• Ecuador •

Discover the tropical forest and its diversity! Ecuador is known for its flora and fauna, of which many species are unique to this South American country. We are offering you the opportunity to participate in an environmental protection program lead by an organization that manages six natural reserves in the country. You will be working in collaboration with other volunteers coming from around the world. You will participate in the the reproduction of new plants in the greenhouses, planting trees, and maintaining various dwellings. If you are a student or working in environmental studies, you will be able to assist scientists in their research projects. Depending on your knowledge of Spanish you can also work with the local population, on an educational project regarding sustainable methods of forest exploitation. Finally, expect the work to be physically challenging and the living conditions will be basic.

Language Requirements: English and/or Spanish

Most villages in Ecuador lack teaching personnel and face a shortage of resources. This project enables you to teach in small elementary schools in rural Ecuador, while living with a host family. Knowledge of Spanish is strongly recommended, however volunteers with little knowledge of the language will also have the opportunity to teach English.

Interested volunteers will also have the chance to work in different social projects in the area of Quito. For example, you can work in a day care center, work with disabled children or with street children.

Language Requirements: To teach in Spanish, an intermediate knowledge of the language is necessary. To teach in English, a basic knowledge of Spanish and an intermediate knowledge of English are required.

Our partners in Ecuador welcome you to experience a full cultural immersion with a small Aboriginal community in the heart of the Amazon. Come discover the cultural practices and traditions of the Shuar people, while learning how to survive in the jungle! Learn local techniques of how to fish, hunt, canoe along the river, cook and use traditional medicine. Depending on your interests and skills, you can take part in construction projects, community work or teaching English to children at the local school. While this project is certainly exotic, it also is a great fit for nature lovers who aren’t afraid to live in remote areas under basic conditions.

Language Requirements: Members of the local community predominantly speak Kichwa, Shuar and Ashuar. Community members also understand Spanish. A functional level of Spanish is therefore required in order to participate in this project. It is possible to take intensive Spanish courses in Quito before arriving in the Amazon.