Volunteer Programs in Guaranda, Ecuador

Join this hands-on internship and help low-income Indigenous communities access clean drinking water through education and infrastructure projects. THE CHALLENGE Safe drinking water is a human right, yet nearby communities face contamination, deforestation, and poor storage and filtration. Many rely on open streams carrying soil and chemicals from uphill farming. With no filtration and little storage, gastrointestinal issues are common, and water shut-offs occur during summer or pipe breaks. THE SOLUTION Addressing this water crisis requires a comprehensive approach—from public health initiatives to domestic filtration, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements. With the guidance of our experienced team, you’ll engage with the local community to identify and implement sustainable solutions that ensure long-term access to clean, secure drinking water. OUR METHODOLOGY Our internships use Design Thinking to co-create solutions with local partners. You’ll learn to observe, ideate, and prototype in real contexts, building skills while driving sustainable change. On weekends—or before and after your stay—you can explore Ecuador, from the Amazon to the Galápagos.

Step out of your comfort zone in this highly enriching program that lets you apply your nursing skills to help people in need. ELEP Volunteer and Internship Programs provide amazing opportunities abroad in Ecuador. This is an ideal program for registered nurses and nursing students interested in lending a hand in busy community healthcare foundations, municipal medical centers, or government hospitals. Registered nurses can meaningfully contribute by providing professional and quality patient care. On the other hand, nursing students will gain hands-on nursing experience by assisting local nursing staff. As a volunteer nurse, your duties include (but are not limited to) the following: - Providing direct patient care (hygiene, feeding, etc.) - Performing technical functions (weighing patients and taking their blood pressure and other vital signs) - Monitoring and observing patients - Ensuring that oral medications are administered on time - Preparing patients for physical examinations - Assisting in the physical transfer of patients Live your dream and make a positive humanitarian impact. Volunteer as a nurse in Ecuador!