INTERSHIPS

Program is open all year round: acceptance to the program depends on availability.

Program Duration: Depends on the placement.

LEAD Adventures gives you the opportunity to take a professional internship or complete practical training at a host institution in this amazing country of Ecuador for the experience of a lifetime! The exposure to another culture open minds and creates understanding of cultural differences, which is recognized on resumes as an invaluable skill for future leaders.

We currently offer placements in Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil.

In your free time you can enjoy many different activities that Ecuador has to offer:

*Enjoy exploring Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. This beautiful city will take you back through 500 years of history, cultural sites and places you will never forget. Quito has colonial churches, structures and historical sites hundred of years old such as La Iglesia de San Francisco, La Plaza de la Independencia, the mighty Basilica and more.

* The Teleferico takes visitors almost to the top of the Volcano Pichincha in a sky tram. It is worth putting aside a few hours for the trip, and a trip by day or at nighttime is equally interesting. The cable cars will take you up to almost 14,000 feet and the views are stunning.

* Adjacent to the Old City in Quito, El Panecillo is a large hill on top of which a large statue of the Virgin of Quito which is visible from miles around. From the top there are marvelous views of the whole city and the volcanoes.

* Visit the "Middle of the World City" in Quito where the monument that divides the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern is located. You must also straddle the line dividing the north and south hemispheres, with one foot in each. It was built during the XVII century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of the equatorial line. The Ethnographic Museum can be also be visited here.

*Take a weekend tour to and hike the Cotopaxi volcano. The Cotopaxi National Park is located in the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” a breathtaking place of rare natural beauty. Hike to the glaciers and enjoy the spectacular view!

Lead Adventures gives you the opportunity to get a real taste of your future career while working at a recognized institution in Ecuador. Some examples of internships are:

• Conservation (Ecology)

• NGOs (Local or International) focused in Social work

• Social Marketing

• Tourism management (private or public sector)

• Others upon request

This experience provides a direct contact with local professionals and helps the participant to learn about a specific field while at the same time to understand the culture more effectively. Moreover the constant contact with native Spanish speakers helps the participant to truly learn the Spanish language.

This international working experience enhances the ability of young people to think globally. This is an invaluable skill in the modern world. In addition, this international experience could open many doors for future academic or professional goals.

Participants have the option to live at a home stay, residence, apartment or hostel.

Rennie Hoare (23)

United Kingdom

July, August and September 2008

I spent ten weeks in Quito over the summer of 2008. I lived with the same family for all of my time there, and had the chance to build up a really close bond with them. It was really good to have such a happy and accommodating home as it meant that I was really pleased to get back to them at the end of the day and have dinner and a chat. This level of comfort was not just confined to the home and due to this the evenings out in Quito were amazing, and some of the best that I have ever had. The mixture of locals and foreigners seemed to be exactly right and made for a great atmosphere. Over the weeks that I was in Ecuador, except for the first two where I was only learning Spanish, I worked as an intern at an apolitical NGO called Grupo FARO. In this office I had the chance to work alongside highly knowledgeable professionals, and to give my own input through a series of presentations. I found this hugely rewarding and gave me an interesting insight into the political workings of the country. In all, the experience gave me the chance to learn a new language, make new friends, and experience and understand a different and interesting culture- truly enjoyable.

To learn more about our Pricing Policy and Insurance Servicies please refer to the About Us section in the main menu of this site.

It is our desire to make these programs available for most people taking into consideration the various needs, budgets, and expectations different people have, therefore below are the pricing options we offer:

1. Package Pricing: We can take care of all of your details on your behalf.

One-time Fee Only: 750 USD

Includes:

· Transfer on arrival from Quito Airport to hostel in Quito

· Comprehensive Orientation in Quito at Lead Adventures Office

· One week accommodation in Quito to help you settle down until you find your long term accommodation

· Assistance to get accommodation at host families, student apartments or residences

· Professional placement at an organization, company or institution that matches the participant’s request

· 2 weeks of traveler’s insurance (only for direct bookings with Lead Adventures; not through agencies)

· 24-hour emergency contact number

Does not include:

· International flights

· Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement

(for volunteers who registered for this program through an agency)

· Lunch

· Personal travel insurance for volunteers who register directly with Lead Adventures after the second week

· All items of a personal nature

· Any activities beyond your planned itinerary

Spanish Lessons: You can add Spanish classes (recommended) in Quito prior to your program. The classes include host

family accommodation and 20 hours per week of Spanish Lessons for a cost of 230 USD per week.

Note: UK and other country participants can get the pricing in their own currency by using this easy calculator at: www.xe.com/ucc

No Iframes

Currency Converter

INTERSHIPS

Peru Tours & Hostel

Ecuador Tours & Hostel

Volunteer Galapagos Information

Ecuador's Information