Amazon Conservation Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Tena

Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Every Monday

Description: A unique opportunity to work in the depths of the Amazon Basin, developing new techniques in rain forest conservation and management. The project, located in El Tena, is one of the six stations created by the 'Ecuadorian Foundation for the protection, defense, and conservation of the natural and human environment, investigation and scientific education.

The present size of this reserve is 2,000 hectares. The reserve was established thanks to donations from various individuals and organizations that were concerned by the rapid loss of the tropical Rainforests in the Amazon and the world. The Foundation has two main programmes that assist local communities through the preservation of the rainforest:

* The Center for Plant Conservation - which is a center for experimental silviculture, more commonly known as 'woodland management', botanical gardens and agro-forestry extension programmes (fruit trees).

* Organic Farming - educational and model farms for communities, seeking to produce alternative food sources as well as income.

** 2-week Spanish Language Course included!

Highlights: On arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation. Once you have settled in and unpacked, you will receive a 2 day induction, telling you all you need to know about living in Quito and preparing you for your project. To help you ease into your new surroundings, the induction is conducted in English.

Following the induction, you will start your 2-week Spanish coursee. This is a 20-hour course, which includes 10 group lessons and 10 private lessons. (4 weeks Spanish course if you stay for 24 weeks in total). Following your language course, you'll be ready to start your volunteering.

The work schedule is very flexible and there will be plenty of opportunities for you to work on a variety of projects. You should expect to work approximately 9.00am to 4.00pm, but this might vary depending on the project you are working on.

The volunteer activities are organized on a weekly basis. A typical week for a volunteer may be:

* 2 days working at the Amazon Plant Conservation Center
* 2 days working at the Organic farm
* 1 day trekking through the rain forest collecting seedlings and seeds for the nursery and the farm
* 1 day may be spent working on miscellaneous projects that arise
* Time will be spent learning local handicrafts in traditional styles
* You will also get some time off to relax and explore your surroundings, including trips to places of interest.

Trips to the local town of Tena will be arranged a couple of times per week.

Qualifications:
* Minimum age 18 yrs
* Nature lovers are welcome
* You're healthy and up to doing physical work, flexible and like to work in teams.
* A basic understanding of Spanish is beneficial - remember you will receive 2 weeks tuition at the start of the programme.
* International volunteers are welcome.

Cost in US$: From 1,050 GBP

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Twin Group - Work and Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement: To provide the highest quality and the best value services to students, clients, suppliers, agents and partners in the worldwide delivery of language courses, travel, training and employment services.

Year Founded: 1993