Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Ecuador
- Ecuador has been grappling with deforestation, particularly in its Amazon rainforest regions. The rate of deforestation has varied over the years, with periods of increased forest loss due to activities such as logging, agriculture expansion, and oil exploration.
- Deforestation in Ecuador has significant environmental consequences, including habitat loss for numerous species, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and disruption of local ecosystems.
- Ecuador continues to face challenges related to poverty. The poverty rate in the country fluctuates, but a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line.
- Limited access to quality education and healthcare services can hinder social mobility and contribute to the cycle of poverty for many Ecuadorians.
HOW can you help?
- Encourage and inspire the children into future education, which will provide many benefits
- Teach on the Coast, Highlands, or Amazon regions.
- Increase your skills as a teacher by teaching the children on your own or with another volunteer
- Install confidence, creativity and individuality within the students as they practice their new skills
WHAT can you do?
- Teach a variety of English based subjects
- Help the children with their reading, writing and conversational skills
- Review homework assignments, assessing exam and test results
- Teach simple communication and speaking
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experience
- Amazing Projects to Choose From in Ecuador
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: ENGLISH TEACHING SUPPORT
LOCATION: COAST, HIGHLANDS & AMAZON
START DATES: WEEKLY (Sep-Jun in the Highlands & Amazon, May-Jan in Coastal regions)
ACCOMMODATION: HOMESTAY
MIN DURATION: 5 MONTHS
MIN AGE: 18+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Basic Spanish is necessary, as well as English
Overview
For those individuals with a good command of the Spanish language, as well as the desire and availability, there is an opportunity to assist children with learning difficulties in the afternoons following regular school hours. This assistance includes helping them with reading, writing, grammar, mathematics, physical education, and more, primarily in schools located in the coastal provinces.
Volunteers play a supportive role by aiding teachers and students with tasks such as improving pronunciation, reviewing homework assignments, assessing exam and test results, reading texts aloud, conducting engaging English warm-up activities (e.g., singing and analysing English songs, playing vocabulary games, discussing short videos or stories), delivering brief presentations, explaining English grammar concepts, and engaging in English conversations with students. These efforts align with the needs and goals of the official teachers.
Location
Volunteers are needed to support English teachers in various provinces, including the Coast, Highlands, and Amazon regions.
Coast (Costa): The Coast region of Ecuador lines the country’s western edge along the Pacific Ocean. With a tropical climate, it features a mix of beautiful beaches, lush mangroves, and fertile plains. The Coast is a significant economic driver for Ecuador, particularly in agriculture, with products like bananas and cocoa. It’s also renowned for its seafood and vibrant coastal culture, influenced by indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian traditions.
Highlands (Sierra): Nestled in the central part of Ecuador, the Highlands, or Sierra region, is a land of striking landscapes, including the Andes mountain range. The climate varies with altitude, but it’s characterised by temperate conditions. Agriculture thrives in the Highlands, with crops like potatoes and quinoa cultivated. This region is deeply rooted in indigenous culture, boasting traditional festivals, artisan crafts, and strong indigenous communities like the Quechua and Kichwa.
Amazon (Amazonía): The Amazon region in the eastern part of Ecuador is an expanse of lush tropical rainforests, rivers, and incredible biodiversity. It experiences a hot and humid tropical climate and is a vital part of Ecuador’s natural resource sector, particularly in oil production. The Amazon is home to indigenous communities whose cultures are deeply connected to the rainforest, relying on subsistence farming and traditional practices passed down through generations, making it a region rich in cultural diversity and ecological significance.
Project Tasks
- Teaching basic grammar
- Having conservations in English
- Checking homework
- Singing and classroom activities
Food & Accommodation
Upon arrival in Quito, volunteers are required to visit the main house to receive essential safety guidelines and receive information about the country. Accommodation is provided in the main house, where you will stay in dormitories with 1-4 people per room. Typically, you will spend 1-2 days in Quito, dependent on your arrival schedule.
The project accommodation will be with an Ecuadorian host family.
You will receive 3 meals a day. The food will be local Ecuadorian cuisine, vegetarians are welcome but we are not able to cover vegans needs, because they are very strict. Vegetarianism and veganism are not part of the Ecuadorian culture.
Education
Projects
- English Teaching
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5 Months - $2100
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6 Months - $2500
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7 Months - $2900
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8 Months - $3300
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9 Months - $3700
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10 Months - $4100
What's Included
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Accommodation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
FAQ
If you love working with young people, are energetic and want to inspire the furture generation, then yes absolutely! Teaching in a foreign country can be challenging but the rewards are even greater.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
- 1 day orientation
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Transportation
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Individual volunteers are provided with essential information encompassing safety guidelines, the political landscape in Ecuador, strategies for addressing challenges, and pertinent tourist details. The orientation takes around 2-3 hours to ensure individual volunteers are well-prepared. For groups or long-term volunteers, we extend this orientation to a more extensive 2-3-day program, as they also need time to facilitate the visa legalisation process.
*No transportation is included
Volunteers normally arrive to Quito (this cost is not included but a taxi can be booked for you). The official cost is 30 dollars, and it takes around 1 hour.
Once arrived, you will get instructions about safety rules, political situation of the country, how to get to the project, etc. You will likely spend one night in the foundation house in Quito, and the next day after breakfast, be accompanied by someone of the organisation to the bus terminal to take the correct bus. The taxi ride to go to the bus terminal, costs around 5 dollars, and it takes 20 minutes.
Volunteer from 9am to 3pm with a lunch break in between.
- To assist and support the English teachers in their classes
- Reading texts out loud
- Practicing pronunciation
- English Warm Ups (ex. singing and analysing English songs)
- Playing Vocabulary games
- Talking about short video s, doing short presentations, explaining/teaching English grammar, having English conversations with the students, answering questions, helping with specific tasks
Here are some must-visit places and things to do in this beautiful country:
Explore the Galápagos Islands: Discover the unique wildlife, pristine beaches, and extraordinary marine life of this UNESCO World Heritage site through snorkelling, diving, or guided tours.
Visit Quito’s Historic Centre: Wander through Quito’s well-preserved colonial old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its churches, plazas, and museums.
Hike in the Andes: Embark on a trek through the Andean highlands, visiting iconic spots like Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Crater Lake, and the scenic town of Banos.
Amazon Rainforest Adventures: Explore the Amazon Basin, go wildlife spotting, visit indigenous communities, and take a canoe ride along the Amazon River.
Climb Cotopaxi Volcano: For the adventurous, attempt to summit Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
Relax in the Thermal Baths of Banos: Soak in the natural hot springs in the town of Banos, surrounded by lush rainforest.
Discover Cuenca: Explore the charming city of Cuenca, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, art galleries, and rich cultural heritage.
Experience the Otavalo Market: Visit the famous Otavalo market, one of South America’s largest indigenous markets, to shop for textiles, handicrafts, and local produce.
Whale Watching: Head to the coastal town of Puerto Lopez for a chance to witness humpback whales during their migratory season.
Visit the Ingapirca Ruins: Explore the ancient Inca ruins at Ingapirca, Ecuador’s largest archaeological site.
Chocolate Tour: Take a tour of a cacao plantation and learn about the chocolate-making process, from bean to bar.
Attend a Festival: Experience Ecuador’s vibrant culture by participating in local festivals and celebrations, such as Inti Raymi or the Diablada.
Bird Watching: Ecuador is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Consider birdwatching in the cloud forests of Mindo or in the Yasuni National Park.
Ride the Devil’s Nose Train: Take a thrilling ride on the Devil’s Nose Train, an engineering marvel that traverses steep slopes and offers breathtaking views.
Relax on the Pacific Coast: Enjoy the sun, surf, and seafood on the beautiful beaches of Ecuador’s Pacific Coast.
This program is for 18+ and a min of 5 months.
Ecuador, situated in the northwestern part of South America, is a country of remarkable geographical and cultural diversity. It is bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador’s landscape is exceptionally varied, encompassing the towering Andes Mountains, dense Amazon rainforests, and the world-famous Galápagos Islands.
Its capital, Quito, is one of the highest capital cities in the world and is renowned for its well-preserved colonial old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country is celebrated for its indigenous heritage, with numerous indigenous communities inhabiting different regions.
Ecuador’s economy relies on sectors like oil production, agriculture, and tourism, which thrives thanks to its unique natural wonders and vibrant cultural traditions. This nation, despite its relatively small size, offers an incredible diversity of experiences, making it a compelling destination for travellers and a place of significant cultural and ecological importance.
The country’s climate can generally be categorized into four main zones:
- Coastal Zone (Costa): The coastal region of Ecuador has a tropical and humid climate with two distinct seasons. The wet season, from December to May, brings warm temperatures and heavy rainfall, while the dry season, from June to November, is characterized by cooler temperatures and lower precipitation.
- Andean Highlands (Sierra): The Andean highlands, where many major cities like Quito and Cuenca are located, have a more temperate climate. The weather varies with altitude, but in general, it can be cool to mild during the day and colder at night. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with slightly wetter months from October to May.
- Amazon Rainforest (Oriente): The Amazon basin in eastern Ecuador experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. This region has high humidity and lush vegetation.
- Galápagos Islands: The Galápagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, have a unique climate. The islands experience a warm and dry season from June to December and a hot and wet season from January to June. The water temperatures are influenced by ocean currents and vary, making it suitable for diverse marine life.
Ecuador’s cultural landscape is a tapestry woven from the threads of indigenous heritage, mestizo influences, and Afro-Ecuadorian traditions. Indigenous communities, such as the Quechua and Shuar, maintain their distinct customs, clothing, and rituals, enriching the nation’s cultural fabric.
The mestizo majority reflects a fusion of indigenous traditions and Spanish elements, evident in art, cuisine, and everyday life. Afro-Ecuadorian culture, notably prevalent along the coast, contributes its unique music, dance, and culinary delights to the mosaic. Religion, primarily Roman Catholicism, deeply influences Ecuadorian culture, blending indigenous practices with Catholic celebrations.
The country’s vibrant festivals, such as Inti Raymi and regional fiestas like Carnaval, showcase lively parades, music, and dance. Ecuador’s cuisine is a reflection of its diverse regions, offering seafood delicacies on the coast, hearty Andean dishes, and Amazonian flavours like maito.
With a rich artisanal tradition, Ecuador is renowned for its textiles, ceramics, and woodwork. Language-wise, Spanish is the official tongue, but indigenous languages like Quechua persist. Beyond its cultural heritage, Ecuador’s commitment to conservation is evident in its natural wonders, particularly the Galápagos Islands, which symbolize both ecological and cultural preservation.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.
Safe & Responsible Projects
All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
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