EcoSwell
Why choose EcoSwell?
For EcoSwell, it all began with friendships, a passion for sustainability, and a surf trip back in 2013. Four lifelong friends traveled along Peru's coast searching for waves and discovered the off-the-beaten-path town of Lobitos. While there, they caught some of the best waves of their lives, met incredibly kind people, and experienced breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife. As Jacques Cousteau...
For EcoSwell, it all began with friendships, a passion for sustainability, and a surf trip back in 2013. Four lifelong friends traveled along Peru's coast searching for waves and discovered the off-the-beaten-path town of Lobitos. While there, they caught some of the best waves of their lives, met incredibly kind people, and experienced breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife. As Jacques Cousteau once said, "People conserve what they love," and the group had fallen in love with Lobitos. However, they noticed the environmental and social challenges the town was facing, which contrasted sharply with its natural beauty. They realized that Lobitos' essence would not endure if nothing was done. This realization led to the creation of EcoSwell. Since then, the EcoSwell family has grown to in...
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EcoSwell Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Hands-on Experience with Meaningful Projects
by: Logan NgaiProgram: NGO/Social Enterprise Management Volunteer InternshipI truly enjoyed the work I was involved in, especially knowing that my efforts in research and Salesforce contributed to EcoSwell's growth. The Google Ads project that I am working on has been particularly valuable; learning to use both Google Ads and Salesforce has been highly relevant to my professional development. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to work on these projects, as they provided me with practical skills and a sense of meaningful impact.
A Well-Rounded Internship with Hands-On Learning about Ecosystems and Climate Impact
by: Lili WisniewskiProgram: Reforestation and Ecosystem Restoration Internship in PeruThis internship offered a rich learning experience about the local ecosystem and the impact of climate change on flora, particularly how grazing practices affect the environment. I appreciated the balance between desk work and field work, which kept the experience engaging and varied. However, I do wish there had been more participants in my program, as working with a team would have made the workload more enjoyable and manageable. Overall, the mix of field and desk tasks provided a comprehensiv...
A Warm and Welcoming Community Experience
by: Bing YouProgram: Research Volunteer Internship (In-Person & Online)The best part of my time here has been the incredible sense of community. The environment is relaxed and friendly, with people on the street greeting you, which makes everything feel very welcoming. The EcoSwell house and staff are just as warm—they greeted me every day and made me feel right at home. Overall, this experience has been all about connection, kindness, and feeling truly welcomed, making it a memorable stay.
EcoSwell Programs
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EcoSwell is a multiple award winning non-profit located in Lobitos, a surfing paradise of northern Peru. Students who have participated in EcoSwe...
EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired sustainable development nonprofit driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of s...
EcoSwell is a multiple award winning non-profit located in Lobitos, a surfing paradise of northern Peru. The organization focuses on helping vuln...
EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired sustainable development nonprofit driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of s...
EcoSwell is a multiple award winning non-profit located in Lobitos, a surfing paradise of northern Peru. Through their work EcoSwell have impacte...
Water is a scarce resource in Lobitos. Not only do many residents lack access to toilets, but Lobitos also lacks a sanitation network, which prev...
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Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Ivy Jones
Participated in 2019
Ivy is a high school grad currently on a gap year before starting university. She is from Denver, Colorado. Ivy has been lucky to have parents who too...
Ivy Jones
Participated in 2019
I decided to travel abroad during my gap year because I wanted to learn about and experience a different location and culture in depth. There is no better way to learn about different ways of life and ways of thinking than to live in a different country for a long time. I love to learn and immerse myself in new experiences, and that is why I travel.
Andres Bustamante
Interviewed in 2019
Andres is one of the four Co-Founders and Directors of EcoSwell. He studied marketing and international business at Ryerson University in Toronto, Can...
Andres Bustamante
Interviewed in 2019
What inspired you to travel abroad?
At EcoSwell, there rarely are typical days at work, but all of them give me something to smile about. As a Director I live half of my days on the ground in Lobitos working with volunteer interns and the community, and the other half in our office in Lima managing our marketing and public relations activities.
Ellen Jones
Interviewed in 2019
Ellen is a geography graduate from the UK and currently working with EcoSwell in Peru. She supervises the international interns and the sustainability...
Ellen Jones
Interviewed in 2019
What inspired you to travel abroad?
A typical day at EcoSwell begins at 9:00 a.m. where we have a meeting every Monday with all staff and interns to plan out the tasks for the week. Once I have ensured that all interns are clear with their objectives and tasks, I usually complete some administration or financial tasks. We have lunch in the early afternoon and afterwards head out into the community to work on the reforestation project or carry out some market research until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.
Recognitions
Check out awards and recognitions EcoSwell has received
