Animal Conservation and Rescue Volunteer Projects in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year; every 1st & 3rd Friday of each month.

Description: Saving Giant Tortoises
Giant Tortoises have lived on Isabella Island for ages, and since the introduction of different species to the island (such as cats and goats), the tortoise survival rate has been affected. Participants will assist in feeding and measuring the tortoises, and in monitoring the tortoise eggs. They will also assist in record keeping and logging descriptions of tortoise activities, behavior, and changes.

Animal Rescue Center
On this project, participants will work with a local veterinarian who rescues animals and rehabilitates them so they may return to the wild. Participants will have direct contact with the animals and can monitor their progress. They may also feed the animals, clean and repair cages, improve existing facilities, gather food from the forest, introduce the animals to food, and much more.

Highlights:
Accommodations:
During their volunteer projects, participants will live with an Ecuadorean family either by themselves or with a small group of other volunteers in their city. Participants will be provided with 2-3 meals per day. Even though some host families may be able to launder participants' clothes, participants should plan to spend around 3.50 USD per week on laundry.

** A handful of volunteer projects offer on-site living instead of home-stay accommodations.

Language Classes:
For those who need them, optional language classes are available in either Quito or the Galapagos Islands. Classes are held prior to participants volunteer work and are usually one-on-one sessions with a personal tutor. Classes are 20 hours per week (4 hours/day) for an additional USD400/week and include home stay accommodations and meals. Language classes are a great way to be introduced to a new country and improve proficiency in the Spanish language.

Also Included:
* Pre-departure orientation
* Travel Medical Insurance
* Visa assistance (if needed)
* Airport pickup
* Transfer to your accommodations
* Arrival orientation
* Accommodations and meals
* Full-time local representative in Ecuador
* 24/7 personal support
* Certificate of completion (upon request)

Qualifications:
* Participants must be at least 18 years of age
* Participants must speak at least at an intermediate level of Spanish
* Participants must be eligible to receive a tourist visa to Ecuador

Language Classes Fees
1 week: USD 400
2 weeks: USD 800
3 weeks: USD 1,200

AIDE is a non-profit organization. Donations contributed in excess of the fair market value of the services you receive from AIDE may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax adviser for more information.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AIDE 's Mission Statement: Through education and the exchange of ideas and people across borders, AIDE will build a worldwide community of global citizens who will be part of an ongoing intercultural conversation. AIDE will be a catalyst for change in the world by building bridges between individuals from diverse cultures.

Year Founded: 1992