Volunteer with Tortoise Project in Galapagos

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Flexible, year-round

Description: The Breeding Center for the famous endangered tortoises of the Galapagos is quite a unique experience. It is only here that you will be able to take such a hands-on approach when working with these tortoises. Located on Isabela, the most diverse of all the Galapagos Islands, you are constantly immersed in the natural beauty of your surroundings. From its many active volcanoes to its beautiful beaches, there is always something to enjoy. Focused on preserving this particular species of tortoise, the breeding center is dedicated to monitoring their health, aiding in new births, providing a healthy living environment, and securing their release back in to the wild.

This volunteer project an unmatched opportunity to get to know this fascinating and beautiful place and its native creatures on a personal level, and contribute to programs that are making a real difference in protecting them. You will work side by side with Ecuadorians on this locally designed and run project. You will stay with a carefully screened and welcoming host family, giving you insight into daily life in Ecuador.

Our staff in the US are experienced volunteers themselves who are happy to share their experiences and expertise with prospective volunteers. Our partner staff in Ecuador are friendly, caring and dedicated to ensuring that all volunteers have a rewarding experience. You will be met upon arrival in Quito and will receive an orientation and overnight stay. You will be assisted with your travel arrangements to Cuenca the following day.

The Tortoise Breeding Center is located on the Island of Isabela in the Galapagos, about 200 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. All volunteers will be met at the airport in Quito, given an orientation and overnight stay, and then taken to the airport the following day to travel on a domestic flight to The Galapagos Islands. You will then take a ferry boat to Isabela Island.

Accommodation during the project is with a carefully screened host family located on Isabela. All meals with your host family are included during your stay.

Highlights:
- Homestay with a carefully screened, welcoming host family
- Three meals daily
- Support of friendly, experienced staff in the US and in Ecuador
- Comprehensive accident and medical insurance
- 24 hour emergency support

Qualifications: Depending upon what needs to be done at the time of the volunteer's program, he or she will be helping to feed and measure the tortoises, collect eggs in the park and look after them until hatching time, assist in tracking tortoises behavior and life cycles, clean and build their corrals, work in the tree nursery and on reforestation projects, and mark eggs for identification. There may be other duties depending upon the season. Volunteers will mostly work in the morning to mid-afternoon leaving some extra time to explore the island and spend time with your host family.

Volunteers must enjoy working outdoors and must be interested in working with the animals. Experience and/or education in biology, ecology or environmental studies is helpful but not required. Basic Spanish is helpful. Spanish lessons are available prior to the volunteer project in Quito for an additional fee.

Cost in US$: Starts at $950

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: CCI volunteers are flexible, open minded people who have a genuine desire to help.

Age Range: 18 and over

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

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Center for Cultural Interchange's Mission Statement: Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Based in Chicago, Illinois, CCI organizes cultural exchange programs for participants of all ages, including high school abroad, independent homestay, internship, language study, eco-tours and volunteer programs in over thirty countries around the world.

Year Founded: 1985