Internships in Ecuador (Ages 20+)

Experience one of the most unique countries in South America with Greenheart Travel’s Internship Program in Ecuador. Through a variety of placements, interns are able to gain practical work skills, enhance their Spanish proficiency and gain a greater understanding of both the ancient and modern cultures that make Ecuador a fascinating place to live.

Placement Locations
Greenheart Travel places interns in a variety of cities and towns around Ecuador depending upon their field of study and availability. Some placement examples are Quito, Ambato, Ibarra, Cuenca, Esmeraldas, and the Galapagos Islands.

Fields of Interest

• Journalism/ Photography
• Medicine (must have some previous experience)
• Law- Human Rights
• Veterinary
• TV
• Urban planning
• Hotel and management
• Tourism
• Mechanical engineering
• Design and product development
• Micro credits
• Radio
• Culture
• Human resources
• Consulting
• Chemistry
• Rehabilitation
• Accounting and finance
• Marketing

Once you are accepted to the program, we will find a meaningful internship within the field you requested. Greenheart Travel cannot guarantee the undertaking of specific responsibilities, such as experience with particular computer programs or the chance to have input on a certain type of project. Our goal is to provide you with an internship relating to your field of choice where you will be able to assist with special projects and that will give you real-world, professional experience. You should also expect to perform some administrative tasks and general office work.

Accommodation and Meals
While interning in Ecuador you will stay with a host family. Your family may be a couple with or without children, a single parent, or a single person interested in other cultures. Within each family you will experience a different dynamic, but they are all motivated by the idea of making cross-cultural friendships. They will be eager to learn about you and your culture and are excited to teach you about their own. Your host family placement will include full board (3 meals per day).

Greenheart Travel works together with our partner office in Ecuador to find the best match for you according to your unique profile and interests. Our partner office is highly trained to select, screen, and monitor host families to help make a placement that is appropriate for you.

Social Life and Travel
Your host family will be a great source of information regarding local events, tasty restaurants and exciting nightlife. Depending on the location of your internship, there will be different things to do and see, so be prepared for a wide variety of activities. Some many include riding bikes in the town of Baños, hiking through a cloud forest in Mindo, riding the teleférico in Quito or dancing salsa in a local club.

Although some independent travel is okay, your internship will remain your first priority, and asking for time off is not permitted.

Local Support
All interns will be provided a local coordinator in Ecuador that will support them throughout their stay. This person will conduct an orientation with the intern upon arrival and is there to answer any questions or address any issues that may arise. A 24-hour support system, both in Ecuador and in the U.S., is also in place in case of an emergency.

University Credit
Greenheart Travel does not give automatic credit for internships, and we cannot guarantee that your school will accept your internship for credit. You should discuss this with your adviser to find out what they require in order for you to receive credit. We will do our best to provide you with any documents or information your school requests, but it is your responsibility gather any necessary materials.

Local Support
Interns should feel free to discuss any questions or concerns with their employers and local coordinators who will remain a source of support for the duration of your internship. Should a problem arise, the local coordinator and 24 hour emergency staff are always available to you.

Transportation and Travel Arrangements
All interns will need to fly in to the capital city of Quito. If you internship is in another location, you will stay in Quito for one night with a local host family and receive an orientation the next day. Transportation from the airport to your accommodations is the intern’s responsibility. We will provide you detailed instructions on the best way to do this before you leave. For an additional fee, we can also arrange to have a representative meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodations. Travel to/from the location of your internship is the responsibility of the intern. Your commute may require public transportation, and can range from 20 minutes to an hour.

Dates, Duration and Application Deadlines
Interns are welcome at anytime during the year. It is suggested that interns arrive on the weekend in order to start their internship on Monday.

A minimum commitment of 1 month is required. Applications must be received at least 12 weeks before your desired start date.

Requirements
Participants must be at least 20 years of age and have an intermediate to advanced level of Spanish. Students who do not have meet the minimum language requirement may opt to take a Spanish course prior to beginning the internship for an additional fee.

Program Costs 

Included	Not Included
Lodging/3 meals per day	Airfare
Medical/Accident Insurance	In country transportation
Local Coordinator	Phone cards/internet
24 Emergency Staff	Spending money
Pre-departure and arrival Orientation	Souvenirs

Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.