Who’s running the program?
The most effective programs are run by local people, for local people. Native people best understand their country’s needs and are most adept at meeting them, and working alongside locals will give a much more immersive cultural experience. A “bottom-up” organization is always preferable to a “top-down” one. Make sure there is a substantial Ecuadorian presence in the organization.
How did you find the program?
Remember, the reason you’re volunteering is to give back to the community. The fact that it looks good on a resumé and can advance a career should be looked at as an inevitable perk. A big mistake a lot of people make is contacting an organization to suggest a skill they can provide for them or asking for a personal project to work on, rather than looking for a need to meet. It should be approached as a, “How can I help you” situation. You might have incredible musical abilities – that doesn’t mean an NGO is going to need them. Look for what the organization wants and honestly judge whether or not you can help out. That said, don’t be afraid to suggest improvements or new ideas once you’ve started working and better understand the situation. Most programs are very open to creativity and versatile to help you share a talent with the community.
What is the program offering?
Volunteer programs that have a travel itinerary and move around every week or so tend to be more focused on the experience for the volunteers, rather than the effectiveness of their service. If you’re hoping to make a real, positive impact on a few people a long-term stay on one project is the best way to proceed. By focusing your efforts, you’ll make real connections and have the opportunity to carry out your work in its entirety. Long-term stays in cities like Quito or in quieter towns on the coast are common for volunteers.
How many volunteers does the program usually take?
Programs that are used to taking in large numbers of foreign volunteers every year usually are a safe bet, if you want to have a busy, productive experience. That said, placements with fewer volunteers often have a higher need for more people and thus will provide you with more work. With such an organization, it is important to be extremely careful to ensure they are ready to work with you. Make sure to communicate so they understand how long you will be in the community and how much work you would like to take on.
How much do you know about the organization?
Research the organization carefully – read alumni reviews on GoAbroad, talk to other volunteers who’ve worked with them, and look at other options before deciding on one opportunity. The more information you acquire about what you’ll be working towards and what you’ll be doing, the higher the likelihood is that your work will be productive and you’ll feel useful. If possible, try to find examples of work the organization has done in the past, like a completed conservation project or an interview with a family they helped out. Ask yourself if it is realistic that an untrained foreigner could contribute substantially to a similar project. If so, go for it.
Once you’re there …
You’re obviously not getting paid, so the only motivation there will be to work hard is the satisfaction of having made a difference. There will always be the temptation of spending time talking to the other volunteers, leaving to head to the beach, or working slowly, so try to remember that you came to be helpful. A good volunteer is willing to get their hands dirty – washing dishes covered with old food, cleaning up a kid’s bloody cuts, climbing to the top of a fence to sand down the rust, whatever is needed – be willing to go the extra mile. Also, make sure you’re respectful of the local culture. In Ecuador that means dressing modestly, making an effort to speak Spanish and trying to connect with the people who have opened their homes and given you their time.