Intern or Volunteer with a Grassroots Environmental Organization in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Ambato,  Tungurahua

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: See FSD Website

Description: Examples of how you can support Environmental initiatives in Ecuador:

* Support the Granja Integral Project - a farm and nursery that functions as a training center for farmers and associations to acquire agricultural skills. Projects include raising livestock and cultivation of fruit trees, forest plants, vegetables, grasses, blackberries, and other seasonal crops.

* Study ways to enhance local recycling initiatives that will create jobs, reduce waste, and encourage environmental awareness.

* Help to provide technical assistance in water usage to communities of farmers in the Sierra region of Ecuador. Support studies in rural zones to identify water sources and means of providing drinking water to the area. Help create and properly manage irrigation canals while preserving neighboring water sources and/or strengthen organizational capacity to ensure fair distribution of water for local communities.

* Assist staff with field visits to rural community organizations for the development of agriculture, livestock raising, and beekeeping. The program also supports artisan production and product distribution for member organizations.

* Research the sustainable and optimal use of natural resources in the Sierra region and/or help design ways to improve the productivity and profitability of agricultural activities.

* Aid an agricultural exchange program that enhances information sharing for local farmers. Support trainings and/or offer technical assistance in agricultural and conservation practices.

For more opportunities in environment in Ecuador, visit our website or contact us directly.

About FSD
The Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) is an 11 year-old non-profit organization that provides hands-on, service-learning internships and volunteer opportunities for those looking to gain development experience and make a genuine impact on an international community. Our programs are located in eight countries throughout Latin America, East Africa, and India.

Students and professionals spend their time working with one of 160 different non-governmental organizations (NGOs) partnered with FSD, experientially learning and applying sustainable development solutions. Project work is collaboritively designed and implemented by the participant, the FSD Site Team, and the organization. In the end, participants acquire development skills and training, while immersing themselves in foreign language and culture. Interns and volunteers also have the experience of a lifetime, making long-standing relationships with their host families, host organizations, and the communities they serve.

Highlights:
Environmental Issues Addressed by FSD in Ecuador
Ecuador is known for an abundance of diverse ecological zones condensed within a small geographic area. Unfortunately, this biodiversity is currently at risk. Ecuador has the highest rate of deforestation among the Amazonian countries. In addition, high levels of pollution due to oil production are manifested in problems with soil, water and lake contamination. In the Andean highlands, environmental concerns have frequently revolved around land distribution and agricultural practices. An expanding population, high poverty rates, and weak legislation regarding land distribution have resulted in an increased cultivation of at-risk lands. The combination of overworked, eroded land and a lack of access to improved techniques is becoming a huge problem for environmental sustainability in Ecuador.

In Ambato, FSD addresses these issues through support of environmental education programs, campaigns for awareness, and local initiatives. Interns might work in the area of agriculture by providing capacity building workshops and technical assistance to increase the productivity and ecological sustainability of practices. Water system management, Ecotourism, and youth education are other important areas of support for local partners. Overall, Ecuador is an excellent place to gain first-hand experience working with sustainable solutions.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Depends on Program Selected; See FSD Website

Included in the fee is: a one-week orientation; family homestay will all meals provided; language lessons (not available in Latin America); development trainings and workshops; group sessions; midterm retreat (9+ weeks only); final debriefing session; on-going in-country support from FSD site team and U.S. staff; 200 USD mini-grant; eligibility for additional project funding up to 500 USD, medical evacuation and limited health insurance; and pick-up from the airport.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: FSD supports participants who boldly wish to initiate the change they believe is necessary in the developing world. Interns are passionate about sharing their practical knowledge, heart-felt enthusiasm, and economic resources with communities abroad that suffer unnecessary hardship. They wish to gain hands-on, grassroots development experience because they believe change is most powerfully cultivated on a community level. The aim is to experientially learn how their work can empower the community toward applying sustainable development solutions, rather than increasing reliance on foreign aid. Participants choose FSD because the program structure enables them to design and implement their own sustainable projects in collaboration with their host organization and the FSD Site Team. They are able to test their ideas and theories in the most direct way possible, giving them the experience and knowledge they seek. The flexibility of the host organizations allows for participants at all stages and levels of experience in international development to participate, thus opening the programs to a diverse group of capable applicants.

Age Range: 18-75

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 3-10

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Foundation for Sustainable Development's Mission Statement: FSD supports the efforts of grassroots organizations in the developing world that are working to better their communities, environments, and the economic opportunities around them. We believe community development is only sustainable if it empowers the people to effectively use and cultivate their own resources in a conscious manner. Through our programs, we aim to raise international awareness of the economic challenges in developing countries and to support cross-cultural communities in finding more effective solutions to development issues.

Year Founded: 1995