Learn more about what an internship in Ecuador would look like below. The 2026 internship will take place from the end of June through the beginning of August. Applications and reference forms are due February 15, 2026 to [email protected].
Objectives
Provide hands-on learning in a Christ-centered cross-cultural community development water ministry.
Provide an opportunity for interns to use their skills in technical ministry.
Provide learning opportunities for interns to further develop ministry and technical skills.
Provide opportunities to learn about Ecuador and its culture.
Build Spanish language communication skills.
Work & Ministry Assignments Summer interns will work on community water system design and water supply disinfection. Potential work assignments include the following;
Community water system topographic survey, design, calculations, estimate, and design reports. Topographic surveys are done using total station equipment, drones, and GPS. Plans are generally drawn using AutoCAD. Calculations and design reports are prepared using EXCEL and MS WORD. Additional software may be required for some projects.
Chlorination disinfection observations and community follow-up to supplement and continue chlorination studies.
Participate in on-going project work, community water system evaluations, preliminary studies, drawings, calculations, and daily tasks of the ministry.
Make blog entries and improvements to the Life Giving Water International and CODEINSE websites.
Help hold a vacation Bible school.
Participate and observe community health hygiene classes.
Participate in spring protection.
Video, photography, and writing for teaching materials and publicity.
Prepare a ministry summary for LGWI & CODEINSE at the end of the summer and a PowerPoint or video presentation for family, friends, and donors before leaving at the end of the summer.
Discipleship and other Activities
Spanish studies 3 to 4 hours per week.
Interns can enlist a language partner to exchange Spanish and Ecuador culture learning in exchange for English tutoring. Interns normally stay with an Ecuadorian family.
Weekly Bible studies in English and book studies discussing community development.
Activity trips to other areas to get to know Ecuador.
Fellowship with in-country missionaries.
Weekend outings hiking, biking, or other excursions.
Table games with families.
Finances
Interns must raise their own funds to finance their time in Ecuador.
The cost for 2025 is $3000 for the summer - $1500/month or $50/day for the two-month program. This includes all expenses in Ecuador (accommodations, meals, transportation, activities, cell phone, office expenses, and Spanish lessons) except for air fare to Quito which the intern covers.
Interns are encouraged to raise donations for their service in Ecuador including airfare and expenses for travel to Quito. Tax-deductible contributions can be received by Life Giving Water International on behalf of the accepted interns.
Interns may also want to bring additional funds for tourist items or donor gifts.
Upon completing the program, interns will receive a $1000 scholarship to further their studies.
Reading The following are materials we read and discuss during the internship.
Foreign to Familiar: A Guide to Understanding Hot - And Cold - Climate Cultures by Sarah A. Lanier
Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It by Robert D. Lupton
Old Testament Template: Rediscovering God's Principles for Discipling Nations by Landa Cope
