Volunteer Projects in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: All year

Description: Most of our opportunities for volunteering in Ecuador are ideal for gap year students, but some are better suited to slightly older volunteers taking a career break. Any volunteers with energy, enthusiasm, a desire to help a local community and a wish to learn Spanish are encouraged to apply. Projects for volunteers in Ecuador include:

- rainforest conservation
- coastal conservation
- a wildlife animal rescue center
- street children, orphanages and a center for homeless old people
- medical centers, physiotherapy, health care
- teaching English, computer skills, maths and sports
- art and craft
- Eco-tourism

Highlights: Ecuador, named after its position on the Equator, is the second smallest country in South America. The Andes, rising to over 6300 meters, form its mountainous backbone; the Pacific ocean, surf waves and golden beaches dominate the west, and the upper reaches of the Amazon rainforest fall off to the east. The capital city Quito is rimmed with thirty two volcanoes most of which are regularly climbed, but one of which is still active. The majority of the highland population are the colorful indigenous Quichua Indians, who still live traditional lives within their forest communities.

The striking beauty of the country and vibrant, friendly culture of the Ecuadorian people mask a reality that is only apparent to those who look below the surface. In Quito there are approximately 4500 street children, 60% of the population are illiterate, huge areas of the rainforest are felled each day by commercial logging companies and the vast Amazon oil reserves are attracting companies wishing to exploit the pristine forest reserves.

Qualifications: None.

Cost in US$: USD 4,800

We also provide a language CD course in the UK and a comprehensive in country language course on arrival in your host country.

* It does NOT include the cost of international flights.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 17-70

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Outreach International's Mission Statement: We are committed to cross cultural exchange and education. We combine the desire of people to travel and spend time volunteering abroad with the needs of local communities to everyone's benefit. Our Environmental Mission: We are committed to doing all we can to preserve the environment. We are aware of the detrimental impact of international flights and make every attempt to be carbon neutral. That's why for every person volunteering abroad with us, we plant three oak trees. As we've to date sent over a thousand volunteers abroad, we now have a woodland of over 3000 trees overlooking our Somerset office and we look forward to planting many more! In addition, all staff travel is kept to a minimum. All paper and other office products are recycled. Our Cultural Mission: You are generally asked to work on your project in pairs, not in larger groups. This means that the cultural impact of sending volunteers abroad to small communities is kept to a minimum. It also makes it easier to integrate with local people and immerse yourself in the culture. We need to be sure that all projects are fully sustainable. Although they need volunteers, we make certain that they are not dependent on us. Our Moral Mission: Outreach International supports projects that genuinely help important environmental and humanitarian causes. These are not projects that hit the international press; they are small, grassroots initiatives that focus on the needs of individuals. We believe that you can make a difference to the lives of these people and that you will receive as much as you give. You should come back to the UK after volunteering abroad with a fresh outlook on life and new found wisdom. Your experiences may last for just a few months - but the memories will stay with you forever.

Year Founded: 1998