THE OPPORTUNITY

ECHO is seeking college graduates whose strong Christian commitment is leading them to prepare for work with subsistence farmers or urban gardeners in the Third World. The internship is designed to serve both as a backbone of ECHO's ministry and as a learning-by-doing program in tropical horticulture and agriculture for those considering missionary service or other direct involvement with agriculture in developing countriess.

This is an outstanding opportunity for personal and professional development for those seriously considering a career in agricultural development in the name of Christ.  The interns have the satisfaction of making a major contribution to ECHO's global ministry while being exposed to all aspects of ECHO.

The interns quickly develop a "green thumb" and gain some experience in raising either goats, ducks, rabbits, chickens, bees, or fish. They develop skills in supervising volunteer workers, meeting the public, and in operating a small nursery. In addition, each intern is expected to pursue his/her own reading program using resources from our unique library.

Several interns that have gone on for graduate study have said that a year at ECHO was as valuable as a year of graduate school. Many have found that their time at ECHO helped them focus their goals and made it easier to know what direction to head after leaving ECHO -- whether to go overseas immediately, go to graduate school, focus on research, or minister within the United States .