opportunity for aspiring therapists to work hand-in-hand with professionals in clinics and hospitals, delving into the world of patient care and exploring the multifaceted nature of their field.

Occupational Therapy Internship in Ecuador

Ecuador’s occupational therapy internships offer a unique opportunity for aspiring therapists to work hand-in-hand with professionals in clinics and hospitals, delving into the world of patient care and exploring the multifaceted nature of their field.

Intern Abroad
Ecuador

Public Health Internship in Ecuador

Public Health interns in Ecuador engage in meaningful collaborations with public health officials in government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Together, they focus on projects encompassing disease and injury prevention, community health assessment, environmental challenges, and the formulation of public policy.

Public Health Internship in Ecuador

Public Health interns in Ecuador engage in meaningful collaborations with public health officials in government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Together, they focus on projects encompassing disease and injury prevention, community health assessment, environmental challenges, and the formulation of public policy.

Intern Abroad
Ecuador

Museum and Cultural Management Internship in Ecuador

A museum and cultural management intern in Ecuador gains hands-on experience in a variety of activities, such as research, curation, archiving, analysis, restoration, and administration, in museums and historical sites.

Museum and Cultural Management Internship in Ecuador

A museum and cultural management intern in Ecuador gains hands-on experience in a variety of activities, such as research, curation, archiving, analysis, restoration, and administration, in museums and historical sites.

Location

About Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and the country’s second largest city. Nestled amongst the snowy peaks of the Andes and situated between the Pichincha Volcano and the Machángara River Canyon, the city flaunts beautiful panoramas and breathtaking views in every direction. Ecuadorian history comes alive in Quito; the city is a wonderful mix of colonial and modern architecture, and its historical center has been distinguished as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito also does not lack for a fantastic cultural element. The city hosts a variety of museums, festivals, art galleries, shops, restaurants, and cafés for its lively and engaged population. Visitors to Quito are fortunate to have a variety of outdoor opportunities at their fingertips; from hiking in the Andes, to paragliding from a volcanic peak, to archaeological or bird-watching tours, the area has something for the cautious as well as the most adventuresome explorer.

Dates & costs

Internships are available year-round, with flexible start dates and durations. Public holidays and seasonal work availability may impact certain start dates in some locations.

Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight.

Note: The minimum duration for Environmental Conservation, Healthcare-related fields, Nonprofit Management, and Social Work placements is 2 months.

Eligibility

  • World Endeavors interns should be 18 years or older and should have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the start of their program.
  • Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.
  • It is recommended to have a background in your desired internship field, but not absolutely required. Internship placement opportunities increase with experience or relevant coursework.
  • It is preferred that interns considering Ecuador should have an intermediate level of Spanish language skills.

Housing

World Endeavors interns in Ecuador stay with host families, where they share space, build relationships, practice language, and learn about traditional culture, food, home rituals, and customs. Housing accommodations are modest, safe, and clean, but may differ from Western norms in terms of space or amenities.

First Month: $2,990 | Each Additional Month: $1,090

Every World Endeavors Internship Program Includes

Our internships are as unique as the countries that host them, but there are program features that unify all of our internship experiences.

YOUR INTERNSHIP

  • Professional customized internship placement
  • Year-round program availability
  • Flexible durations from 2 to 6 months

CAREER READINESS PROGRAM

  • Resume clinic and interview skills workshop
  • One-on-one coaching
  • Professional competencies development

ACCOMMODATION

  • Variety of options available – host family, shared apartment, student residence
  • Vetted and selected with quality, safety and proximity to your placement in mind

CAREER AND ACADEMIC INTEGRATION

  • Re-entry handbook and support
  • Academic credit facilitation
  • Post-program assistance with resume updates and completion certificate
  • World Endeavors Alumni Network

TEAM OF EXPERTS

  • Dedicated one-on-one advisor
  • Local on-site coordinator
  • Internship placement supervisor

PEACE OF MIND

  • Comprehensive travel medical insurance
  • Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance
  • Professional liability insurance

HEALTH & SAFETY

When you feel safe and respected abroad, you will flourish. World Endeavors participants are transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. We meticulously monitor travel recommendations and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants’ safety. 

We take key steps to ensure our participants’ well-being, including providing a pre-trip success guide, 24/7 local support, in-country trained staff, pre and post-arrival orientation, comprehensive travel medical insurance, and Mental Health First Aid-certified staff. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME IN ECUADOR

In Ecuador, there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy during your spare time. Here are some suggestions:

  • Explore the Amazon Rainforest: Nature enthusiasts can embark on guided jungle tours, spot diverse wildlife, and experience the rich biodiversity of the region.
  • Hike the Andes Mountains: Explore the stunning landscapes of the Andes on popular treks, such as the Quilotoa Loop.
  • Visit Historical Cities: Wander through Ecuador’s historic cities like Quito and Cuenca, where you can admire colonial architecture, visit museums, and soak in the local culture.
  • Enjoy Local Cuisine: Delight your taste buds with Ecuadorian cuisine, including ceviche, empanadas, llapingachos (potato patties), and delicious tropical fruits.
  • Experience Indigenous Markets: Visit indigenous markets like Otavalo Market, where you can buy unique handicrafts, textiles, and traditional souvenirs.

How to choose the best Internship program

Choosing your internship program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.

Explore a New Career

Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.

Choose Your Dream Destination

Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.

Improve Language Skills

Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.

Fit your budget

Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.

Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

SEARCH

Academic Credit

Do you want to earn academic credit for your international internship? Nearly half of World Endeavors participants earn credit while interning abroad. Many students are required to participate in an internship to fulfill a requirement for their degree program. World Endeavors works closely with students and their academic advisors to ensure that our program meets those requirements. If you don’t fall into that category there is another exciting option for you. Through our collaboration with University of California Berkeley, students can earn UC Berkeley credit by taking one of two online courses while interning abroad.

INTERNSHIP CREDIT INFORMATION

Recent Testimonials

TrentIntern in Australia

I gained a stronger sense of independence. I have always been self-motivated but this program gave me the reassurance to take on new experiences.

MeganIntern in Australia

I’m now better prepared and excited for my upcoming classes because my internship provided me with relevant experiences. Being an international intern helped me step out of my comfort zone and gain self-knowledge, which was my goal.

NidishIntern in Argentina

I’m very happy with how the program went. It was such a great experience -
I want to go back.

BrittanyIntern in Czech Republic

It was so empowering for me - a huge boost to my self esteem!

AltairIntern in Costa Rica

“It was way more than I ever expected. I wanted to do this because I’m applying to med school - It’s been life-changing and so worth my time. I feel like I got so lucky.

KristenIntern in Morocco

It was amazing! Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone - the spontaneous adventures are gold!

WhitneyIntern in Costa Rica

Absolutely amazing. I learned so many new things I had never learned before and I’m still in touch with my host family.

BridgetIntern in Czech Republic

I went into it having high expectations and everything was completely fulfilled. I learned a lot - it was amazing.

CourtneyIntern in Ecuador

Oh my goodness, it was incredible! It was so cool! I got to travel and see and do much more than I was anticipating! My Spanish improved so much while I was there! I definitely got a lot of experience in OT, and was able to clock all of my shadowing hours for OT school.

Ecuador FAQs

Are the Galapagos Islands part of Ecuador?

The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, located approximately 1,000 kilometers off the Ecuadorian coast. The archipelago is considered an Ecuadorian province and part of the country’s national park system.

Is Ecuador a Developing Country?

Ecuador is considered a developing country because of its lower Human Development Index value than many others, meaning that Ecuador has a lower GDP, higher poverty levels, and fewer public services than other countries.

Is Ecuador a Safe Place to Travel?

Generally, Ecuador is a safe country for travelers. However, it’s essential to take precautions to ensure your safety. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings at all times, use caution when traveling in certain areas at night, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

What is the population of Ecuador?

According to the World Bank, Ecuador has an estimated population of 18 million people.

What language does Ecuador speak?

The primary language spoken in Ecuador is Spanish.

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Our Top Intern Abroad Destinations

World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.

How to apply for an Internship Abroad

You’ve decided to intern abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. Get ready to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!

STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK

Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.

STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.

STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE

Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!

STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!

You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready to gain skills and grow your network abroad!