Our programs outside of the USA are now under the
umbrella of our new non- profit organization: ASSOCIATION
OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXCHANGE.
AIDE
was created in 2007 in order to allow Alliance Abroad
Group to expand its reach and to give back to the
local and global communities, as well as create socially
responsible citizens. AIDE now operates independently
from Alliance Abroad Group, but continues to draw
from its 16 years of expertise and experience in program
management and support.
Check
our new website: www.aideabroad.org
____________________________________________________________________
As
a participant in the Volunteer in Ecuador program,
you will make a difference in a place with many needs,
you will also be able to learn more about the history
and culture of this incredible country. Spend anywhere
from 2 weeks to 12 months volunteering in Ecuador
or the Galapagos Islands or both! We offer a wide
range of volunteer program possibilities and you help
us find the right one for you. Just tell us which
area you wish to work within and we will find the
best placement available for you at that time.
Check
our new
Group Medical Program in
Ecuador here!
Eligibility:
At
least 18 years old
Intermediate level of Spanish
Eligible to receive a tourist visa to Ecuador [return
to top]
Location:
Placements are located throughout the
entire country, including the Galapagos Islands!
Accommodations:
During
your Spanish lessons and/or your volunteer project,
you will live with an Ecuadorian family. You will
be provided with 2-3 meals a day, laundry service
and an invaluable insight into the “real”
Ecuador. You may live in a host family by yourself
or with a small group of other volunteers. A handful
of volunteer projects offer on site living instead
of homestay accommodations.
Some host families will be able to launder your clothes,
but some may not. If your family does not have a washer
and dryer in their home, then you will need to plan
to spend around $3 USD per week on laundry. [return
to top]
Visa
Documentation:
Most tourist visas are valid for up to 3 months. If
you are interested in a longer program, we will assist
you in applying for a visa extension. We recommend checking
with your local Ecuadorian consulate for the most up
to date visa information.
Language
Classes:
Optional language classes are available in either Quito
or the Galapagos Islands. Language classes are a great
way to be introduced to a new country and improve your
Spanish skills. Classes are held prior to starting your
volunteer work and are usually one-on-one sessions with
a personal tutor. Classes are 20 hours per week (4 hours/day)
for an additional USD$400/week and include homestay
accommodations and meals. [return
to top]
Volunteer
Projects: We
have volunteer projects throughout Ecuador. Below is
a brief sample of the kinds of projects we offer. If
you are interested in volunteering in an area you don’t
see below, please consult your Alliance Abroad Group
coordinator. We do our best to accommodate all requests.
Animal
Rescue Center
Work with a local veterinarian that rescues animals
and rehabilitates them back into the wild. Volunteers
will have direct contact with the animals and can
monitor their progress. You may feed the animals,
clean and repair cages, improve existing facilities
gather food from the forest, introduce the food to
the animals, and much more. more
details
Teaching Assistant
Tourism is a large industry in Ecuador, and with so
many English-speaking tourists visiting the country,
it is a significant advantage for the Ecuadorian people
to be able to speak English. Volunteers will teach
basic English to your students. You may be asked to
teach in a formal classroom, or informally after school.
more
details
Working
with Children
These projects aim to help children living in poverty
by giving them love, care, and education. As a volunteer
in one of these projects, your skills and compassion
will be utilized to help these children learn and
grow in their society. more
details
Saving
Giant Tortoises
Giant Tortoises have lived on Isabella island for
ages, and since the introduction of different species
to the island (such as cats and goats), the tortoise
survival rate has been affected. Volunteers, you will
assist in feeding and measuring the tortoises, and
in monitoring the tortoise eggs. You will also assist
in record keeping and logging descriptions of tortoise
activities, behavior and changes. more
details
Medical
Projects
Volunteering with a health care project offers you
an amazing opportunity to experience first hand the
challenges of health care in Ecuador. You will be
there to help support the local doctors and nurses.
Such volunteer work ranges from observation to assistance.
more
details
Journalism
This project provides a very unique opportunity to
gain insight into journalism in Ecuador. You may intern
at a national newspaper call La Hora. As an intern,
you will be able to shadow a staff member. more
details
Organic
Farming
If you are interested in learning more about organic
farming and filling your belly with eco-friendly edibles,
working at an organic farm is a great option. As a
participant, you will work on the land, helping with
the production of the compost to use organic fertilizer
in the organic farms. more
details
prices
are subject to changes
prices do not include: airfare, visa fees
and personal expenses
Funding
your experience:
For many, the most difficult part of embarking
on an international journey is being able to fund
your experience abroad. Luckily, there are many
organizations and individuals out there who are
happy to donate money to a good cause, like yours.
learn
more
