Description

A quality education is the first step toward securing a future filled with better opportunities. For children in Ecuador, learning English can make all the difference in the world for them and their families.

The children at our elementary school project are bubbling with enthusiasm. Nothing compares to the gleam in their eyes when they have their first "Ah ha!" moment as a result of learning something new.

Working with the little ones requires a great deal of energy. So volunteers need to make sure they are on their toes.

Participants that do not speak Spanish, will most likely have to get creative and draw on those handy non-verbal communication skills. No worries about how silly. Everyone knows the best teachers are always those that are willing to go out on a limb no matter how embarrassing the stakes. The more animated and fun the teacher, the more interesting and fun learning is.

Depending on experience and classroom management skills, and comfort level, AMPED teaching volunteers may expect the following responsibilities with regard to their volunteer placement:

* Teaching basic English vocabulary e.g. colors, numbers, clothing, rooms of the house, parts of the body etc.;
* Practicing basic conversational English e.g. Hello; How are you?; How old are you? Etc.;
* Teaching the children basic health and hygiene; and
* Assisting teachers with developing lesson plans and pronunciation exercises.

Highlights

Authentic cultural immersion experience as participants reside with a local host family in addition to having daily interaction with the locals in the community and at their project site.

Participants volunteering/interning in Quito and Puerto Lopez receive 12 hours of free Spanish Monday-Friday for the duration of their stay, up to 120 hours.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age. While they are not required basic Spanish and prior teaching experience are helpful as it allows participants greater opportunity to become immersed in their assignment.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Starting at 559

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Includes project set-up arrangements, three meals/day (except Sundays) airport pick-up, host family accommodations, laundry service, orientation, and 24/7 emergency in-country staff support. Spanish lessons are only available in Quito and Puerto Lopez. Participants will also receive information regarding their placement prior to their departure. Placement information, will include in-country contact information, alternative accommodations for delayed arrivals, currency exchange, phone and internet communication, laundry, etc.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

While participation is not limited to this demographic, the average age is 18-26. Participants that are flexible and open minded when it comes to cultural differences, ways of life, and work pace are those that tend to benefit most from their experience abroad, as do those that demonstrate initiative with regard to recommending and implementing changes to improve the project and to assist the staff.

Age Range

18 and over

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

2008