Internship Program in Ecuador

  Ecuador

Term: Throughout the year 
Length of Position: 3 months

Description: This program, administered in cooperation with our partner organization AMILI, provides internship opportunities for U.S. and Canadian students and young professionals in all four regions of Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands. Unpaid placements are available in business/ finance, hotel management/ tourism, computer science, engineering, social work/humanitarian and environmental fields. Two program options are available: 1:1-week language course followed by a 3-month internship or 2:4-week Spanish language course with a 2-month internship at an Ecuadorian company.

Upon your arrival, you will be picked up at the airport by a representative of AMILI, and given an orientation to explain bureaucratic and cultural issues. Your own, private instructor will provide language instruction in a one-on-one setting. This ensures that you receive instruction based on your individual needs and your Spanish ability. Language instruction is scheduled for 20 hours per week (4 hours per day).

During your stay in Ecuador, you will live with a host family that has been carefully selected based on its commitment to helping participants practice and improve their Spanish skills and integrate into the culture. By living with a family, you will gain first-hand experience of Ecuadorian culture and will have an unparalleled understanding of the day to day life in this warm and inviting country. As a participant, you will be treated as part of the family and are encouraged to participate in family outings and functions, providing you with ample opportunities to practice Spanish and gain fluency.

Applications are accepted year-round, and must be submitted at least three months prior to desired start date.

Highlights: There is a non-refundable application fee of $100, due with the completed application. Applications will not be considered until the fee has been received. Upon acceptance, the participant must pay the additional fees, which can be accessed at the website listed above.

Applications are due at least three months prior to desired start date.

Qualifications: Candidates must be U.S. citizens. Canadian citizens may apply if they are enrolled students. Other citizens must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. college/university and will be responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. The maximum age is 30, and participants must have the equivalent of 2 years post-secondary study of Spanish. Fluency is required for Option 1, as participants must be able to immediately function in a Spanish-speaking environment. Participants must have completed at least 2 years of study at a university/college in business, technical, or liberal arts-related fields. Practical experience in your desired field (summer employment, prior internship, etc.) does not need to be extensive, but is necessary.

Cost in US$: see website for details

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently