Description

Based at an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in the Amazon jungle, volunteers work in partnership with an indigenous Quichuan community. The program's mission is to rescue wild animals from unhealthy and illegal situations, such as animal-trafficking and mistreatment. The groups of animals are mainly primates, birds, and reptiles. Volunteer programs of this type in Ecuador - dedicated to animal welfare are scarce.

The centre has over 60 private hectares of prime Amazon forest within which some of the animals can live freely, while others are rehabilitated prior to release.

Volunteers need to be animal-lovers as well as physically fit. The work may involve opportunities to assist with teaching children or helping indigenous families to plant crops. A proportion of volunteer fees go directly into this community.

The working day is divided as follows: from 8am to 12pm general agricultural work is done; from 1.30pm to 4pm volunteers work on agreed individual projects according to their own skills and the farm's requirements.

A minimum stay of two weeks is mandatory with this program. The working week comprises Monday - Friday 8am to 4pm and Saturday mornings from 8am to 11am, but volunteers have Saturday afternoon and all of Sunday free for leisure or travel. The program includes shared accommodation in a self-catering flat - volunteers can expect to pay about USD 20 per week to buy their own food.

The following additional costs apply: groceries from the local market to be cooked among the flat-sharers - USD 20. Transfers from Quito Bus Station to the Project - USD 29. Volunteers on their return to Quito must arrange their own bus or taxi journey.

Highlights

* Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation that provides fun, rewarding, safe and affordable volunteering opportunities in developing countries around the world.

* Since Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organization, it is one of the most affordable ways to help out in a developing country while being immersed in the local culture.

* Orientation commences directly after arrival firstly at the Spanish school in the Mariscal area of Quito. A tour of the area lasting approximately two hours will be led by the volunteer coordinator who will also give safety tips and general advice.

Qualifications

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old at the start of their placement. Exceptions can be made for under-eighteens accompanied by a guardian. A knowledge of basic Spanish is also a pre-requisite, a more advanced knowledge being regarded as extremely helpful. No matter what your level of Spanish, it is recommended that you sign up for the very affordable Spanish courses offered by our partner.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2 weeks starting at just USD 470

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Includes accommodation, three meals a day, an airport pick-up (if required), orientation and 24/7 in-country support.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

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 or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

48 hours

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Love Volunteers's Mission Statement

We are a not-for-profit organization that provides fun, rewarding, safe and affordable volunteering opportunities in developing countries around the world. Whether you're planning a week helping a local community as you travel around a country, six months learning the local language, or putting your gap year to good use, Love Volunteers has a program that will give you the best possible experience.

Year Founded

2009