Ecuador - Indigenous Community Development: Immerse Yourself in New Cultures

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the Year: Every Monday

Description: Project Summary

Santa Ana is a multi-ethnic community composed of members from the Shuar, Achuar, Záparas and Qichwas indigenous tribes. This community obtains their income from traditional sources of commerce: fishing, agriculture, hunting, horticulture, handicrafts, tourism, conservation and reforestation. Santa Ana's community consists of 60 families and is one of the 32 communities in this area.

Due to infringing urban development and tourism, these indigenous societies have been forced to compete with major cities in commerce and trade and to reform their lifestyle to accommodate the inflow of tourism into their communities. As a result, they need the help of international volunteers in order to build infrastructure and develop their communities so that they can compete with their more urbanized counterparts and live a sustainable lifestyle.

Your Role as a Volunteer

Volunteers on this project will find themselves involved in a range of these exciting activities:

- Rain forest reforestation farming
- Horticulture and Pisciculture (fish farming) programs
- Wildlife research and investigations
- Construction of a Women's Center in the community
- Infrastructure construction and maintenance
- Help in the kindergarten (nursery) of the community
- Ceramic production
- Anthropology work for volunteers with proper experience

Project Location

In Ecuador, there are opportunities to hike, bike and mountain climb in every part of the country. Another popular site is Avenue of the Volcanoes-a valley between twin mountain ranges. Visitors can be transported back in time to the colonial town of Cuenca, in full colonial style with cobbled streets, ironwork balconies and red-tiled roofs and a cathedral. The capital of Quito is a modern city frequented by indigenous vendors in their traditional dress. From active volcanoes to snow-peaked mountains, the beautiful Ecuadorian landscape offers a multitude of possibilities.

About us

Volunteer Visions was founded with a simple idea in mind; that volunteering should be affordable and available to everyone. We offer projects in the following countries:

- Bolivia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador

We also offer the following types of projects:

- Teaching
- Conservation(Environmental and Animal)
- Community Development

Our programs are designed for individuals seeking a gap year, career break, adventure travel, cultural exploration, and alternative vacations. Whatever your motive for volunteering may be, we can help you find a placement that suits your needs. Welcome to Volunteer Visions and feel free to explore our programs.

Highlights: Special Offers

Share your experience with friends or family and receive a $100 off your program fee.

Here's how:

1. Find a friend(s) or family member to join you on your adventure.
2. He/she applies to the program and simply mentions your name in the questions/comments section of the application.
3. Submit your application with your friends or family members name in questions/comments section and apply for any project in any country and any date of your choice.
4. You will automatically receive $100 off your project placement in our payment confirmation page.

Join a Volunteer Visions adventure with 4 or more of your friends or family and qualify for a free 4-week placement.

Here's How:

1. Get 4 or more people to apply and mention your name in the questions and comments section of the application form.
2. Choose any 4 week volunteer placement in your country of choice.
3. After we receive the program fees from each member of your party, we will send confirmation of their payment to you.
4. You receive a fully paid 4 week placement in your chosen project and country. If you wish to extend your placement beyond 4 weeks, just take the difference between the program fees for the extended period of time and the 4-week fee and pay the difference.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Starting at $675

- 2 Weeks: $675
- 4 Weeks: $950
- 6 Weeks: $1050
- 8 Weeks: $1300
- 10 Weeks: $1550
- 12 Weeks: $1800
- Additional Weeks: $125

What's Included in the Program Fee?

- Accommodation
- Food
- Arrival Pick-up
- Pre-departure Information
- Orientation
- 24/7 Onsite Support
- Host Country Coordination
- Social Activities

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Volunteer Visions's Mission Statement: Volunteer Visions was founded with a simple idea in mind; that volunteering should be affordable and available to everyone.