Special Needs Volunteering in Ecuador

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Use your creativity and artistic skills to help children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The Integrated Music, Dance and Art Therapy for Children with Special Needs in Ecuador project was launched more than two decades ago to provide support to kids who are often unsupported in society. The center offers a range of services, from early stimulation for those with learning difficulties to language therapy. To date, the project serves around 80 children and young adults each day, providing activities like daycare, therapeutic care, and academic art. With the number of programs available in the integrated therapy center, you can help in different areas and take on varied tasks. You could support children aged 12+ in arts, music, and academic disciplines or focus on life skills and developing autonomy for young adults. You could also work on the musical artistic development of kids under 12 years old. If you join in July, you could assist with the summer program.

International Medical Aid's (IMA) Physiotherapy Internships were created for aspiring and established physical therapists. Designed by IMA, a not-for-profit organization founded at Johns Hopkins University, this program bridges the gap between academic study and practical, hands-on experience in some of the most underserved regions of East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Whether you're an undergraduate, a graduate student, or a practicing clinician, our internships offer a platform to hone your skills and make a tangible difference in the health and well-being of communities in need. Our commitment extends beyond healthcare delivery; we immerse you in the local culture and breathtaking landscapes through adventure-filled programs, guided by experts who ensure a safe and enriching experience. Join us in shaping a healthier future for underserved populations while advancing your career through invaluable clinical exposure and graduate school admissions support. Embark on an IMA physiotherapy internship and embrace the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, contributing meaningfully to global health initiatives.

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!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Ecuador's vibrant culture, dense rainforests, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and picturesque beaches make it the premier destination in South America. Volunteers with World Endeavors are based near the beautiful southern Pacific Coast. By choosing one of the several volunteer projects, participants have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the people of Ecuador. Projects include teaching children, orphanage assistance, special education, deaf education, and wildlife conservation. Eligibility for this program includes English language fluency; a desire to help the people of Ecuador; flexibility and self-motivation; openness to a new culture, and a willingness to learn. Spanish language skills are helpful but not required.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

The Ecuador Volunteers Foundation offers a wide array of volunteer opportunities across Ecuador, catering to diverse interests and skills. From environmental conservation and wildlife protection to teaching English and supporting healthcare initiatives, volunteers can choose a project that aligns with their passions and expertise. This program is designed to offer impactful and sustainable contributions to local communities while allowing volunteers to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Ecuador. This program is ideal for individuals looking to contribute to meaningful projects and adventure seekers eager to explore Ecuador’s natural beauty while making a positive impact. This can last from 1 month to 6 months. With a commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment, Ecuador Volunteers Foundation ensures that all projects have a lasting impact on the communities and the environment. Volunteers leave with enhanced skills, new friendships, and unforgettable memories of their time spent in Ecuador. Pack your bags and sign-up today!

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together. UK residents can apply now to join us on our six or 12-month placements starting in either January or August, and work with locally run NGOs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe on impactful projects that matter, such as: - Human rights projects - Women’s empowerment projects - Supporting people with compromised health and/or disabilities - Environmental and wildlife conservation - Sustainable agriculture projects - Providing education, care, and support for children from under-resourced communities - Sports, art, or cultural projects - Community development programmes - And many more Additionally, short-term placements of 3 to 5 months with flexible start dates are available in some of our partner countries. Whether you join us on our long-term or short-term programme, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, learn, grow, and make an impact! Get in touch to find out more!

There is no better teacher than the great outdoors! For many years, ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs has been coordinating and providing unique adventure education through its international service and experiential learning opportunities. Its student programs are designed to be more than just entertainment or recreation. They help students learn new concepts, develop interpersonal relationships, and gain personal growth, knowledge, skills, and educational experience through meaningful and rewarding outdoor settings. Past participants have described this journey as "challenging, inspiring, relaxing, exciting, and fun." ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs work to foster an environment in which students can learn through experience. It specializes in designing educational community service experiences (childcare, healthcare, animal care, environmental conservation, teaching/education, veterinary service, human rights, legal aid, micro-enterprise, microfinance, elderly care, sports coaching, etc.) combined with fantastic cultural adventures for students from all over the world and ages. Programs are available year-round and start every Monday.