Tierra Magnifica

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Otavalo,  San Cristobal,  Yunguilla,  Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 6/25 - 7/22 & 7/1-7/28

Description: Few countries compare to Ecuador in geographic and cultural diversity. The Andean highlands, mountain villages, dormant volcanoes, thermal baths, rafting adventures and cloud forest biospheres provide cultural exchange, community service and language immersion opportunities. Students travel to the Galapagos Islands to see incredible wildlife and visit Parque Nacional and the Darwin Stations, which are isolated biological preserves with numerous unique and threatened species. Homestays with village friends last ten to twelve days and provide unique relationships and learning.

Highlights:
Service Projects

* Earn 50-70 community service hours
* Share in a minga, a village work day
* Restore community facilities suchas schools or community centers
* Construct a home for rural villagers
* Work on Carbon Offset and reforestation projects

Language Immersion

* Language study and activities throughout the program
* Experience a homestay in an authentic Ecuadorian village
* Engage in three, leader-guided homestay language lessons

Adventure and Cultural Activities

* Trek through cloud forests with knowledgeable guides
* Mountain Bike down Cotopaxi Volcano
* Visit artisans' homes and lively market towns such as Otavalo
* Explore by boat, snorkel, and surf throughout the Galapagos Archipelago

Qualifications: Participants should be between the ages of: entering 9th grade to completing 12th grade. they should come with an open mind, willingness to experience new cultures, eager to participate in community service, language and adventures!

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Please contact us for more information.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: yes

entering 9th grade or completing 12th

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers are open minded, eager to learn and experience new cultures, language and adventure.

Age Range: 14 - 18 (high school students)

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Scholarships are Available. please inquire at the Global Works Home Office

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Works - Travel with Purpose's Mission Statement: Since 1990 we've been providing high school students with rewarding service, language learning, and adventure travel programs, which foster personal growth and promote social and cultural awareness for the participant and the communities involved. Much more than a vacation, a Global Works participant will enhance his or her view of the world while having a great time and making a new group of life-long friends. We often hear how participants gain a new appreciation for what they have at home and return with a better understanding of what they want to do in their life.

Year Founded: 1990