Volunteer Abroad in Ecuador - Volunteering Opportunities Overseas

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Guayaquil,  Cuenca,  Banos,  Ibarra,  Esmeraldas,  Puyo,  Cayambe,  Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Flexible start/end dates

Description: Ecuador, a small South America country, is bordered to the north by Colombia, to the east and south by Peru, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. The country is divided into four distinct regions; the Amazon, the Highlands, the Coast, and the Galápagos Islands.

Compared with many South American countries, Ecuador is very small. Nevertheless in this limited area there are at least 50 types of natural terrestrial vegetation, diverse ecosystems and an immense variation in wildlife. Ecuador is one of 17 mega diverse countries in the world according to Conservation International. With 1600 bird species (some 15% of the world's known bird species) in the continental area, and 38 more endemic to the Galápagos. There are also 25,000 species of plants recorded; it has 106 endemic reptiles, 138 endemic amphibians, and 6,000 species of butterflies.

Although in recent years Ecuador has benefited from a rise in tourism offer some economic relief, millions of people live below the poverty line, mainly children. Governmental statistics estimate that over one million children work to survive and maintain their families. Growing poverty, lack of education and limited governmental resources further worsen the problem of street children and orphans in Ecuador. A government study* concluded that 45% of the population between the ages of 10 and 16 are working, 60% of the children under the age of five are malnourished and a third of the population has not completed the first part of their basic education. (*First Congress on Nutrition Development, Quito 2000)

Volunteer with us and see A Broader View of the World.

You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you" - Anonymous.

Location pages:
* Quito
* Cuenca
* Cayambe
* Esmeraldas North Coast
* Amazon Rainforest
* Salinas South Coast

Highlights: Ecuador remains a multiethnic and multicultural nation, where more than 14 indigenous groups maintain their own traditions and ways of life, to the delight of visitors. The country has a plentitude of national parks, wildlife reserves, natural springs, volcanoes and ecological reserves and beautiful cities. Ecuador gives the tourists a mega bio-diversity and a chance for great adventures in the mountains, volcanoes, jungle, white beaches and exotic islands.

Our volunteer projects allow you to help street children and orphans in Quito, teach English in a local Andes village, work at one of the numerous ecology/conservation bio stations or animal welfare reserves located throughout the Amazon, coastal and Andes regions. Our programs allow you to discover the wonders of Ecuador, while doing meaningful community work. This is a great opportunity to enhance your Spanish knowledge, live with the locals and realize one person can make a difference.

Qualifications: 17 years or older. Volunteers should have a sense of adventure (most transport in Ecuador is done on local buses), a self starter attitude and a caring spirit. Volunteers should be proficient in Spanish for rural placements, basic Spanish needed for urban placements in Quito and Cuenca.

Cost in US$: Starting at $895 for one week, visit our website for more information

Accommodation and Meals: Volunteers live with a local host family, or stay at a locally operated guesthouse or small hotel. Host families will offer private bedrooms for volunteers. All meals are provided, either with the host family or their guesthouse.

Ground Transportation: Volunteers are provided arrival and departure airport transfers. Transportation and introduction to volunteer accommodations/host family and to the work site is provided on arrival via local bus.*Daily transport costs are the volunteers' responsibility, although we try to confirm accommodations within walking distance to work sites. Most volunteers live on-site at the research/nationalpark centers.

Project Coordinator & On-site support: Our local Project Coordinators ensure your program operates as it should. Site inspections and exploratory trips are continuous conducted to ensure program integrity. On-site briefing materials and 24/7 emergency support is provided to all volunteers.

Letter of Completion: Volunteers will receive an official letter from A Broader View outlining the volunteer placement for your resume/CV, or as a letter of reference.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers are open minded, looking for an alternative travel experience. Our volunteers come from all nations, ages, races and backgrounds. Volunteers should be self-starters with a sense of adventure and caring spirit.

Age Range: 17 years old

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

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

A Broader View Volunteers's Mission Statement: A Broader View Volunteers is a registered 501 c (3) tax-exempt charity. We offer international volunteer projects for the globally-minded individual searching for a unique travel experience. We arrange short and long term international volunteer programs in developing countries around the World. Our volunteers are placed around the World in Central America, South America, Asia and Africa in 16 countries, 40 locations and 143 programs. Our motto: Volunteer with us and gain A Broader View of the World!

Year Founded: 2007