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Internships are an excellent tool for advancing your skills in a field of interest. These positions help young adults find a career path, test their aptitude for certain kinds of work, and further develop their resume or CV. Moreover, an internship abroad contributes to many skills employers appreciate, like flexibility, independence, and perseverance.

An experience abroad shows you are not afraid for new experiences. Although internships are generally conducted by students, it is also a great way to gain more experience in the field you are aiming to work in after graduating.

Internships in Ecuador

In Ecuador, many internationally focused companies are interested in hiring interns from abroad. Tourism companies for example, but also NGOs or multinationals are interested in international interns because of their language and other skills.

Depending on the company, you receive a monthly allowance, free housing, free trips (in the tourism industry) or some offer no compensation at all. Generally, your allowance will not be sufficient to cover all the expenses and you need savings when coming to Ecuador.

Search for Internships

Online

There are online search engines to help you find an internship, like Idealist.org and computrabajo.com.ec. Many international companies also share their job openings on LinkedIn (see section below).

It is also possible to apply directly with organizations. Research your area of interest and find if there are any organizations with online applications.

Newspaper

Several papers have a helpful classified's section, like El Comercio.

Networking

If your university does not have a database with internships abroad, check online networks, like Linkedin & EasyExpat forums. Use the EasyExpat LinkedIn group & the country specific forum.

Programs

To secure an internship aboard, it is usually easiest to find a company that sets-up the internship. Some agencies require a fee to secure a placement. Such agencies may include:

• Ecuador Volunteer
• Local Dreamers
• Yanapuma Foundation

Visa

If an agency arranges your internship, the agency usually guides the intern through the process. If you are registered at an internationally listed university, you can apply for a Student Visa. In case you do not, there are other visa options.

For more information, consult the section on "Passport and Visas".

Au Pair

An au pair is in charge of taking care of the children and lives within the home of the family. The au pair is provided accommodation and meals and a stipend of spending money. The family gains a loving caretaker for their children and an addition to the family. Expats have both found work, and employed, au pairs.