Global Citizens Network: Ecuador

  Ecuador

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Inquire for dates

Description: Global Citizens Network (GCN) sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where they are immersed in the daily life of the community. Trips to Ecuador last about two weeks; each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. The team works on projects initiated by people in the local community, for the benefit of the community. Such projects could include setting up a library, teaching business skills, building a health clinic, or planting trees to reforest a village. Projects may not be decided upon until shortly before the arrival of a GCN team. Participants should be aware that everything is subject to change.

In Ecuador, GCN partners with two communities, Quechua and Afro-Ecuadorian. Possible projects both communities would like to work on include: building a community center, street lights, working at the elementary school.

As worthwhile and fulfilling as the work you do will be, the true rewards come from the cross-cultural learning which takes place on these trips. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning. You may test your skills making local food, visit a nearby tea factory or the family farm, learn a local dance, and discover the history and rich traditions of the area.

When you have the chance to learn first-hand about people from other cultures, you will feel connected to others in ways you may have never experienced before.

Highlights: The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip. There is much to explore in and around Ibarra, the nearby colonial capital of Imbabura. In the immediate area you will find several waterfalls, rafting, hiking, horse-back riding opportunities or relaxing natural hot springs, not to mention the paramos of El Angel Ecological Reserve and the Gruta de la Paz (Grotto of Peace). This area is most famous for artisan markets -the biggest is in Otavalo, where indigenous people from dozens of local villages meet in the Plaza de los Ponchos to display their handcrafted textiles.

Many participants build in time before or after the GCN experience to explore the country even more. In the environs there are many options, such as Tena, the gateway to the Amazon jungle, several hours from Ibarra and Cayambe. Moreover, Mindo-Nambillo Forest Reserve is just one hour west of Quito, offering cloud forest tours and access to a delightful butterfly reserve. Quito is easily connected by air or land to other major attractions such as Esmeraldes, Guayaquil, and Cuenca.

*It is important to note that July/August is peak tourist season in Ecuador and all accommodations for free time should be made in advance.

Qualifications: No specific skills are required, only a willingness to appreciate and accept other cultures. We believe everyone has skills -- some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what s/he can If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.

Cost in US$: USD 1,600

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Participants range in age from 8 on upwards, and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees.. these are just some of the people who join our trips.

Age Range: 8 - 85+

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

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-12

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement: Global Citizens Network recognizes the interdependence of people around the world, and that social and economic injustice, racial and ethnic inequality, and ecological loss affect all people. But through cooperative effort, individuals of all cultures can experience and enhance their ability to make a difference in their community and their world. To foster that cooperation, Global Citizens Network sends short-term teams of volunteers to communities in other cultures where participants immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of the community. Each volunteer team is partnered with a local grassroots organization active in meeting local needs. Global Citizens Network creates a worldwide network of people and organizations committed to addressing global issues. By providing participants the opportunity to learn about the society, knowledge, art and livelihood of other cultures, Global Citizens Network seeks to honor and help preserve those cultures. By providing the resources of participating volunteers and project grants, Global Citizens Network seeks to assist human and community development in those cultures. By creating a network of people and organizations, Global Citizens Network also seeks to enhance participants' impact on issues of local and global concern.

Year Founded: 1992