Gap Year Programs in Galapagos Islands,Ecuador

Avian conservation and study are close to the heart of the Institute for Global Studies' mission. With habitat destruction pushing more and more birds to threatened status, we hope to do our part to ensure the skies will be filled with songs for years to come. This avian conservation and research internship has three tracks: Track One: Avian Conservation Join leading conservation groups whose primary goal is to increase habitat and diversity for endangered avian populations. IGS works with groups that focus on both coastal and terrestrial birds. You have a choice of whether to concentrate on land or coastal areas. Avian conservation can be an incredibly rewarding field. Track Two: Avian Research Join leading researchers in their study of birds. Help them unlock some of the many avian mysteries that have eluded our knowledge for years. Track Three: Birdwatching Ecotourism Assist a leading tour operator on daily and weekly bird-watching expeditions.

The Galapagos Giant Tortoise is an iconic animal, and native to the region. It often grows to over 6 feet long and can weigh up to 800 pounds, and therefore stands as one of the biggest tortoises and reptiles on the planet. This project has been instrumental in the conservation of these ancient animals that were very close to extinction. At one time, a quarter million of these giants roamed the islands. However, this number diminished to around 3,000. Several factors were responsible for the decline, beginning with sailors and settlers hunting them for food. Volunteers participating during the months of December to May must choose to work at either the tortoise breeding center (as described above) or with sea turtles. Sea turtle nest monitoring tasks include walking the beach while looking for nests, turtles, and hatchlings. Actual sightings may be rare.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Volunteer in Ecuador and discover a country with more biodiversity per square kilometer than any other country in the world: whether it's whale watching on the coast, trekking through the Andes, swimming with giant tortoises on the Galapagos Islands or discovering the diversity of the Amazon rainforest - this country has it all! You are a true animal lover? Work at an animal rescue center and care for injured wildlife. Why not join a project to protect the sea turtles that nest on Ecuador's beautiful beaches? Releasing sea turtles into the ocean is an once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Discover the soul of South America on a 10-week journey through Peru and Ecuador that blends adventure, purpose, and connection. Hike through the Andes, explore the Amazon, and immerse yourself in rich Indigenous cultures and living traditions. This program goes beyond travel; you’ll engage in hands-on sustainability and community projects led by local partners, learning through experience, not from a classroom. Designed for gap year students, alternative study abroad seekers, and values-driven travelers, this journey offers leadership development, guided reflection, and deep cultural exchange. You'll build confidence, develop real-world skills, and gain clarity for your next steps all in a supportive, close-knit group of like-minded peers. Whether you're looking to grow personally, earn credit, build your resume, or simply see the world through a more intentional lens, this is more than a semester off—it’s a transformative step forward. Travel with purpose. Return inspired. Reach Out to Learn More!

If you are thinking about taking a gap year and volunteering abroad, consider taking part in community volunteer projects in Ecuador! We have the perfect combination of cultural, adventure, and work experience for you. ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs offer high-quality, safe, and extremely affordable community service travel programs for volunteer gappers (students, teenagers, young adults, career breakers, retired, etc.) in one of the most exciting places on the planet - Ecuador, South America! A gap year is a great chance to put your time and energy into a meaningful and rewarding volunteer program and make a real difference in local communities. When you volunteer with ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs during your gap year, you are making a genuine contribution to the communities where we work. Our gap year community volunteer projects are available in childcare, elderly care, health care, HIV/AIDS, teaching, art, sports coaching, music, construction work, animal care, organic agriculture, conservation, etc. Join us for two weeks, a summer, a trimester, or a semester!

Experience the sights and sounds of a microcosm in Ecuador. Expect to discover diverse landscapes—mountains, jungles, beaches, and ancient ruins, along with the Galapagos Islands. Wander cobblestone streets and see 17th-century monasteries. Explore the ancient Inca heritage through the ancient ruins of Ecuador. United Planet is a member of the ICYE (International Cultural Youth Exchange). This means that you'll be hosted by an organization associated with ICYE, which is VASE. This non-profit is committed to promoting global citizenship and fostering social support in Ecuador through volunteerism.