Description

The World Endeavors Special Education Project gives volunteers the opportunity to work in a local school for children with mental disabilities. Volunteers assist local social workers and staff by teaching, providing basic care, organizing events and outings, and helping children with projects. One of the projects is a vegetable garden. The children are taught how to plant seeds, care for the plants, and harvest and enjoy the outcome of their work. Children with mild, moderate, and severe mental disabilities attend the school. Volunteers with a background in deaf or blind education are also needed for projects at a school for the blind and a school for the deaf.

Volunteer with World Endeavors near the beautiful southern Pacific coast of Ecuador. Ecuador's vibrant culture, dense rainforests, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and picturesque beaches make it the premier destination in South America. Despite the universal appeal of the country, most citizens live below the poverty level. While significant improvements have been made in recent years to improve living conditions, social services, education, and environmental protection efforts there is still a great deal to be done.

Highlights

Before embarking, participants will be provided a pre-departure guide that includes important details about their experience abroad. In addition to the guide, participants may contact World Endeavors any time prior to departure with questions.

Upon arrival in Ecuador, volunteers receive an orientation that will familiarize them with the city and the surrounding area, the Ecuadorian culture, and the volunteer program. All volunteer placements of one month or longer include 2 weeks of Spanish language classes. Class sizes are typically very small giving students a personalized learning experience.

In their free-time, volunteers can spend time in downtown Guayaquil, visit the waterfront area, visit the one of the many museums of Guayaquil, check their e-mail at the Internet Cafe, or explore nearby towns along the Pacific coast.

Qualifications

* English language fluency
* Desire to help the people of Ecuador
* Flexibility
* Self-motivation
* Openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn. Spanish language skills are helpful but not required.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please see our website for more information.

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure packet to prepare you for your placement
* World Endeavors support for any of your pre-trip questions
* Airport pick-up and drop-off
* In-country travel advice and coordination
* Home stay accommodations
* Support from local World Endeavors representatives
* Volunteer placement 24X7 Emergency phone support
* Free cell phone rental
* Travel medical insurance

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

World Endeavors volunteers are people from all backgrounds who are looking for a life-changing experience abroad. Our participants are of all ages and come from countries around the world. We seek to match volunteer to projects that best suit their interests and abilities in order to maximize their experience and their impact on their project.

Age Range

18 and older. Younger volunteers accepted by application.

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Resume
• Phone/Video Interview

World Endeavors's Mission Statement

World Endeavors is a provider of unique international volunteer, internship, and study programs. Our mission is to become a catalyst for positive change in our community and the world through quality international programs.