Detours Abroad: Projects in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Cuenca

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Street Kids, Care Work, Teaching English

In Ecuador, we work with programs devoted to social work, particularly involving poor children in Quito and Cuenca City. Volunteers can choose to work in the following areas:

* Assisting in social work and human services. Volunteers work with poor children who need care in a variety of ways. You will provide basic assistance in feeding, entertaining, dressing and washing the children in one of a range of institutions.

* Assisting with 'street kids' outreach. In this role you will work in centres created to provide a place for street kids to relax, do homework, play games, eat and socialise. You will assist with these activities. These children spend much of their day on the streets in Quito selling sweets, cigarettes and lottery tickets and welcome a friendly face in a safe environment.

* You could also opt to teach English, science, sports, music or art at schools in Quito and Cuenca City or in a local orphanage.

Highlights: Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andean Mountains. It has a varied landscape, with mountains and dense rainforest to beautiful seaside villages and colonial architecture in Quito.

Quito is situated just north of the centre of Ecuador and is overlooked by the spectacular snowcapped dormant volcano Cotapaxi. North of Quito is the town of Otavalo, famous for its indigenous market. In east Ecuador, volunteers can travel into the dense forest of the Amazon and see the array of animals, or head west and lie on deserted beaches. A visit to the world famous Galapagos Islands is a highlight for many people.

Different ethnic groups populate Ecuador. About 30% are indigenous local people belonging to different groups. 55% are people from a mixture of indigenous and European blood called 'mestizos'. The remaining 15% includes people of European, African, and Asian descent.

Qualifications: Any special skills you have will be gladly received. It is essential to bring enthusiasm and an open mind. Bring a smile, commitment and a desire to meet the local people. The key to a successful volunteer experience is a desire to be involved.

Cost in US$: From $1950 for 4 weeks

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

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

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Detours Abroad's Mission Statement: Detours Abroad brings people and communities together by allowing travellers to immerse themselves in local communities where in turn they make a contribution through volunteering their services. Detours Abroad organises volunteer placements from 2-12 weeks in a variety of developing countries. These include Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo, China, Peru and Ecuador. Volunteers assist in three areas - education, health and administration, community services including construction, care work and community development.

Year Founded: 1996