Volunteer for NEGF

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Year Round

Description: The international volunteers play an invaluable role in our strategy by providing residents otherwise unaccustomed to contact with outsiders native English instruction and, more importantly, the opportunity to develop the social and cultural skills necessary to interact with international tourists through intercultural exchange.

Students and host families alike are able to establish and nurture relationships and friendships with teachers from North America and Europe, and develop the self-confidence and cultural knowledge needed to deal with different cultures and languages in a professional and friendly manner.

Volunteers typically live with local host families, arranged by NEGF, that enable a valuable cultural and financial exchange for both parties.

Volunteers generally teach English 3 times a week. When not teaching class volunteers have the opportunity to work with the National Parks local education program. Opportunities include boat trips, island field trips, beach cleanups and various local tours.

Highlights:
* zero cost program to volunteer with the organization.
* Low cost room and board with local families available.
* Boat and beach tours at steep discounts and/or free.
* USD 100 park entrance fee waived for stays of one month or longer.
* Free Internet access for Volunteers.

Qualifications: Skills We Look for in Volunteers:

* Foreign Languages
Anyone trained in the instruction of foreign languages including English, French, German, Japanese, Italian, and others.

* Environmental Education
Students and/or professionals with a background in environmental or other life sciences and with a passion for sharing their knowledge and the patience to work cooperatively with children and young adults.

* Art
Anyone with a background in art and a keen interest in working with children on community and classroom projects.

* Working with children
A background or experience in working with children, elementary education, technology training, outdoor education, or other potentially related fields are certainly welcome to contact us at any time regarding a possible volunteership.

* Spanish speakers
Generally, we expect all volunteers to have some exposure to the Spanish language, and preferably at least at the conversational level, however it is not necessary. Volunteering is a great way to improve your Spanish skills, and lessons and conversation exchanges can be arranged for your stay here.

* Time commitment
Anyone interested in volunteering with the New Era Galapagos Foundation is expected to stay a minimum of 1 months in order to better serve the community of San Cristobal. The time on the island goes very quickly and even after 1 month you will want to stay longer. Shorter stays are possible if there is a specific project available or during the summer camp in February.

Cost in US$: 0

Experience Required: yes

A background and experience working with children. Experience in teaching or volunteering preferred.

Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer usually has a tremendous amount of flexibility and start-up attitude with the appropriate background and knowledge.

Age Range: 20 to 30

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

New Era Galapagos Foundation's Mission Statement: The foundation was founded to address the lack of community awareness about environmental conservation on the island which resulted in littered streets, polluted water, and a depleted fishing supply. The foundation's philosophy of community outreach and education combines ecological and conservation themes into all programs, which include: Art, Foreign Languages, and Environmental Education. New Era Galapagos Foundation is dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands by empowering local residents through educational programs and environmental projects.

Year Founded: 2000