GoAbroad.com

Description

Volunteers are needed at a cloudforest conservation project in northwest Ecuador. For 25 years traditional farming practices have given way to destructive methods such as the slash-and-burn technique for clearing land. The conservation is trying to improve the quality of life in the local farming communities, using a combination of traditional farming methods and new Agroforestry techniques to maximize crop yields in a sustainable manner.

Volunteers assist with outdoor projects such as tree planting, weeding, creating fire breaks, erosion prevention, nursery development, clearing trails, and there are some possible opportunities for research, environmental education, and agroforestry studies.
During the late spring and summer, they have positions working with children and doing environmental education, and they periodically run courses in permaculture, nutrition, and other related fields for their volunteers and paying guests.

Highlights

This cloud forest conservation is a non-governmental organization and is working on soil conservation/regeneration, and environmental/natural resource education in several rural communities of northern Ecuador.

Professional scientists and students who are interested in advanced research projects or internship positions are also most welcome for periods no less than 2 months. Areas in which research or internships can be set up:
agricultural engineering; agroforestry; alternate energy sources; ecotourism; fauna; flora; fruit and plant cultivation; mental health; nutrition development; permaculture; pollution river basin management; psychology; reforestation; soil recovery; tropical forestry; water turbine engineering.

For couples, there exists the possibility of a six-month stay at one of the two stations, to manage the area. In this case a good knowledge of Spanish is requested as well as the will to live quite isolated surrounded by a beautiful landscape.

Qualifications

- Motivated Volunteers
- Minimum Age:18
- Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
- Basic Spanish

Minimum Education

High School

Intern Types

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

750 plus 280 per month plus travel expenses

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Cost Include Description:

The 750 dollars is a one time fee that includes the internship placement, pre-departure orientation and reliable in-country resources. The 280 dollars per month is used to cover the volunteers food and transportation costs and it allows the organization to manage the various activities its implementing, especially the environmental education courses, cloud forest protection and maintenance of the demonstration sites.

Experience Required

yes

Basic Spanish is preferred.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Typically our volunteers are gap year students aged 17-25. Volunteers placed by our organization are eager, outgoing, take initiative and are dedicated to international and local service work. Our volunteer placements are geared towards the backpacker traveling lifestyle.

Age Range

18-35

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Other

Participants Travel to Ecuador

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

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

LEAPNOW: Transforming Education's Mission Statement

Leapnow's primary purpose is nothing less than transformation and positive change on the planet. We aspire to keep our work on the cutting edge of human evolution. We feel that we can have the most positive impact on the world by working in the area of education- which ideally is all about transforming and expanding the consciousness of our students. Cultural immersion, study and work abroad are our main vehicles for learning about one's self and the world.

Year Founded

1993