ELI works with many organizations in Ecuador to connect interns with placements that will offer real world work experience as well as an intense cross cultural learning exchange. Please keep in mind that all internships in Ecuador require at least a high intermediate level of Spanish proficiency.

Human Rights and Community Development

Human Rights is one of the foremost issues in Ecuadorian politics today. ELI works with governmental and non-governmental organizations devoted to promoting human rights for different marginalized groups. Interns in this program can work in the field of indigenous rights, women's rights, children's rights, and legal aid. The organizations we work with have both policy oriented placements and fieldwork oriented placements. In a policy oriented placement, interns will work in an office in Quito assisting with tasks such as research, grant writing, helping with web development, and preparing materials for legislators. In a field work position, participants will assist with capacity building projects in rural areas of Ecuador.

Journalism

ELI works with several media outlets based in Quito to create unique journalism internship opportunities. Writers can gain experience with a daily newspaper, human interest magazine, or one of the most innovative internet journalism outlets in Latin America. Internships with a television station are also a possibility. The journalism internships require an advanced level of Spanish proficiency since all publications are printed only in Spanish.

Medical Internships

Interns hoping to gain clinical experience can work at a clinic or hospital in Ecuador. ELI works with many charitable clinics and public hospitals to create opportunities for medical, nursing, physical therapy, dental, and pre-med students. Interns will shadow the staff at the clinic or hospital and do not have medical responsibilities. The program is designed to give participants to observe and learn from practices in Ecuador. Participants will also gain an understanding of some of the complicated issues the healthcare system in Ecuador is grappliing with. Depending on the placement, participants may be able to assist the doctors and nursing staff. Please note that participants in this program must have a high intermediate to advanced level of Spanish proficiency, and knowledge of medical vocabulary will be very helpful.

Photography and Documentary Film

Photographers wanting to add to their portfolios and gain professional level experience can work either with a sports magazine in Quito or on the Galapagos Islands. The sports magazine specializes in soccer but also places a large emphasis on extreme sports such as rafting, mountain climbing, and mountain biking. Participants looking to gain experience with documentary film and printed materials such as brochures can work with the Parque Nacional on the Galapagos Islands. The park has ongoing wildlife documentary projects and is always working on improving interpretive materials. Interns are welcome to contribute.

Teaching

Teaching interns can gain experience win Spanish language classrooms throughout Ecuador. ELI works with pre-schools, primary schools, middle schools, and high schools throughout Ecuador to link the schools with international volunteers and interns to teach English and assist with other subjects such as math, science, extra curricular activities, and sports. Interns will provide a much needed service as well as gain experience in classroom management, curriculum development, and teaching methods. Working directly with Ecuadorian students and teachers will give interns the chance to learn about many of the issues Ecuadorians face every day and a deep understanding of Ecuadorian culture. Teaching oppotunities are available in towns throughout the country including Quito, Mindo, Salinas, Puerto Lopez, the Galapagos, Lago Agrio, Puyo, Otavalo, Ambato, and more. In the Andes and Amazon, the school year starts in September and runs until the end of May, and on the coast and in the Galapagos, the school year starts in april and runs through December. This program requires a minimum of a one month commitment and works best if interns can stay for a full school term.