Description

The Global Volunteer Network offers volunteer opportunities through our partner organization in Ecuador.

You can become involved in a variety of conservation and community projects in Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon.

You have the opportunity to participate in different projects which have their location at four different biological reserves. The projects contribute to biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and community.

Day Care
In the Day Care project, volunteers will be working with children of different ages. They will help to organize activities in a range of areas such as art, play, music, and movement. Volunteers may also help feeding and bathing babies, showing young children how to brush their teeth and wash their hands or help the older children with their homework. Generally, volunteers are encouraged to use their skills to develop motivating ideas to interest the children in learning.

For the Day Care project we have placements at the following reserves: Amazon and Congal. The projects will be in the poorest areas around those reserves allowing the volunteers to benefit children greatly during their placement.

Teaching English
In the Teaching project, volunteers will be teaching English by designing interesting lessons that may include games and other fun activities. Volunteers can also participate in the recreational activities during recess. Volunteers do not have to have teaching background or a special qualification to participate in this project.
The Teaching project only takes place for 4 hours per day and volunteers are encouraged to participate in the conservation activities in the afternoons.

Placements in this project are only available during certain times:
From March until December: Bilsa, Congal and San Cristobal (please see San Cristobal Project for details)
From September until June: Amazon

Healthcare
In the Healthcare project, volunteers will get the chance to get involved in work in hospitals, clinics and social centers for children and adults. Tasks will highly depend on what is needed at the time and which department will require the help of volunteers at that time. Depending on skills and qualifications, volunteers will be helping at health clinics (public or private) or work with young people, for example in awareness campaigns about HIV/ AIDS.

The Healthcare Project is open all year round and volunteers can only be located at the Amazon or Congal station (San Cristobal is also available at a location, please apply on the San Cristobal page). Please note that volunteers in this project will have to provide certified copies of their medical qualifications.

Conservation
In the Conservation project, volunteers have the opportunity to get involved in the conservation efforts at four different biological stations: Amazon, Bilsa, Congal and San Cristobal (please see the San Cristobal project for details).

The tasks will range from reforestation, biodiversity inventories to work in the local botanical gardens and weekly hikes to explore the surroundings. Each biological station is different and therefore the tasks will depend on the location of your volunteer placement.

Galapagos
The San Cristobal Biological Station is located on the Galápagos Islands, off the west coast of Ecuador. The recently established reserve was established on a 200 hectare site in the highlands of San Cristobal Island.

The objectives of the projects are to reconstruct the original forests on the island, and to provide viable agricultural products for the local population to grow. Volunteers will work on habitat restoration and agricultural sustainability while at the reserve. In addition it is possible to volunteer in a Day Care or Teaching project at this location.

To apply for our Ecuador volunteer program, please visit our website.
Please feel free to email us with any questions about this program. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Highlights

Volunteers can participate from 2 weeks to six months, although it may be possible to stay for longer in special cases. Start dates are flexible and volunteers can start anytime of the month, but all volunteers need to attend an orientation session in Quito before traveling to their reserve of choice. Orientation sessions take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only.

A special visa is required to remain in Ecuador for more than 90 days. Volunteers are expected to work 22 days per month. Eight vacation days per month can be used upon approval by project coordinator. Volunteers are expected to work an average of 6 to 8 hours per day, depending on the activities they carry out.

Travel Types

• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Volunteering

Qualifications

Volunteers are required to be 18 years or over, have no major health problems, be moderately fit, and be proficient in English or Spanish

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please see our website for costs.

Program Fees Include:

The program fee covers 3 meals a day plus lodging in cabins which are shared with other volunteers and researchers. Please be aware that what you pay to stay at the station is not only for your room and board, but also goes towards the salaries of the forest guards, purchase of land, and to pay land tax.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18 years and up

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-45

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-3 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement

The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our Charitable incorporation number is: CC46460. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded

2000