Ethnobotany & Traditional Medicine

Program Description

Our Ethnobotany & Traditional Medicine interns will work at the intersection of contemporary and traditional medicine as it is used, shared, implemented, and recounted in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The interns will work with local healers and specialists to gain an understanding of the role of traditional healing practices, including primary plant species and their uses. This internship provides the opportunity to gain an understanding of traditional phytotherapy practices while helping to preserve the local knowledge of indigenous peoples. Projects might include:
Identifying local primary medicinal plants and understanding their importance in traditional medicine
Establishing working relationships with alternative healthcare providers and specialists
Obtaining a holistic understanding of local healing traditions
Working and learning from local shamans and healers
Studying the practices of medicinal plant-based midwifery from indigenous public health and cultural preservation group
Collaborating with farmers to discover new and potentially marketable, eco-friendly, medicinal, or edible products for national or international distribution

Highlights

In addition to engaging in unique Amazonian activities such as swimming in waterfalls, turning cacao into chocolate, and trekking in the virgin rainforest, our immersion internship program offers the chance to become part of an Ecuadorian family and community, dive deep into language learning (Spanish and Kichwa!), and create your own community-based projects.

Qualifications

Qualifications
* A background in or desire to learn Spanish
* Fluency in English or Spanish
* Ability to develop and implement a project with limited oversight
* Interest in working and living in an indigenous community
* Ability to work, live and adapt in a cross-cultural setting
* Empathy, curiosity and accountability
* Willingness to learn from others and share your knowledge
* Understanding the difference between collaborating and helping
* Excellent organizational skills
* Advanced computer skills a plus (including social media and excel)
* Research experience a plus

Internship Types

What`s Included

Program Fees
Our immersion program has a $235/week fee which includes the following:
Pre-departure orientation
In-country orientation
Host family with three meals
24 hours 7 days per week for medical assistance and emergency response.
Ongoing support from our staff for your professional and personal growth
Re-entry orientation