Description

The Fundacion Fuvirese is a non-profit organization in the BaHos region of Central Ecuador. The foundation was established to help those of the area with physical and mental disabilities. Many of the people whom the foundation helps struggle with dyslexia and other forms of learning disabilities. Physiotherapy for physical rehabilitation and special education patients is also provided at this center.

Families from the surrounding area turn to this organization for help in their day-to-day lives. They strive to endure the hardships of their lives and are in need of occupational training and family assistance to provide for their children.

* Role/Skills Required

Volunteers and Interns typically work directly with the patients or people in the community to provide resources and assistance to the physically and mentally challenged children and adults. There is an on-going project/workshop, which teaches participants how to construct and repair wheelchairs. This is a valuable project to the community as many are disabled and desire to be mobilized. Participants may have the opportunity to work with children, if desired, in teaching English and working with children who have special needs in education as they try to meet their academic goals.

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.

Intern Types

• Education
• Physical Therapy
• Psychology
• Social Work

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

950 for two weeks

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

18 yeard old and above

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

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