We are seeking aspired agriculturalists with a sense of adventure and interest in different cultures to gain and share experience in Ecuador. We offer you hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn more about ecological farming in a different environment.

Whilst you are developing your skills as a farmer, you will have the opportunity to learn more about Ecuador and its amazing culture. As part of the internship you will learn the Spanish language and interact with local farmers to help them apply ecological farming methods.

OVERVIEW

Moving Ecuador is offering students and volunteers ways to contribute to the development of Ecuador, whilst using their specific skills and interests. Together with several organisations we are offering our support to create a more sustainable Ecuador.

WHY ECUADOR?

The country of Ecuador is a perfect place to learn about ecological agriculture. As a microcosm of South America it includes the natural areas of south America: the rainforest, Andes and coast, giving farmers a large variety of ways to develop ecological agriculture projects. Moving Ecuador has already established contacts with several profit and non profit organisations in many different areas of the country, where you can apply your skills and learn more about ecological agriculture. The many different cultures in Ecuador will guarantee you interesting challenges, working with people from different ethnical backgrounds.

THE INTERNSHIP

We have selected three different areas of the country for you to do your placement. All of them offer similar projects, but in very different environments and areas of the country. You will be able to learn and apply different skills in each location. Each of the three farms require a minimum stay of two months. A combination of study locations can be arranged. Take a look at our example internships to learn more about this.

A two month internship consists of the following:

1st Month

• 2 weeks: Spanish classes one on one (4 hrs a day) + introduction to the farm and local communities.
• 1 week: Time to get your hands dirty! You will either work on the land of the ecological farm or will be assisting one of the local farmers with their work. You can also opt to extend your Spanish classes for another week
• 1 week: Personal project start-up. You will write a project proposal for a project that allows you to apply your skills. The project will have to be approved by the project coordinator at the farm. Read the example internships to learn more about this. Sometimes a project will be appointed to you (this project will be agreed upon before your arrival at the hacienda).The remainder of the time you will help out at the ecological farm.

2nd Month

• Execute the project that has been given to you. You will have the entire month to finish the project.
• Evaluation with the project coordinator at the farm.

Spanish classes

Interaction with the local farmers will be a vital part of the internship. You will be required to take at least two weeks of Spanish classes, unless you are already able to speak Spanish on at least an intermediate level. The Spanish classes are offered on or nearby the farm, which allows you to learn Spanish whilst helping out at the activities on the farm.

As an alternative, we can also arrange classes for you in Quito at one of the capital’s most reputable Spanish schools.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided to you by the project coordinator at the farm. You will be staying at the farm in your private room, at some locations with private bathroom. All locations have communal areas. Three meals a day will be provided to you during your stay at the farm.

We can offer you accommodations in different price ranges whilst in Quito.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Most internships offer little in the way of experience, but this internship is a unique chance to work as an agriculturist. Unlike most interns, you will be expected to be a part of the team, which includes applying your skill and experience gained from placements and university.