Cloud Forest of Ecuador
The Food Studies theme announces a summer 2018 internship program in the Cloud Forest of Ecuador. This four-week, three-credit internship in the Cloud Forest, an hour north of the capital, Quito, focuses on a broad set of issues connected to food, from sovereignty to security and access, to food culture and community nutrition education.
Students will live in the community of Yunguilla, a village of 60 families. For more than two decades, the people of Yunguilla have been dedicated to sustainable practices in agriculture and tourism. The entire village is actively involved in forest reclamation, organic food production and protecting the natural resources of the Andean environment. Students can make a meaningful contribution to this community’s livelihood while gaining in-depth, hands-on experience in food sovereignty, food security and sustainable living.
Living with local families, students can choose from a range of internship placements. The village supports a community–run organic farm and restaurant as well as jam, cheese, and vegetable snack production. Students can also work in the village elementary school, helping with school gardens and community nutrition programs. Spanish language skills are encouraged but not required as the village has a long history of integrating student interns into the daily work of the community.
The Food Studies Internship in Ecuador includes a program stay in Quito. Sightseeing and cultural events are included in the four-week experience. In addition, optional Spanish language lessons are available. The internship credit fulfills a requirement for the Certificate for Food and Society.
For more information, contact Dr. Theresa Moran, Food Studies director.
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