Teach English in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Puerto Lopez

Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Flexible

Description: This is a relatively poor country, especially in the rural areas. Schools are basic and often have few resources. English teaching is much in demand as a means to improve the lives of both young people and adults. Tourism is one of the main sources of livelihood and opportunities for work are enhanced when English is spoken.

In 2006 we introduced 6 brand new projects, teaching 5-12 year olds in public primary schools. Volunteers work in 4 areas in the Andes, in areas listed among the ten most biologically important areas of the world; and in 2 small towns on the Coast around beautiful Puerto Lopez, famous for whale watching.

Highlights: Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America yet it has an enormous biodiversity. The country offers fabulous coast lines, tropical jungles, snow capped mountains and volcanoes; quite a feast for volunteers keen on outdoor opportunities!

The people are warm and friendly, with many tribal and ethnic differences. The Spanish influence is still present, both in culture and architecture.

Genevieve Coombe, UK (Peñaherrera, 2006) - "The most valuable thing about the project is having the opportunity to live and work in a community and to become integrated into the way of life of that community and to form part of it! In Peñaherrera I really felt that my work as an English teacher was valued because they want to develop tourism as an alternative source of income to mining and people want to learn English so they can communicate with tourists who dont speak Spanish."

Qualifications: No formal teaching qualifications are necessary to join our programmes. All we ask is that participants have a good level of spoken Spanish, to be able to communicate with the locals.

Cost in US$: $1600+

Salary / Pay: Volunteers make a small financial contribution to help the development of our projects worldwide.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The average age of a Mondo volunteer is 32. Couples and families are welcome and receive a 15% discount (this also applies to friends traveling together). Approximately 50% of our volunteers are non-UK based, with a large number of volunteers from North America, Europe and Australia. Our volunteers have a good level of general education and are enthusiastic, culturally aware, adaptable and highly motivated.

Age Range: 20-69

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

MondoChallenge's Mission Statement: MondoChallenge is a not for profit charity which sends volunteers (gap year, university & post university, career break, sabbatical etc) to help with development programs in Africa, Asia and South America. Our programs are community based and the normal stay is from 2-4 months. Volunteers are currently involved in teaching, business development, healthcare and environmental programs.

Year Founded: 2001