Description

Combine hands-on volunteering with the adventure of living immersed in Ecuadorian culture. Past volunteer experiences have included everything from mangrove-planting in the jungle, to women's advocacy at Casa de Mujeres.

Because of our extensive networks and established relationships in Ecuador and the Cuenca community, we offer a wide array of sustainable volunteer projects. These projects are available in the following fields:

- Human Rights
- Women/Children Rights
- Health Care/Medicine
- Environmental Studies
- Disabilities
- Education
- Research
- Non-profit Management
- Fine Arts

If you do not see your area of interest listed here, please contact us! We are happy to create a customized program to match your interests and skills.

Highlights

* Pre-existing sustainable projects
* Personal growth through guided reflections
* Homestay with local families
* 24-hour on-site bilingual assistance
* Excursions and weekly social activities
* Access to El Nomad Student Center
* Scholarships and payment plans available

Qualifications

El Nomad seeks to make our volunteer projects available to all interested undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals and faculty.

Spanish language requirments will vary with volunteer placement, however we do offer optional Spanish language classes to help you achieve proficiency. Please contact us to learn more about Spanish language requirements.

Our scholarships are competitive, and students must have at least a 2.75 GPA (or the equivalent) to qualify.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

- Volunteer coordination with local organization
- Personal growth through guided reflections
- A homestay with a local family (single occupancy unless double is requested)
- Three meals a day
- Transfers to and from the airport in Cuenca
- Extensive (and fun!) on-site orientation by El Nomad staff
- A city tour of Cuenca
- Welcome and farewell lunch at a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant
- An excursion to Cajas National Park
- An excursion to Ingapirca Ruins
- Free or low cost social/cultural activities several days per week coordinated by El Nomad
- Travel assistance and cultural tourism package options through the El Nomad
- Access to El Nomad Student Center: rental sports equipment, Wi-Fi, hammocks, watch movies, drink coffee, English library, travel resources
- 24-hour emergency number in Ecuador
- Bi-lingual on-site staff who are available 24-hours a day
- Optional Spanish language and culture classes (additional cost)
- Cell phone rental with $10 of credit
- A bus pass with 14 rides per week for the duration of their program
- An El Nomad student identification card (discounts throughout Cuenca)
- Visa assistance

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Anyone interested in making a real impact while combing the adventure of living in Ecuador! Individuals or groups Undergraduate or graduate students Faculty members or professionals

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

Summer 2012 El Nomad Media Correspondent Scholarship http://www.elnomad.com/scholarships.php

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

El Nomad Immersion Programs Ecuador's Mission Statement

El Nomad takes learning beyond the classroom. As a reputable South American provider, we facilitate life-changing experiences through cultural immersion programs that prepare students and professionals from around the world to excel as global citizens. Vision: El Nomad envisions a world where people embrace global citizenship and participate in cultures other than their own. We facilitate the growth of cultural competency through affordable, experiential-learning opportunities that introduce new ways of thinking and living.

Year Founded

2007