Description

The Working Boys' Center focuses on tackling poverty as a spiritual problem and considers the formation of a Family of Families as the foundation of its work. Therefore, the WBC serves the working boys (and girls) and their entire families, providing meals, job training, literacy, day care, education, and basic services (shower/running water) to over 2000 families, to systemically grapple with Ecuador's epidemic of street children. WBC's commitment to entrepreneurialism, offering training in micro-entreprise areas ranging from the on-site beauty parlor and bakery to carpentry and mechanics, coupled with a focus on character building among families makes it a unique agent for social change.

* Role of Volunteer/Skills Required

Volunteers are involved in all aspects of the WBC services and play a key role in assisting the Ecuadorian staff with services to families. Volunteers work in a variety of areas including the day care center, accredited school education program, vocational training, small business management, and home building. Though most volunteers teach, no background in education is required. Volunteers with specific training in the trades or business may focus their volunteer experience in the businesses and trades run by the WBC.

Highlights

Ecuador is one of those rare destinations in the world that seems to have the unique combination of natural beauty, intriguing history, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Equator in the northwest corner of the South American continent, much of the country still remains wild and uncharted. It is home to the highest active volcano in the world, pristine Pacific beaches, and virgin tropical rainforests as well as ancient Incan history now echoed through the lively Ecuadorian culture. Ecuador is marked by its diversity. Within a territory of 120,000 square miles, one can travel from sea level to 12,000 feet of altitude within a six-hour drive, visit a fishing town and see a highland village within the same day.

Qualifications

- Must be 21 and over and display commitment.

Intern Types

• Education
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Business Admin, Management

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

2,450 for 3 months

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction

Program Fees Include:

- Spanish Language Tuition
Volunteers and interns will receive five hours of weekly language classes either on-site at their host institution or through local schools and/or private teachers.
- Resident Directors
In Ecuador, the Resident Director of EcuaExplora, Kate McConnell is on-site to welcome students, lead a personalized orientation, as well as provide student, intern and volunteer support throughout the duration of the program. She is fluent in both Spanish and English.
- Housing
Participants will live with local Ecuadorian families in shared rooms, with other Ecuadorian students, or at the facilities of their volunteer site (see each project description for further details) Accommodations are comfortable, yet modest, and provide easy access to public transportation. Breakfast and lunch are provided Monday - Saturday.
- Airport Pick-up/Drop-off:
* Participants will be picked up and dropped off at the Quito International Airport.
* Escort to Project Site and induction at project site with local staff and supervisors.
* 24 Hour Staff Support and Ongoing Supervision (Virtual and Physical)
* Country Directors will maintain regular contact with volunteers through required weekly reflections online and weekly phone, mail, and physical (where applicable) check-ins.
- Cultural Excursions
Participants on the study program will be offered several excursions throughout the duration of their semester. Some excursions are included in the program cost and some will be provided for an additional fee. Volunteer and Intern participants will also have the same opportunity to participant in these excursions at an additional cost.

Sample excursions include: trips to surrounding cities and a visit to the coastal region of Ecuador to see the pristine beaches and archaeological sites where some of the oldest cultures in the Pacific coast of South America are still being studied. Other possible excursions include: indigenous markets, Amazon jungle excursions, visit to nature and wildlife reserves, Cloud Forests, alternative city tours, shrimp farms, banana plantations, and visits to the beach.

EcEx staff can suggest reputable travel agents to help you plan trips to the Galapagos at your own expense.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

21 and over

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

EcuaExplora's Mission Statement

To make it possible for international students, interns and volunteers to have meaningful experiences studying in Ecuadorian universities and institutions of higher education, interning in professional placements throughout Ecuador, and volunteering in collaborative projects focused on the sustainable social and economic development of Ecuador.

Year Founded

2010