Description

Experience the natural and cultural richness of Ecuador with your arrival in Quito, the first city to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Straddle the Northern and Southern hemispheres at the same time, marvel at the beauty of the highest active volcano in the world at 19,350', and be one of the privileged travelers to visit the Galapagos Islands where we explore the home of Darwin's theory of evolution and observe many unusual species of animals. Bring your sense of adventure as we river tube and zip line in the cloud forest. The warm and friendly natives welcome us as we interact with local children, seniors and indigenous villagers.

Highlights

Cultural Exchange & Community Service

* Everybody participates together in each project.
* Davis Foundation Orphanage and School
* Amazon Rain Forest Quichua Community Development
* Reforestation of the natural habitat of Giant Tortoises
* Hogar de Ancianos Instituto Estupina Senior Home
* Galapagos Youth Group

Adventure and Touring Highlights

* Canopy Zip Line in the Mindo Cloud Forest
* Tubing on the Mindo River
* Whitewater Raft Pastazo River
* Discover at Charles Darwin Center
* Open air Chiva vehicle through waterfalls
* Hike and Kayak at Tortuga Bay
* 5 Snorkeling trips off 3 Galapagos Islands
* Surf at Puerto Chino

Amazing Details

Specific projects and partners are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described. Duration may vary depending on needs upon our arrival.

Quito

Service

Awake "on" the equator and work with a local Orphanage to bring cheer to the children living in group homes. We plan to paint the building, build playground elements and help with general upkeep to maintain a positive learning environment.

Adventure

From our hotel in the lively Mariscal district visit the beautiful colonial district, zero latitude at La Mitad del Mundo (Center of the World), and ascend to 12,150' aboard the Funicular offering unrivaled views of the city and Pichincha Volcano.

Mindo Cloud Forest

Adventure

Get set for the extreme adrenaline rush of zip lining 3,650 meters over 12 cables above the cloud forest canopy. Hold on to your tube while riding the rapids of the Mindo River.

Otavalo

Visit South America's most impressive Indian Market dating back to pre-Inca times. Visit a local community to learn about their ancient traditions and knowledge of medicinal plants.

Latacunga- Cotopaxi National Park

Service

With the symmetrical cone of Cotopaxi in the distance, visit Hogar de Ancianos Instituto Estupina Senior Home. Through personal interaction, games, art projects, and a variety show, our visit brings companionship and smiles to the residents, and rewards us all with a fulfilling day.

Adventure

As we travel south down "the Avenue of the Volcanoes" visit Cotopaxi National park. Enjoy the view of the snow covered peak and with any luck you may spot an Andean condor soaring above.

Amazon Rainforest Jungle

Service

From our Jungle Lodge on the bank of the Napo River, participate with the local Quichua on a community improvement project. Our welcoming hosts will show us how to make the local beverage "chicha" and challenge us in a blowgun target shooting contest (don't worry, a friendly one!). Our farewell dinner with our new Quichua friends will culminate with music, dancing and local traditions.

Adventure

Visit a wildlife rescue center to see toucans, parrots, monkeys and jaguars. Look out for more wildlife during a float down the Napo River.

Bacos

Adventure

We travel high in the Andes to the small town of Baños where we white water raft down the thrilling Pastaza River. Stroll down Ambato Street choosing from many international restaurant options. Hop on a "Chiva", an open air vehicle, and ride through the spray of seven cascading waterfalls.

Galapagos Islands 9 Day Experience
Of A Lifetime!

San Cristobal Island

Service

Surrounded by spectacular landscapes, join a local Galapagos youth group building a community center to be used to promote increased harmony between the residents of the local archipelago and the growing tourism.

Adventure

Visit the San Cristobal Interpretive Center and snorkel among amazing marine life by Frigate Bird Hill and Darwin Bay. View the island landscape from Junco Lake formed in the highlands in an extinct volcanic crater. Snorkel among playful sea lions at La Loberia Reserve and by sea turtles at Lobos Island, and sea kayak at Cerro Brujo. The huge volcanic formation of Kicker Rock is one of the best snorkeling spots of the Galapagos featuring king angel fish, star fish, harmless sharks, rays, turtles, and colorful corals. This is truly a highlight! Learn to surf by the soft white sand beach of Puerto Chino where there are no crowds just an occasional sea lion to cheer you on.

Santa Cruz Island

Service

Santa Cruz is the most popular island and home of the Charles Darwin Center. We learn about the volcanic formation of the islands, the giant Tortoise breeding program and the most famous tortoise in the world, "Lonely George". We help preserve the tortoises by eliminating invasive plants and reforesting their natural habitat.

Adventure

Hike to Tortuga Bay known for its beautiful white sand beach and multitudes of marine iguanas. Here we kayak in the mangrove protected salt water cove. Climb, crawl and hike through natural lava tunnels and walk around the edge of Twin Craters.

Santa Fe Island

Board our private charter boat and journey to magnificent uninhabited Santa Fe Island for one of 5 snorkeling opportunities. Look for spotted Eagle Rays, Sea Lions, non-threatening sharks and other marine wonders as well as masked, red and blue footed Boobies and Frigate birds on the lava rock formations.

Quito

Enjoy the final farewell banquet as we look back on this incredible adventure, cherish our new friendships, and realize how much we have all "evolved".

Qualifications

Participants on our community service programs should be prepared to work as a team. You are committing yourself not only to hard work on service days (from 6-8 hours) but also to your fellow volunteers and those we will be assisting. In sharing this rewarding experience, you are guaranteed to form lasting friendships and will no doubt take away much more than you give. You will receive a certificate of completion recognizing 30-80 hours (depending on program) of service and listing projects accomplished.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• High School Study Abroad

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 6,399 for 25 days or 5199 for 18 Days

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodations: Basic Hotels and Lodges
* A certificate of completion recognizing 60 hours service
Specific projects are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.
* INCLUDES lodging, 3 meals daily, activities, gratuities & taxes.
* Participants have the choice to earn 3 University credits by choosing the "Explorations in Service Learning" course option. The course connects our hands-on service experience with academic reflection. College credit is through the University of Southern Mississippi and is transferable to many colleges and Universities. There is a USD 550 fee for the credit option.
* This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and modest hotels. Embrace these differences and you will be rewarded!

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Elderly
• Environment
• Homelessness
• Orphans
• Reforestation
• Youth Development

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application
• Other

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement

360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded

1982