(214) 390-7947 (Overseas Callers)

Toll-Free: 1-800-675-2504 (US/Canada)

01273 93 0514 (UK ), (02) 8006 6640 (Australia)



Internship Ecuador

Have you ever wanted to explore South America? Are the wonders of Ecuador calling your name? Do you want to join an Ecuador program to gain practical experience and make a real difference in the world?

When you join this internship Ecuador will give you the amazing opportunity to explore astounding cultural and natural diversity that will foster a healthy learning environment for students, interns, and volunteers alike. Your time spent navigating the country and working with local Ecuadorians will help you become more independent, motivated, and flexible as you step outside of your normal comfort zone. Interning abroad will also sharpen your verbal and non-verbal communication skills and language proficiency – all while helping communities in need!

In Ecuador, we offer affordable and safe internship programs that include everything from teaching basic English skills to supporting specialized medical programs. We understand how valuable this experience will be for your future career, as well as the worth of your devoted time and energy! IFRE will work with you to match you with the exact program type you are looking for so you can make the most of your time abroad.

With any IFRE internship, you will gain the experience of a life-time, advancing your professional skills and making deep connections with your intern family. IFRE invites you begin your abroad internship adventure today by learning more about the internship opportunities Ecuador has to offer!

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Popular Internship Programs in Ecuador

Ecuador has so much to offer interns. Learn about some of our most popular programs in Ecuador and investigate project details such as housing and food accommodations, FAQs, and fees.

Growing poverty, lack of education and limited governmental support exacerbate the present problem of street children and orphans in Ecuador. There are numerous orphans in areas all around Ecuador – including major cities such as Quito. Many organizations have established a number of orphanages throughout Ecuador - realizing the help and support required to address this problem.

The majority of orphanages in Ecuador strive to offer shelter/homes, education and a caring atmosphere for these multiplying orphans.

IFRE is in great need of Ecuador orphanage programs interns who are willing to share their time, efforts and personal skills and (most importantly) love for the good and betterment of these children.

Depending on individual skills and interests, interns may act as mentors and companions, helping children with their homework and teaching English, but your love and support are the most important elements for these disadvantaged children. Many interns joining orphanage Ecuador program as life changing and rewarding.

This is the perfect project if you want to serve humanity or share your love, passion and time with children deprived of their parents’ love and care.

Skills/Qualifications Needed

Beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish is preferred, but not required. If you cannot speak Spanish, we suggest you enroll in our Spanish language course to make your stay more rewarding – both for you and for the children you are helping.

There are no specific qualifications needed to join IFRE's internship orphanage opportunity in Ecuador. However, interns are expected to be flexible and patient, as well as possess a passion and love for orphans.

An Interns’ Responsibilities

In IFRE's Orphanage internship Ecuador, you will assist orphaned children in various ways – teaching English and/or Spanish, organizing games, assisting the orphanages' staff in feeding and caring for these orphans or simply being a positive companion. Interns also help in the developing creative programs such as art, music, dance and even recreational activities such as various sports.

Additional assistance is needed for planning of day trips, education on issues of personal hygiene, cooking and meal preparation as well as helping with various administrative duties.

If you are interested in volunteer programs, we also offer satisfying orphanage volunteer program in Ecuador.

There is a high demand for English education in Ecuador, yet proper English instructors can be costly and scarce. A solid fluency in English offers many elevated opportunities for Ecuadorians. In partnership with various local schools, IFRE strives to provide English education (primarily conversational English) in local schools.

Internship Ecuador teaching English are located in both rural and urban communities. Interns usually work as teachers in either private or public schools at either the elementary or the high school level – promoting and polishing Ecuadorian students' English-speaking skills.

Skills/qualifications Needed

Beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish is preferred, but not required. If you cannot speak Spanish, we suggest you enroll in our Spanish language course to make your stay more rewarding – both for you and for the children you are helping. No specific qualifications are required to join the teaching English project in Ecuador.

However, interested individuals in this Ecuador internship opportunity should have a passion and desire to teach younger children (and occasionally teenagers) and be comfortable fulfilling the role of English-instructors and/or teachers' aides. All interns are encouraged to be flexible, patient and adaptive.

A dress code is required for all participants – no shorts or sleeveless shirts are to be worn and interns must maintain a presentable appearance (i.e. no excessive tattoos or piercings). Interns should be eager to teach and care for these children. Interns should have a basic understanding of the Spanish language in order to work effectively within these school-based projects.

An Interns’ Responsibilities

Interns in Ecuador’s teaching English projects either teach or assist in the teaching of classes at various educational levels – kindergarten, elementary and high school. If experience or knowledge warrants, other areas of education may be taught, like Art, Physical Education, Mathematics or specialty classes like Music or Computer Skills.

Interns’ help is also needed with organizing of extracurricular activities as well enlightening the children regarding issues of sanitation and personal hygiene. Classes will usually be held Monday through Friday. Interns are encouraged to use a number of interactive methods to aide in the teaching of English, including: flash cards, singing songs, etc.

We believe education in general is the key to enabling this South American country to rise from the dredges of poverty, so your internship contributions reach further than just the student you directly influence.

If you are interested in volunteer programs, we also offer satisfying teaching volunteer program in Ecuador.

If you are interested in our amazing volunteer opportunities in Ecuador, please feel free to contact us.


Fees & Dates:

Internship opportunities in Ecuador start on the first and third Monday of each month.

Since 2003, IFRE has been the most trusted and respected volunteer and intern abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality internship programs at the lowest fees, which make it possible for everyone, especially students, to intern internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured; we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly program fee is paid in the host country directly to your service project (via country coordinator), and includes housing, food, and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your internship Ecuador fees are tax deductible.

The program fee for internship and volunteering is basically same in Ecuador. However, unlike volunteers, interns often work closely with guided supervision from a local project director, and a small weekly supervision fee ($25-50/ week) may be incurred in addition to volunteer program fees.

Learn more about our highly affordable volunteer program fees in Ecuador.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.


Internships vs. Volunteers Programs

In general, volunteer programs focus on humanitarian outreach and project support. Volunteering is popular amongst people who want to share their love and passion for underprivileged children, impoverished communities, or conservation efforts in need of resources.

Internship programs focus on creating a real-world learning environment for interns and students so that they practice professional development and obtain new skills. Similar to volunteers, interns may work on a variety of projects (many times alongside volunteers) that benefits local communities, children, wildlife and similar projects. Teaching programs, medical outreach, and children’s support are the most popular internship projects.


Room & Food

teaching child program

IFRE manages living accommodations and food in Ecuador internships. Our interns stay with carefully selected host families. All interns receive three (3) meals a day. Prepared meals are typical of the Ecuadorian diet. Occasionally, if interns are away from their host families during lunch, they may be required to pack their own 'to go' lunches, with food the host family provides.

Your host family is responsible for preparing three meals for you each day. If traditional Ecuadorian fare doesn’t appeal to you, you are welcome to buy your own food and prepare it yourself. The simple rule is to please not use the family’s food for your own use. If you have other needs for food outside of these meals, you are able to purchase snacks and meals at local restaurants and grocery stores.

Throughout your internship opportunity in Ecuador, you will be sharing the house, kitchen and bathrooms with the family members. You will have the ability to do your laundry in the house or the host family may offer to do it for you.

Host family residences are simple and clean. Generally, our Ecuadorian host families are respected members of their communities and they live in well-off neighborhoods. Most of our host families are experienced with hosting international interns. Rooms may be shared with another same gender intern.

Bathrooms are shared with the family. Toilets are ‘Western style’, yet often there is not always hot running water. Throughout the internship project, our local staff stays in contact with interns either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. With longer placements, we visit our interns every two weeks (when possible) and interns are always welcome at the local office.

Learn more out your accommodations and meals while in Ecuador .

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.


Field Support and Supervision

Once your Ecuador internship program begins, our local staff members stay in constant touch with you. However, interns staying far from our Quito office, our staff will visit every 2-4 weeks (if possible) and interns are always welcome at the office.

We recommend that interns stop by the office once a week, if they are staying/working in the local area, to give feedback on their home stay and project. Many minor issues can avoid escalation with a just little extra communication. Your project will have local staff members in addition to our in-country coordination staff.

If your project is located a substantial distance from our offices, then our local staff communicates by either email and/or phone. We are available for you at the local office via email and phone for your entire trip. It’s our job to make sure that you are safe and healthy.

Learn more about the stellar safety and in-country support we offer.


Academic Credit

You can earn academic credit for most internship projects in Ecuador. The best way to receive academic credit is by pre-arranging the project with your college/university. It is up to an intern to communicate with faculty/academic advisors regarding college credit for internship work PRIOR to applying to IFRE.

Your college/university may require additional information prior to approval and may require students to submit pre/post research or other requirements.


Free Time

Interns in Ecuador have free time for the duration of their internship project, weekends and the Language and Culture program. While IFRE does not arrange activities during this time off, our local staff, members and coordinators can provide priceless assistance in making appropriate arrangements for travel in Ecuador.

It’s the time for self-discovery and learning. It’s time to explore Ecuador – it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world offering numerous opportunities for a truly amazing experience. Our IFRE local coordinators/staff are available to give you free advice, travel tips and helps to book your travel.

During your Ecuador internship, you will experience Quito , which provides a beautiful, high-altitude backdrop for free-time adventures. We recommend using your free time to explore this city a bit more. Quito's Old City is the largest in Latin America. This historic and important part of Quito has received a huge restoration and revitalization program over the last decade. It boasts numerous churches, monasteries and convents and 17 squares.

City busses are safe and inexpensive ways to explore the city and beyond. Locate high in the mountains, Quito serves as a launch pad for eco-tourism – experiences include the world’s highest cable car, rainforest excursions, multiple parrot and wildlife encounters and strolls through the well-established botanical garden. Options abound! Rent a bike. Visit the “Middle of the World” Monument. Ride horses. The choices are there for your making! Enjoy Quito!

Discover what to do in your free time and weekend while in Ecuador.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.


FAQs: Internship Ecuador

Arrival and Departure

Once you have been approved for your Ecuador internship, you will need to make travel plans to arrive in Quito International Airport. Please ensure that you send us correct flight information once you’ve booked your flight.

You will need to consult our country coordinator before leaving your home country. Please let them know whether your flight is on time of if there is a delay. Because an IFRE representative will pick you up once you land in Ecuador, it is very important that you communicate with us as soon as possible if you’re flight is delayed by any amount of time or if you miss your flight completely.

When you depart, you will need to make your own travel arrangements as we do not offer drop-off service at the airport.

Visa

You need to secure a tourist visa in order to participate in IFRE Volunteers internship program in Ecuador.

Depending on your Nationality, a ‘visa on arrival’ may be available in case of emergency. Visa extension is possible by visiting department of immigration if you decide you would like to extend your time in Ecuador.

Vaccination

For travel to Ecuador, the CDC recommends vaccinations against: Rabies, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever, Malaria, Typhoid


How can I apply?

IFRE’s Ecuador intern applications are straightforward: go online, fill out the program application, and submit it to us. We will follow up with you within 24-hours of your application submittal.


Why go with IFRE Volunteers?

IFRE Volunteers is a global humanitarian non-profit who has partnered with over 22,000 people and hundreds of local organizations since 2006 to facilitate outstandingly significant and incredibly safe volunteer and intern abroad experiences.

We offer the most affordable international internships in Ecuador, and we use the tax-deductible registration fee to support your experience and enhance local projects while the program fee gets paid directly to your service project.

While in Ecuador, you will to create long lasting connections with your home-away-from-home host family, project coordinators, and fellow interns. If for any reason you feel uncomfortable during your time abroad, our unparalleled support staff will do everything they can to improve your situation and ensure that you have a good experience.


Our Volunteer Abroad Programs

IFRE offers best affordable volunteer opportunities across 20 countries around the world. If you are interested in our highly impactful and rewarding volunteering opportunities in India, Sri Lanka Thailand, China, Nepal, Bali, Ghana , Kenya , South Africa , Tanzania , Uganda , Zimbabwe, Costa Rica , Ecuador , Peru , Guatemala , Argentina , and Brazil

Check out A Complete Volunteer Abroad Guide : Everything You Need To Know to learn more about what is volunteering abroad. If you want to know how to volunteer abroad for free, go through our Volunteer Abroad for Free article. If you are a college student and searching for meaningful summer volunteering programs, check out our popular articles Community Service Trips For College Students and Summer Volunteer Programs For College Students .

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Top destinations