Partner Organization: Social Entrepreneur Corps - Project X
Location: Ecuador - Amazon Region, Cuenca
Number of Students: 2 students
Dates: Determined by site
In person opportunities summer 2021: No
Virtual opportunities summer 2021: Yes
Participation Requirements:
- Language & Proficiency Requirement: Basic knowledge of Spanish is preferred. Spanish language classes are a part of the program while in Ecuador.
- Gender Requirement: None
- Required Experience: None other than a positive outlook on the prospects for assisting local people to solve local problems; be hard-working, open-minded, collaborative; take initiative and demonstrate resourcefulness
- Major requirement: None
- Student Minimum Age: None
- Special Requirements: None
- Other: None
Special Training Required Prior to Summer Deployment:
(The following sessions and workshops will be organized and provided by the ISSLP during the Spring semester. Additional training sessions may be added as needed.)
- Self-Defense Sessions
Site Description:
Social Entrepreneur Corps (SEC) is a program of ProjectX that leads dynamic impact and immersion programs in Latin America. The mission of Social Entrepreneur Corps is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to empower marginalized individuals, families, and communities. Students will gain leadership and professional development experience through foundational training on social entrepreneurship and community consulting, working on high impact social innovation projects and experiencing deep cultural immersion in local communities.
Scope of Work & Responsibilities:
Notice: Scope of work may have some changes based on the needs of the partner organizations at the time of student arrival/engagement.
This site will be virtual for summer 2021
ISSLP students work as community consultants in a variety of projects. During the first two weeks of the summer, students are based in Cuenca for an orientation to the program where they have the opportunity to meet the other members of the team, learn about the projects they will be working on, and taking Spanish classes. Upon conclusion of the orientation segment in Cuenca, interns work in small teams in the Amazon Region (2-3 weeks) and the Highlands (2-3) weeks.
On site, students work alongside the community partners in the assigned projects. Through hands-on fieldwork, meetings, and work sessions with each team, participants will be able to create solutions, deliverables, and strategic recommendations to help the local partners to decide the next steps forward.
ISSLP 2020 students worked remotely as consultants for social enterprises, education organizations, artisan associations, and community tourism organizations in Guatemala and Ecuador. The program included training in culture, language, and on the foundational components of practical social entrepreneurship. Students in 2021 will continue working within a similar virtual structure than in 2020.
