Ecuador Summer Internship
Quito, Ecuador
May 18 - July 10, 2026
An Experience Like No Other
Spend eight weeks of your summer gaining hands-on experience in your field of study in an international context. Whatever your major, we provide custom internship placement for you at locations around the city of Quito. Internship sites are varied and include ministries, schools, non-profits, hospitals/clinics, government agencies, for-profit businesses, and more.
Earn college credit, build your resume, develop your interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, engage in community and live in Christian community.
Highlights
Customized internship based on your major
Earn college credit
Live in Christian community
Four day work week
Four-Week Homestay with local family
Mission and Ministry experience in the Amazon Jungle
Optional Galápagos Island Excursion
Ecuador Internship Opportunities
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Within communications, there are a variety of corporate, non-profit and public roles. Cross-cultural communication exposes students to training in a variety of media outlets such as writing, programming, broadcasting, blogging, and even television and/or radio production. A communications internship prepares students for work in media industries, businesses, non-profit organizations and ministries requiring excellent written, interpersonal, organizational, oral and media production skills. Opportunities include HCJB, a local healthcare and media mission, and Control Z, a youth-focused radio station.
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Business students study communication skills, financial modeling, and statistical theory as it applies in business settings, and recreational opportunities in the private sector, business law, and business ethics. Seeing how a business runs internationally equips students to succeed. A business internship deepens students’ involvement in the global marketplace by gaining practical hands-on and field experience. Business partners and connections constitute these internship opportunities.
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Intercultural internships seek to help students examine culture from a biblical perspective and guide the student in the use of basic tools for grasping the content and application of God’s Word in a global context. Internships are offered at church partners and humanitarian organizations.
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Students come to Ecuador with varying degrees of fluency in Spanish. Consequently, after initial placement testing, students are placed in internships that will correspond to their level of proficiency. Internships will introduce the students to the sounds and structure of the Spanish language through listening and speaking and allow them to serve others while improving their Spanish language learning. Homestays with Ecuadorian families would also accompany this Internship.
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Educational internships prepare students to teach in public, private, or Christian schools. Teaching in a multicultural society, and even teaching in a different language prepares teachers well to enter the educational community. Opportunities include teaching English in high schools (international and national) elementary/middle schools, and after-school programs.
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Knowing your way through the wilderness is important. Being able to guide others through their journey of faith in an outdoor context is even better. Outdoor Leadership students develop the necessary knowledge and skills in experiential education to be able to effectively lead others through the process of Christian formation. Internships in this area are realized at El Refugio, an outdoor training and leadership center.
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Youth & Worship Ministry opportunities seek to help each student examine the scriptural basis for the faith and to guide the student in the use of basic tools for grasping the content and application of God’s Word. International ministry helps students acquire and develop their skills in ministry through involvement in other hands-on experience opportunities; through service projects, campus ministries, and volunteer programs. Opportunities include high schools, youth groups, and church worship ministries.
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Pulling from the historical roots of the profession, such opportunities emphasize that community well-being is essential to a common good, that each community has gifts and assets, and we are called to participate in the life of a community. Opportunities for students to fulfill their callings to Christ-like service are present through numerous service learning and field education experiences, including high schools, orphanages, senior care facilities, prison ministries, and community outreach partners.
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Physical well-being and access to healthcare are essential to a healthy life, particularly in a developing country. Pre-Med and nursing opportunities give students hands-on experience in an international medical context; in clinics, emergency rooms, out and inpatient procedures, all to gain an understanding of international medicine and medical practices. Internships include clinics, hospitals, and senior care facilities where the need is present.
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Other internship opportunities may be available (for specific major requirements). Other non-major internships include work at orphanages, old-folks homes, prisons, coaching sports teams, soup kitchens, a daycare for children at the city dump, and other ministry partners connected with L&LI.
Earning College Credit
Students will complete either L&LI’s International Internship Syllabus or their home institution’s syllabus
Once hours and activities are completed, grades will be transferred to the home institution.
Internship Placement Details
Factors that influence internship placement: Student interest/passion, future career goals, internship site availability, and mastery of the Spanish language (English speaking sites available)
Earn 3 to 6 course credits by interning 120-240 hours over eight weeks.
Internship placement is customizable and based on interests and the requirements of your university.
Interning in another country allows you to gain new knowledge and understanding of your field of study from a different culture and context. You’ll develop unique skills that will prepare you for your future career.
Spend eight weeks of your summer in Ecuador in a discipline-specific internship. With a robust network in each city, our team provides an internship where you will be able to put into practice all that you have been learning in the classroom.
You’ll earn 3-6 college credits and invest in a career-building, life-changing experience
Optional Galápagos Island Excursion
If you would like, you are able to join us for about six days after the program in the Galápagos Islands! Following the 8-week program, students can join an optional 5-day guided excursion of the Galápagos Islands. Family members and friends are invited to join at the Additional Visitor Price.
Highlights
Visit the Galápagos Tortoise reservation
Boat Ride and Snorkeling
Visit Tortuga Bay and see wildlife up close
Hike and swim in a natural volcanic ocean channel
Free time
Optional Scuba Diving (additional fees paid on location)
Cost
This excursion is about $2,000 which includes round-trip airfare from Quito to the Galápagos, guides, hotels, excursions, national park entrance, immigration registration, and select meals. Family and friends are welcome to join!
Family and friends are invited to join with additional administrative fees.
What’s included in the summer internship?
Program Cost: $4,000
Cost Includes:
Airport transfers
Meals during program events (about 50% of the program)
Lodging and program transportation
Four-week Homestay experience with an Ecuadorian Family
Comprehensive Orientation and Debrief
A 6-day service trip to the Amazon Jungle
A variety of cultural activities
International Travel Insurance (not primary medical insurance)
Does Not Include:
Airfare
Passport
Immunizations
Meals outside of program events (about 50% of the program)
Personal expenses or personal travel