Tucked away between Peru and Columbia, on South America’s Pacific Coast, Ecuador offers a diverse and rewarding volunteer experience for gap year and career break travellers.
In recent years, political instability and economic fragility have led to severe cuts in Ecuador’s public spending and its education system has struggled to meet the needs of the student population.
Underprivileged families and rural populations have been particularly badly effected, living in areas where government schools are under-funded and under-staffed. As a volunteer in Ecuador, you can help to address some of the problems of this developing nation.
£1090-1190(1 month)
+£120 (extra weeks)
1 month+
Overview
Overview
Teaching in Ecuador with Inspire can be a varied experience, with volunteer work available in Quito, the Andean Mountains and the coastal province of Manabí. Each area offers its own challenges and experience, but volunteers bring valuable learning support wherever they are placed.
Gap year and career break volunteers primarily teach English at under-resourced primary schools, but there are also opportunities to get involved with other subjects, depending on your own skills and interests. In Quito, volunteers can teach Computing at a privately-funded secondary school, but in all cases, interactive learning activities are actively encouraged.
This is a rewarding programme for volunteers wanting to teach English abroad and address a genuine need. Students are always eager to see a new face and as a volunteer in Ecuador you can help to improve access to education in deprived communities. To make the most of this placement we recommend that you have a firm grasp of Spanish, but your language skills will improve rapidly by living and working in local communities.
Location
Location
Country
Ecuador takes its name from the equator, which it straddles on the Pacific Coast of South America.Despite being one of the continent’s smallest countries, its biodiversity and rich Spanish colonial heritage make it an intriguing setting for voluntary work.
Region
This volunteer work is available in Quito, the Andes and coastal Ecuador. Quito is the perfect place to soak up Ecuador’s rich Spanish heritage. Spread across a spectacular Andean valley and flanked by volcanic peaks, Ecuador’s high altitude capital is a vibrant mix of old and new. The Andes is the longest mountain chain in the world and provides a stunning backdrop for volunteering abroad. Coastal Ecuador offers a pleasant alternative, with the Pacific coastline being characterised by quaint fishing villages and beautiful beaches.
Local attractions
Wherever you are based, Ecuador’s rich biodiversity is begging to be explored. In coastal Ecuador visit ‘the Poor Man’s Galapagos’ for unique marine wildlife, trek amidst snow-capped volcanoes and glaciers in the Andes, or explore the colonial splendour of Quito’s mazy Old Town.
Getting there
Career break and gap year volunteers fly into Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. Volunteers are met at the airport and transferred to their project location.
Cost
Cost
This volunteer project lasts a minimum of one month. To give you greatest flexibility in your volunteer experience we give you the option of extending your stay on a week-by-week basis.
Programme Price
Puerto Lopez
1 month = £1,090
Extra weeks = +£120 per week
Quito
1 month = £1,190
Extra weeks = +£120 per week
What’s Included
• Pre-departure briefing
• Twin-share accommodation in local homestay
• Breakfast & dinner at homestay
• Meet at airport and transfer to project
• In-country orientation & 24/7 support
What’s not included:
• International flights
• Visas, vaccinations and travel insurance
• Local transport
• Personal expenses
How to Book
How to Book
You can book this volunteer programme online by clicking on ‘Book Now’. After filling in our online booking form you will be asked to pay a sign-up fee of £150 via PayPal, which will confirm your place on the project. Alternatively you can book your place on the phone, by calling 08000 32 33 50 and speaking to one of our volunteer coordinators.
The £150 sign-up fee is not an additional cost and is taken from your total project cost. Your place is not confirmed until we receive this payment. Payments can be made online via PayPal, by phone or by bank transfer. If you have any queries regarding the booking process please get in touch.
Not ready to book?
If you’re not ready to book, but want to find out more about any of our volunteer opportunities, click on ‘Enquire about this trip’ and submit our online enquiry form, or phone us on 08000 32 33 50. Our volunteer coordinators will be happy to answer any questions you may have and advise you on what project best suits you.
What happens next?
Once we have confirmed your booking we will guide you through the application process and help you plan and prepare for your trip of a lifetime!
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