Description

Projects Abroad Ecuador is based on the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's most incredible island chains. Spending some time here on a volunteer project will let you experience both the unique nature and the welcoming people of the islands. Our volunteer opportunities in Ecuador are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including those on a gap year, career break, or anyone interested in eco-tourism.

In Ecuador we have Teaching, Care, and Conservation projects. The Teaching and Care projects are based in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The town is the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands and is located on San Cristobal Island.

San Cristobal Island is also the base for our Conservation Project. The Galapagos Islands are known as nature's wonderland and volunteers here will be contributing to the conservation of a unique island ecosystem.

Ecuador is South America's second smallest country, yet packs a huge amount into its limited area. With coastal beaches, snowy Andean peaks, and tropical rainforest it is home to a wide variety of habitats.

Ecuador is on the Pacific coast of South America, bordered by Colombia to the north and Peru to the east. The Galapagos Islands are found off Ecuador's Pacific coast, a must-see for anyone traveling to Ecuador.

Ecuador suffered its worst economic crisis in the late 1990s, with natural disasters and sharp declines in world oil prices devastating the economy. In 2000 Ecuador adopted the US dollar as legal tender, which stabilized the economy. However, prices have inevitably risen and for the typical Ecuadorian, costs remain high. Ecuador still has a long way to go, with approximately one third of its population still living below the poverty line.

Highlights

Living in Ecuador will certainly provide you with plenty of interests and entertainment when you're not working. On the weekends you can explore the Galapagos Islands by island hopping. Santa Cruz Island is usually top of the list, home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the famous giant tortoises. On San Cristobal Island you can try diving or snorkeling or just hang out in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno with the sea lions and pelicans.

You may choose to spend some time in mainland Ecuador, too, where distances between the main towns and tourist sites are relatively small. Discover Ecuador's colonial past on a weekend trip to the capital, Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the colorful markets are overflowing with hand-woven clothes and blankets. Or take a hike up Volcan Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak and the closest point on earth to the sun.

Adding some extra travel time at the end of your project will give you an exciting choice of onward travel options, including easy access to neighboring Peru and Colombia.

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Environmental Studies
• Homestay
• Volunteering

Intern Types

• Ecology
• Environmental Studies

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

See Our Website

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

The price of each placement includes all your food and accommodation, transfers to and from the airport, full travel and medical insurance plus support and 24 hour back-up from our staff based around the world.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16+

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

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

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992