Volunteer ESL teacher at GAIAS

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands

Length of Position: 6-8 months
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: April 27, 2007- December 2007, negotiable

Description: Volunteer ESL teacher at the GAIAS Community College in San Cristobal, Galapagos. Duties include approximately 25 hours per week (2 intensive classes per day) in addition to class planning and preparation. You will be provided with ESL teaching materials, which are based upon the Skyline Series. As an ESL teacher you will also have access to the GAIAS audiovisual equipment, library computer lab and conference room.

Highlights:
San Cristobal, Galapagos is a great small town where you can enjoy the beauty of nature just outside your front door, literally! The main area of this town is located along the beach. Your short walk into town will be accompanied by the turquoise sea, blue footed boobies(birds!)diving for fish, sleeping groups of sea lions and the little lava lizards skirting around your feet.
During their free time, volunteers may enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, biking, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Qualifications: We require an experienced English teacher with a TEFL certificate, or a degree in education or relevant field with at least 2 years experience.

Cost in US$: Travel and visa costs only

Costs:
You will be responsible for paying your own travel expenses (including international airfare, airfare to and from the Galapagos, medical insurance and personal expenses). You will be responsible for room and board expenses while in Quito. Below you will find an approximate breakdown of costs:

Visa: $80
Room and board in Quito: Varies (You can do this for $12/$15/day including lodging and three meals).
Airfare Quito-Galapagos-Quito: $391
Galapagos National Park (GNP) fee : $25 (with censo)

Because of strict immigration laws and limited job opportunities in the Galapagos, you will not be able to seek additional work in order to earn supplemental income.

Salary / Pay: Salary for the period: As a volunteer teacher you will receive no salary. You will receive free housing and a stipend which covers 2-3 meals a day in exchange for your services. Housing: You will receive accommodation at the modern GAIAS facilities, located across the street from Playa Mann. You will share a room with one other roommate.

Experience Required: yes

We require an experienced English teacher with a TEFL certificate, or a degree in education or relevant field with at least 2 years experience.

Typical Volunteer: The typical volunteer is a motivated, independent and very experienced English teacher. Generally our volunteers love the outdoors, but have a great balance of enjoying the islands while being committed to their teaching responsibilities.

Age Range: Open

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Transcript
• Written Application

GAIAS, la extension de la Unerversidad San Francisco de Quito's Mission Statement: GAIAS, Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts & Sciences, operates a community college for the local population, offering two-year Associate degrees in Business Administration, Natural Resource Management and Tourism Management. An important goal of GAIAS is to promote sustainable development of the islands by enhancing the educational level of the local population. Mission: * Teaching and research at an international level. * Promoting sustainable development of the islands by enhancing the educational level of the local population and establishing volunteer services. * Supporting and providing sustainable economic alternatives to fishermen and other local stakeholders. * Participating in the conservation efforts of the Galapagos

Year Founded: 2002