Description

Eco-Volunteer UP offers you the opportunity to volunteer in the magical country of Ecuador, specifically in Quito, which is located near the Equator line and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Ecuador gives the tourists a mega bio-diversity and a chance for great adventures in the mountains, volcanoes, jungle, white beaches and exotic islands. It is a small country with a rich culture, history and friendly people. Quito, capital of Ecuador, has colonial treasures such as churches with woodcarvings, paintings and sculptures more than six centuries old. Quito was declared the first Cultural Heritage site in South America by UNESCO in 1978. There are many orphanages and special Institutes for disabled children that need help so the volunteers that are interested in these projects are very welcome.

In the last two decades the population of Ecuador has doubled with growing incidences of abandoned children and teenage mothers in the streets or hospitals. Most of these abandoned children are from poor indigenous families. Growing poverty, lack of education and limited governmental resources further worsen the problem of street children and orphans in Ecuador. In the capital city of Quito, our local partners initiated wonderful efforts to protect the life of these vulnerable kids from further exploitation. In these projects, there is a need for volunteers who are willing to share their efforts and love for children.

In this volunteer project in Ecuador the volunteers will help these under privileged children by teaching basic English or Spanish. Volunteer also help by feeding, caring for, and simply playing with these very young children. Without this affordable orphanage project, many of these children would be abandoned and homeless. Volunteers also help in developing creative programmes in art, music, dance, sports, etc. Additional help on day trips, sanitation, cooking, and administration might be requested. This project offers you one of the most wonderful volunteer opportunities to work in an orphanage and gives you the chance to share your love, skills and efforts with poor children. You can show your special skills and knowledge in music, dance, painting or any different activities.

Highlights

Join Eco-Volunteer UP volunteer program in Ecuador and receive Free Spanish lessons 2 hours a day (10 hours per week) for up to 12 weeks!

The classes take place in a relaxed, group setting at two different two levels - basic and intermediate (sorry, no advanced level). All the volunteers have the option of attending these free lessons. Volunteers can attend for two weeks (cloud forest volunteers) up to a maximum 12 of weeks (Quito volunteers). Our Spanish lessons are taught by pleasant, young teachers who will give you an orientation in the first day followed by a brief diagnostic assessment. The diagnostic assessment is geared toward determining which of level of instruction best suits your Spanish speaking ability.

Spanish lessons are available to all of our volunteers:

* For those that choose to volunteer in Quito, the Spanish lessons are taught in the city and in the Conocoto valley (just outside Quito near one of the Quito volunteer locations). Typically, participants in the Quito project take the Spanish lessons in the afternoon after their volunteer work is complete.

* Those that choose the cloud forest project may elect to stay in Quito for the first two weeks in order to take advantage of the free Spanish classes before they begin their volunteer work. Participants who choose this option simply need to account for those two weeks in the cost of their stay (please review our Program Fee information for more details).

This is a great opportunity as volunteers have the opportunity to practice the Spanish they learn while working in either project. However, these Spanish lessons are optional and participants may choose to discontinue their lessons at any time.

* Spanish classes in Quito generally cost around USD 6 per hour. Volunteers joining in our programs for the duration of three months can receive 120 hours of free Spanish lessons a market value of approximately USD 720.

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Canoeing
• Cycling (Mountain)
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Language Immersion
• Rafting
• RainForest Tours
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Birdwatching
• Archaeology
• Dancing
• Eco Tours
• Homestay
• Kayaking (River)
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Photography
• Safari
• Trekking
• Volunteering

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 110 per week

Program Fees Include:

Airport pick up, three meals per day and accommodation in a host family.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

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

Eco Volunteer UP Foundation's Mission Statement

We are a non-profit organization which is legally recognized by the Ecuadorian Government. Volunteers with Eco Volunteer UP have the choice of many worthy programs, such as vulnerable orphanages, institutes for children with disabilities, street children and local indigenous communities. There are volunteer programs located in and around Quito, the capital of Ecuador, as well as programs located in the Cloud Forest and its communities close to Quito, the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Galapagos Islands and other key places around Ecuador. We offer volunteers real immersion in the various Ecuadorian ecosystems, and the unique opportunity for learning and sharing about Ecuadorian cultures, costumes and traditions.