Well you've studied Spanish for a while, and are doing pretty well in the classroom.  Isn't it time that you put your knowledge to practical use?  You could choose to study abroad... moving from one classroom to another.  Or you could plunge into the real world, using what you've learned in a real-world situation, and improving your language skills at a rate you could never match in the classroom.  An essential component of any well-designed curriculum, internships are proving to be an exceptional motivational and practical experience for students and professionals alike. What's more, the fact that you've had the independence, openness, and curiosity to undertake an internship in a foreign country is great for the resume.   It says a lot about you as a potential employee or graduate student.

We organize unpaid internships with several NGOs committed to promoting basic human rights.

For this internship, you must have at least an intermediate knowledge of Spanish. You may wish to supplement your knowledge with Spanish lessons.  We can arrange lessons to fit your schedule and your budget.

Where? Quito is the capital of Ecuador and it is the second highest capital in the world at an elevation of 2850 meters. (La Paz, Bolivia is the highest). Quito is one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The view of the area around Quito is dominated by the majestic, cone-shaped Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. Due to the altitude of the city, and its location just south of the equator, Quito has a wonderful spring like climate throughout the year.

Quito is a modern city with every comfort and convenience readily available, yet it retains a large historic district that has been designated a UNESCO cultural heritage site. The new town contains numerous modern office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, banks, and much more. In the colonial part of Quito you will find Spanish colonial churches, whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and old plazas.  Overlooking the historic district stands the imposing statue of the Virgin of Quito, known as the Panecillo. For foreign visitors, Quito is a very comfortable and interesting place to spend some time.

Placements

ALDHU-In Latin America and the Caribbean, the Latin American Human Rights Association (ALDHU) has a leading role in the promotion of human rights. Its policy is that democracy and human rights should constitute the foundation of every development process. Since 1995, ALDHU has worked with indigenous organizations to bring about an alternative peace process and to maintain the cultural and ecological heritage that Ecuador and Peru share in the Amazon region. 

CEDHU-La Comisión Ecuménica de los Derechos Humanos is a social organization whose mission is to promote human rights and respect for the dignity of all people. CEDHU was created May 3, 1978 after the massacre of 100 workers at a sugar factory. CEDHU considers the exercise of human rights and social justice to be the foundation for equitable development and social peace. CEDHU supports and promotes human rights through legal aid, education, and documentation.

FENOCIN ? Confederacion Nacional de Organizaciones Campesinas, Indigenas, y Negras (FENOCIN) is a multi-ethnic organization made up of communities, cooperatives, workers associations, youth groups, indigenous organizations, and campesino organizations.  FENOCIN has worked to acquire land, water, and economic rights for the poorest sectors of the rural Ecuadorian population. Interns could assist with projects in the main Quito office or travel to small towns throughout Ecuador with educational outreach programs. This internship requires advanced Spanish proficiency.

CONAMU-Consejo Nacional de las Mujeres is a governmental organization started in 1980 to work for human rights, equal rights, and equal opportunities for women in Ecuador.  CONAMU is very active working against violence directed at women by revising legislation and promoting reform and enforcement of existing laws concerning domestic violence. CONAMU also has many education and skills training programs aimed at empowering women and giving them the tools to be self sufficient.

ORI-Operación Rescate Infantil is a governmental organization created by the Ecuadorian government in 1989. The main objective of ORI is to reduce the poverty of children under the age of six. ORI has a wide variety of programs including nutritional and health education, free daycare for poor families, and many other families. ORI works in locations throughout Ecuador including deep in the rainforests and mountains, Quito, Guayaquil, the Galapagos, and everywhere in between.

Where will I live? Placements are made with local families.  You will be provided with 2 meals per day by your host family.  This is a great opportunity to get insight into the culture and practice your Spanish. 

Can I study Spanish?  We offer individualized Spanish lessons, one on one with a native speaker in Quito.  This will help you navigate the Spanish speaking world you have entered, both in your residence and your work.  We recommend one week of intensive language study upon arrival (3 hours per day) to get you immediately immersed.

How to Apply Below is our application form. To apply for this program, please fill out the application and return it to us along with a copy of your resume or CV and the $100 application fee. This fee is non-refundable unless we are unable to make a placement for you.

You can send your application to us at:

ELI Associates

Denver, CO 80211