Description

Ecuador is one of the most fascinating destinations in South America with its array of vibrant cultures, historical colonial architecture, volcanic landscapes, and dense rainforest - all in a nation no bigger than Nevada! The country's ethnic diversity extends from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon. Traditional arts, textiles, and ceramics tell the story of an Ecuadorian culture that dates from around 3200 B.C. and still holds on to its traditions. Four distinct regions - the highlands, coastal areas, rainforest, and the famous Galapagos Islands (where Darwin studied and wrote about evolution) all make Ecuador an exciting country for you to discover while perfecting your Spanish and making friends. AFS host family placements are located throughout Ecuador.

Highlights

Semester Community Service:

Spend, between four months to a year, living with an Ecuadorian family learning not only Spanish but the country's culture. Upon arrival, you'll spend two days at an orientation in the country's capital, Quito. Once the orientation is over you will be either sent or picked up by your host family. Most of the families are in sub-urban areas either near Quito or other major cities, such as Guayaquil. While in Ecuador, you will attend a local school, which will probably be single-gender. As a student in the local school you will be required to take up to 13 subjects, which is standard in the curriculum. Take what you learn the in the classroom, such as Spanish, and practice in everyday life. Talk in Spanish with your family and friends and be involved in the community.

Qualifications

- Be within the program age range at the start of the program. Refer to website.
- Have a minimum 2.8 GPA
- Be in good mental, physical and emotional health.

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Please refer to AFS-USA website

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• International travel
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

- Professional guidance and support throughout the entire application and program
- Placement with a carefully selected volunteer host family
- Placement with a host school
- Round-trip international travel
- Orientations prior to departure and after your arrival
- Comprehensive secondary medical insurance
- Visa information
- Access to a support network that includes AFS Professional Staff in the U.S. and your host country, plus thousands of trained volunteers worldwide.
- 24-hour emergency assistance

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Elderly
• Orphans

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

varies

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA's Mission Statement

AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded

1947