Hear What Program Alumni Have to Say
Sjors, Amazonian Forest Conservation Intern
Living and working with the Yumbo family gave me a rare opportunity to fully immerse myself in a different way of life. I gained a deep appreciation for their connection to nature, their strong sense of community, and their dedication to preserving their heritage. Being able to both learn from them and contribute where help was needed created the perfect balance between cultural immersion and meaningful participation.
Sophia, Amazonian Medicine Journey Participant
In many ways, Beyond Travels exceeded my expectations by offering an authentic cultural immersion and the opportunity to learn generational knowledge about the medicinal plants of the Amazon, directly from the source. I gained so much from this experience, and I will hold the relationships I formed with my host family and fellow participants dearly for years to come.
Throughout my time in Ecuador, I felt safe and well cared for. The program staff communicated clearly, provided translation when needed, and made a genuine effort to ensure each participant felt seen and supported.
Kyersten, Social Enterprise Intern
During my internship, I worked with an indigenous chocolate company where I was able to develop a new website, new product design, do a lot of translating of documents, participate in the cacao production process, and teach English.
Looking back, I strengthened my Spanish language skills, problem solving skills, cultural awareness, adaptability, communication, appreciation, and perseverance. My experience in the Amazon made international development come to life for me — previously I learned a lot in the classroom, but being able to experience a new culture and open my eyes to new problems and solutions will serve me well in my future career.
Frouke, Public Health Intern
We spoke to infectiologists in Tena Hospital, visited urban and rural health centers where doctors and nurses showed us around and spoke about their experiences with TB care, made home visits to TB patients together with nurses and community health workers where we heard impressive stories and saw distressing situations.
This experience showed me tuberculosis care and control in a global perspective, and Tena, Ecuador is in my heart. I am grateful for the whole programme, the welcoming people, and the friends we made.
Oliver, Amazonian Forest Conservation Intern
I cannot recommend this internship highly enough. Everyone in the community was so knowledgeable and open to teach me as much as possible, from local wildlife to the workings of their chakras. It really opened my eyes to new possibilities for sustainable agriculture, ethical tourism and safeguarding of biodiversity and local culture/knowledge.
Lily, Amazonian Forest Foods Intern
The best part about my experience abroad was how much I learned. I learned about the local foods, plant medicine, my family's chakra, how to navigate the bus system, and so much more.
Everyone who worked with Beyond Travels was friendly and helpful. They also treated me like family, especially when I got sick during my trip. I would recommend this program to people with open minds who care about nature and the indigenous people of Ecuador.
Marlies, Indigenous Plant Medicine Intern
It is extraordinary how Beyond Travels was able to shape the project to fit it even more with some of my personal interests and goals. They provided local contacts and arranged meetings with people working in my fields of interest.
This program offers a full immersion in the local community and culture. You need to be ready to open your mind and heart to their way of life and thinking, and be flexible. I had a truly amazing time abroad thanks to the organization that puts a lot of effort into shaping the program to personal interests.
They are genuinely committed to every volunteer.
William, Public Health Intern
This experience helped me gain valuable experience in the Global Health sector of Public Health. I am so grateful to all of the people that made Ecuador feel like my home. This experience was so life changing and amazing that I want anyone and everyone capable to experience what I did.