Spanish Courses & volunteering in Ecuador

The programmes in Ecuador combines Spanish lessons with voluntary work in social institutions and national parks. Volunteering in Ecuador offers a unique opportunity to experience the country, culture and population from the inside while doing a meaningful job that benefits the local population. Volunteers must be independent, open minded, at least 18 years old. You can of course choose to follow Spanish lessons only.

Internships can also be arranged.

The country
Even though Ecuador is geographically not a large country, biologically and ethnically speaking it is one of the world’s most varied countries.
A day’s journey across the country from west to east will take you from an Afro-Equatorial culture on the Pacific’s long sandy beaches over the snow-covered volcanoes of the Andes, down into green valleys on the other side, and at last to the Amazon basin’s tropical forests which are still home to small Indian communities.

There is a fourth ecological region, the Galapagos Islands, which lie 1000 km off Ecuador’s Pacific coast. These islands have a completely unique flora and fauna which, history tells us, were studied by Charles Darwin and described by him in connection with his well-known Theory of Natural Selection.

The flora and fauna of Ecuador are extremely diverse. The richness and diversity of its native species are universally accepted as one of the greatest in the world. Botanists tell us that there are approximately 20,000 species of plants to be found here – more than the total found on the entire North American sub-Continent. There are more than 1500 different species of birds, twice as many as those found in North America, Europe or Asia. If you are lucky, you might meet giant tortoises, sea lions, jaguars, condors, llamas, spectacled bears or many monkey species. It all depends on your ecological region.

The history of Ecuador is the story of the meeting between European explorers and native inhabitants, a background most South American countries have in common. The contrast between the historic colonial buildings and churches in most of the larger cities and the Inca ruins in the highlands bear witness to the enormous difference between past civilisations. Ecuador borders Colombia to the north and Peru to the south and west. It has 12 million inhabitants of European and Indian descent. Officially the country is 95% Catholic, but some of the descendants of the native peoples continue to practise their inherited religious beliefs and way of life. The population living along the Pacific coast of Ecuador is made up of “Mestizos” of mixed European and native blood, and the descendants of African slaves. The people of the highland region are predominantly a mixture of Spanish and Quecha-speaking Indians and a large group of Mestizos. The Indians of the Amazon basin live in small communities and continue to fight for control of their homelands. These often cover large areas where they survive by hunting and fishing. Their traditional way of life is threatened by international oil companies prospecting for oil. Other companies from as far away as Taiwan come for timber for the production of furniture.

Quito
The capital of Ecuador is high in the Andes 2.850 metres above sea level. Quito is the world’s second highest capital city - after La Paz in Bolivia. It has a population of 1.7 million and is the second largest city in Ecuador. The largest is Guayaquil, Ecuador’s principal port on the Pacific coast. Quito’s old town has been nominated by UNESCO as “Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad”, a World Heritage site, and with good reason. Enormous churches and cathedrals filled with gold ornamented art and large squares surrounded by 400-year-old buildings are a clear indication of the importance the colonial masters gave this city as the centre of their expansion in the area.

A long period of neglect, decay and lack of financial support from the state seems to be over. Funds are now available for the restoration of the old town in co-operation with the UN. Today, the contrast between the old town and the more modern part of the city is striking. After a walk through the narrow streets of the old town, the modern city can come as a bit of a shock. Shoe-shine boys, buses spewing noxious gasses, dare-devil taxi drivers, open-air food stalls, shaded parks, hotels, skyscrapers and high-rise apartment blocks must be seen to be believed. Quito is a large city with all the facilities and pleasures of a modern metropolis. Visitors can stand in the shade of a palm tree on most street corners and gaze at the Pichincha Volcano towering over the city. On a clear day you can enjoy the view of the snow-clad Cotopaxi-Antisana and Chimborazo volcanoes that rise more than 6.000 metres to the sky.

The language school
The language school is considered Ecuador’s best by international education magazines and is among the top 10 Spanish language schools in the world. The school is located in a central residential area called “La Carolina” and has an interior patio, 21 classrooms, video room, library, teachers room, auditorium, solarium, cafeteria, a multipurpose indoor court (racquetball, volleyball, speed soccer and basketball court), internet service (0.50 US dollar per 30.min), bathroom with access for wheelchair users, elevator.

The décor is typical of colonial design. Beautiful arches surround the interior patio and fountains.

The school’s goal is to ensure that students get the most from the high educational standards through intensive courses. University trained teachers use top quality teaching materials and aids in an informal, efficient and friendly atmosphere. Students are encouraged to practise their Spanish skills in school and during leisure time. The school is recognised by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education and works in close co-operation with leading international educational institutions as well as Ecuador’s largest University, Universidad Central.

Facilities at school

• Cozy and well-equipped rooms
• Language laboratory, book and video library, TV room.
• Cafeteria.
• Internet, Wifi connection, fax, telephone, postal service.
• Safe storage for valuables and baggage.
• Currency exchange, cashing traveler’s cheques.
• Dancing lessons, parties, get-togethers and other social events

Lectures and tuition
The school offers different courses, where the basic principle is intensive language-learning in small groups, maximum 4 students. Classes combine interaction and discussion between the students and teachers. The level is determined by the student’s individual needs and wishes.
The school offers classes at all levels. Your progress will be evaluated weekly and you will usually have a new teacher each week. The school issues a diploma at the end of the course, showing the number of lessons you have followed and the level you have reached both written and orally.
The teachers are all experienced in the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language. They are selected on the basis of their formal qualifications, their personalities and their ability to make language learning dynamic and varied.

The teaching materials are developed by the school in co-operation with other international language schools. Class work emphasizes oral Spanish, conversation and interactive teaching. Grammar and written exercises are an integral part of the course. The students’ homework is presented and discussed in class every day.

Introduction to Ecuador is a high priority. Students learn about the history, politics, social and economic conditions as well as Ecuador’s ethnic and cultural peculiarities.

Most of the students come from Europe and North America but there are also students from Brazil, New Zealand, Australia and Asia. There are usually between 20-50 students at school. Most students are between 18-25 years old.

Course start
A new course starts every Monday, all year round. You will be met at the airport on arrival by your host family. Your host family will usually take you to the school on the first day. Here you will be welcomed by a coordinator and informed about the programme. You will receive teaching materials and information regarding the school, Quito and Ecuador.
After a language test and a talk with the school’s counsellor you will be placed in a class which is considered to be at your level of Spanish and only then, your language course begins.

Student environment
Teaching takes place either in the spacious classrooms or, depending on the weather, in the garden or wherever the students might prefer. Clothes and social conversation are informal and the teachers and students often arrange social and leisure activities together. The atmosphere is very relaxed.

Accomodation

The students are all accommodated in single rooms with their own bathroom in the home of the carefully selected Ecuadorian host family. This is considered the best way to get the most out of a stay in Ecuador – learning the language, the culture and getting to know the people.

The host families usually come from the Ecuadorian middle class and have worked closely with the school for many years. Your host family is, generally speaking, open, outgoing and sociable and will do everything to make you feel welcome and help you practise your language skills at all times. Students are happy with this arrangement and many of them stay in touch with their “family” after they return home. As a rule the host family only speaks Spanish, but they are used to having students living with them, so any language barriers quickly come down - even for those at beginner level. You have breakfast and your evening meal with your host family and they will also do your laundry. Most of the host families live between 5 to 20 minutes walking distance from the school. You will normally arrive on a Sunday and leave your host family on Saturday after your last school day.

Activities and excursions
An important aspect of your stay is the insight into Ecuadorian culture and society that you will gain. Activities during the afternoons at the school as well as in and around Quito are an integral part of the programme. Dancing lessons in salsa, cumbia and merengue are given at the school for a small fee and the students are introduced to the local cuisine in specially arranged cookery classes.

Volleyball, football, basketball can all be played in the Metropolitan Park, close to the school. Lessons include trips to historical monuments and other places of interest such as churches, convents, museums, the old town and a visit to the President’s Palace. Football matches, mountain-biking, movies and more make up the activity programme. Several times a month students are able to join longer excursions and pay only for room and board. Trips include  nature parks, volcanoes, jungle trips, a train trip past “The Devils Nose”, warm springs in Papallacta and Baños, the beaches of the Pacific and a visit to the Indian markets in Otavalo and Saquisili, where everything from pigs to paintings are for sale and gesticulations are part of the experience.

The school also co-operates with Ecuador’s largest Travel Agency “Metropolitan Tours”, to offer everything from river rafting and hikes in the Andes to cruises to the Galapagos Islands and trips in the Amazon Jungle. Students get cheaper rates from this Agency.
A great deal of importance is given to make certain that your stay will also give you an insight into Ecuadorian culture and society. As an integrated part of the programme there are activities during the afternoons at the school as well as in and around Quito.

Program A – Intensive Spanish & culture This programme consists of 20 Spanish lessons per week in groups of 4 students. Lectures take place in the mornings and usually in the afternoons there will be an opportunity to take part in the school’s activities or explore Quito on your own. As mentioned earlier a stay with an Ecuadorian host family makes the learning of the language easier and also gives one an insight into a typical family’s daily routine. In this way the programme offers a mixture of language and culture that not only guarantees a solid language background, but gives students an understanding and knowledge of Ecuadorian culture, politics and other social conditions.

The school in Ecuador is one of three schools run by the same leaders. The other two schools are in Peru and Bolivia. You can change from one country to another at any time, as long as there are vacancies. For example, a 4-week course could begin with 2 weeks in Ecuador and continue with 2 weeks in Peru.

Prices for language course

Included in the price

• 20 lessons per week. Airport pick-up.
• Accommodation with a host family, single room and half board.
• Social activities organised by the school.
• Excursions in the area.
• Post office, storage of baggage and valuables, email service and WIfi connection
• Free access to all the school’s facilities: barbecue area, language lab, cafeteria, library with books and videos.

(Transport expenses and entrance fees to museum etc. are not included.)

Enrolment form Ecuador
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

Examples of voluntary work places

1. Centro de Los Niños de la Calle
This privately run organisation, which is supported by UNESCO, gives counselling and support to street children and their families in the hope that the children can return home. Centro provides a temporary home for the children. The Organisation works in co-operation with the national school system as well as on the street. The Organisation is situated in the northern part of Quito. Voluntary work can involve counselling, administrative work, help with homework, leisure activities or general tender loving care of the children.

2. San José Obrero
The Comité de Pueblo, located approx. 20 minutes by bus from Quito, was originally a communist commune set up in the 70s. It has grown into a huge slum in the North of Quito housing over 70,000 of the city’s poorest people. Many of the houses still lack electricity, heating and indoor plumbing. Volunteers can choose to work with children or elder people or at the Communitarian Hospital. Working with children involves helping with homework, mathematics, history, Spanish, basic English and physical activities. Organising entertainment for children with very few resources means volunteers need a great deal of imagination. The most important quality is enthusiasm, as you share your energy with these children who have nothing waiting for them when they go home to their houses in the slum.

The project also has a popular library and a restaurant where lunch is served to the children.
There may also be opportunities for volunteer work in the hospital and with the housing projects. Working with elderly people involves tasks like painting, reading, dancing, and handicrafts or to serve lunch.

3. Fundación Queen of Quito
Queen of Quito is an NGO that focuses on activities for people with Down syndrome and their families. Other disabled people are treated on an out-patient basis. 
Their aim is to help the disabled with integration in school and society as well as personal development. The foundation offers therapeutic treatments, advice and training possibilities etc.

According to your wishes and abilities, you can work with these different activities,always lending a helping hand where necessary.
Donations of books, notebooks, marking pens, toys, music cassettes, etc. are very welcome.

4. Women's jail in Quito
In the women’s jail volunteers are involved with administration and rehabilitation work. You can also choose to work in the day care centre with the inmates’ children. Volunteers spend time with the children, play with them and help with homework. Attention and affection are what they need most.
A reasonable level of Spanish is required because you will be in direct contact with the inmates and staff.

Hijos de los Presos (children of prisoners)
The children of prisoners is a home for children who have nowhere to go whilst their mothers are doing time in jail. The home provides them with some form of stability and a guarantee food and a roof over their heads, until their mothers are released. The children stay at the home and are desperate for attention and love.
Volunteers spend time with the children, play with them, and help with homework. The most important is to pay attention to them, care for them as they need affection more than anything in the world.

5. Hospital de Niños Baca Ortiz
Barca Ortiz is a children’s hospital, specialising in treatment of handicapped children and adolescents. The nature of the voluntary work depends on qualifications and wishes. Volunteers with no specific medical education can help to entertain the children, play, paint, handicrafts, etc. You can choose to work full time or part time. Bring along some toys or picture books if you can.

6. Fundación Guayasamín
The Guayasamín Foundation is located in the Northern sector of the city of Quito. Oswaldo Guayasamín, one of Ecuador’s most famous painters, has created this foundation in order to preserve the heritage of ancient Ecuadorian culture. The Foundation has three museums with pre-Colombian, colonial and modern art as well as a library, shop and coffee shop.
The Guayasamín Foundation gives volunteers thorough knowledge about the works in each museum so they can function as guides for visitors.
This is an excellent place to practice Spanish and learn about Ecuadorian culture.
Working hours are either morning or afternoon, from Monday to Friday 9:00to 13:00 or 15:00 to 17:00

7. Colegio 24 de Mayo
Colegio 24 de Mayo is one of the best and best-known primary schools for girls in Quito. Volunteers can work as assistant English teachers for 2 to 4 hours a day at different levels from beginner to advanced,teaching pupils ofall ages. Placement depends on working periods and the schoolholiday schedule. Classes are from 2 to 4 hours a day. Sessions run from October to June.

8. Mushuc Pacari
The Educational Unit Mushuc Pacari is located in the Northern sector of Quito, in the community of San Miguel. The school teaches the local children mathematics, Spanish, history, sports and Quechua. The children also need love and attention because many of their parents have immigrated to Spain or Italy to earn money. These parents support the school with small donations and much has been achieved with small resources.
Volunteers work as teaching assistants and teach English at a beginner level. English is the third language learned after Spanish and Quechua.
Working hours are Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 12:30. The school is open from October to June.

9. Sinsuloka
The name of this NGO means “without glue”. Industrial glue if often sued by street children and helps them to forget every life’s problems.
The NGO offers the children a place to be, teaches them social behavior and helps them out of their drug addiction. Professionals and volunteers organize projects to strengthen their self confidence and encourage them to return to school, propose social activities, sexual education, and prevention of HIV. If the children are not orphans they are encouraged to reestablish contact with their parents. These children have seen violence, have been abused and have many mental scars.

Enrolment form Ecuador
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

Voluntary work in National parks

10. Tropical Forest Project

The reserve is located in the western Andes in the Pichincha Province, 90km from Quito. Within the reserve there are hundreds of different birds and mammals. The project’s aim is to preserve this amazing diversity. This is achieved through reforestation, restoring degraded areas of the forest, monitoring human activity and conducting environmental education. It also strives to combine conservation and environmental friendly agriculture to benefit the local inhabitants. The assignments could be:

• Collecting, planting seeds and cultivate plants
• Maintaining the vegetable / medicinal garden
• Collecting and analyzing flora and fauna data
• Building and maintaining trails
• Producing organic fertilizers and pesticides
• Organic farming: harvest banana, coffee and sugarcane
• Animal farming: feeding animals, planting crops for food, building fences, milking cows and goats and bring the milk to the city
• Food production: cheese, butter, yogurt, chocolate, coffee, pasta, bread, pizza, dried fruits and vinegar
• Assisting in alternative energy projects

11. Conservation and Community Development project

Only two hours from Quito, this small community is located.
Approx. fifty families have joined together to work on theproduction of jams and jellies from local fruits, delicious cheeses, sustainable agriculture, reforestation, research and tourism. The community has also been proactive in developping production processes from start to finish, from planting seeds to sell the product, either on their own market, in Qui to for for export. The main objectives of the project are:

• To provide a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable income to the community and its residents
• To protect and restore natural ecosystems in the region
• To promote intercultural exchange between community members and non-residents.

As a volunteer you will work from 08:30am to 04:00pm with tea and lunch break. You can stay with a host family or in a cottage with other volunteers. 3 meals are served each day. On weekends it is possible to participate in sports with the locals and go hiking in the woods. Pululahua volcano is close by, with a crater of 34 square kilometers it is one of the n tion's largest. The view from the rim of the crater is stunning, with a network of fields and settlements around.
You will be involved in following activities:

• Reforestation
• Orchid propagation
• Production of jam and cheese
• Teaching English
• Ecological research
• Organic farming
• Paper recycling
• Volunteers must commit to at least 4 weeks on the project. You should be able to communicate in Spanish.

12. Wildlife

We now have a wonderful opportunity for volunteer and internship placements in one of Ecuador’s best zoos. This is perfect for people looking to gain experience in wildlife, zoological and environmental management as they will work in all areas of the zoo including sanitation and hygiene, alimentation and veterinary care. It is of course the perfect choice for those people who are simply crazy about animals!
You will stay in the zoo and share accommodation and three meals per day with others. There is a small library and Internet access.

13. Galápagos Biological Station
(NB. This volunteer workplace involves extra costs!)

We are proud to announce the opening of a new programme on San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. The new reserve site is located in the island highlands on a 200 acres site, where there is still native vegetation, Miconias, ferns and other native herbaceous species.

This new programme will be open to researchers, guided natural history groups and volunteers. The accommodation is basic, with room at the moment for groups of maximum 40 people. Expansion of the cabin facilities to accommodate larger groups is planned for the future. Researchers can obtain needed permits with assistance of the Academia. The main objective is to develop reforestation and technology to reconstruct native habitat in the highlands on San Cristobal Island and to serve as a centre for similar projects in the highlands on other populated islands in the Galapagos chain. The remaining native highland forest on the populated islands is quite limited due to farming and the introduction of useful, but very invasive species from the mainland, such as tropical cedar and Cinchona. The program has established a Plant Conservation Centre for the production of native plant species for this work.

In addition the foundation will collaborate with local landowners to develop clean agricultural alternatives for the production of vegetables and fruits to sell to local universities, restaurants and hotels. Due to the extensive import of products from the mainland, invasive species enter the Galapagos every day.
Volunteers will work on both the habitat restoration and agricultural components while at the reserve. Programme staff will lead volunteers on various destination hikes to a nearby lagoon, native forests, beaches and local villages to explain the ecological and human dynamic of Galapagos. Accommodation is in one of three houses, in shared room with bathroom with only one shower with hot water.
Most participants chose to spend a weekend in town, where you can find a room at a hostel at 15 USD.

The plane ticket from Quito to the Galapagos Islands is not included in the program price. Flight Quito-Galapagos-Quito costs approx. 450 US dollars. The language school will arrange your flight.
All volunteers leave Quito on a Monday, because of pick up and transport to the park. Departure from the island is on Wednesdays with transport to the airport. Volunteers can get accommodation in Quito at the schools student residence before travelling home.

14. Book bus
Education and learning to read is taken for granted in Europe. In Ecuador where nearly 40 % of the population live below the poverty line provision of public schools falls far below the levels needed, class sizes are often very large and in rural areas, only 10% of the children go on to high school.
Do you have a passion for books and a desire to share the magic of stories with children? You can help children become readers for life, boosting their education. You will visit schools in Ecuador with picture books, painting equipment and musical instruments.
The bus operates throughout the year and each school visited will have a designated “Book Bus Day”. This day is spend at the school and work around class timetables to provide resources, energy, ideas and time to listen to children read. Our visit day is often the only time when these schools will have access to a wide variety of books.

The areas visited depend on seasons:
From January to April the bus will be in the Amazon jungle where volunteers will be accommodation in a family-run hostel, from April to September along the coast of the Pacific ocean with either accommodation in a house for volunteers (remember to bring a sleeping bag) or a host family, from September to December in the Andes with accommodation with host families.
The bus departs from the following cities on specific dates:
Tena: 3.3 to 23.3. 2012.
Esmeraldas 26.3 to 15.6.012.
Manabi 18.6 to 14.9.2012.
Chimborazo 17.9 to 7.12.2012.

Only breakfast is provided.

Fees for language & voluntary work stay in EURO

Included in the price for all programmes:

• Airport pick-up.
• Intensive language lessons with well-trained, competent and very motivated teachers.
• Accommodation with carefully chosen Ecuadorian host families to include breakfast, evening meals and laundry.
• Welcome orientation and Quito city tour.
• Books and teaching aids.
• Initial test on arrival and weekly evaluations or exams.
• A diploma and level assessment at the end of the course.
• Free use of all the schools facilities:
• Swimming pool, spa baths, sauna and Turkish baths.  Barbecue-areas, language labs, library with books and videos, cafeteria.
• Help and assistance during your entire stay.
• Fantastic service and atmosphere!

Included in the price for programme B language and voluntary work:

• Voluntary work mediation.
• Help and assistance during your entire stay.
• A personal sponsor amount of 60 US dollars to the volunteer working place you choose.

Not included in the price:

• Flight and insurance.
• Longer excursions and special activities at cost price.
• If you choose to work at two different work places, we will invoice you 100 USD extra.
• Working with the school bus means only breakfast included in the fee.

If you followed Spanish lessons in Peru or Bolivia, and only want to work as a volunteer in Ecuador, you must count the fees for food and accommodation and extra 785 Euros sponsorship and coordination.
Organisation of Internship costs 250 USD

Enrolment form Ecuador
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

The school closes during the following national holidays in 2012: 1.1, 21.2 22.2, 5.4, 1.5, 24.5, 10.8, 9.10, 2.11, 3.11, 6.12 and from the 17.12 to the 2.1.2013.

Insurance

It is compulsory that you take out Insurance to cover unforeseen medical costs as well as possible unexpected expenses incurred by an unanticipated trip home, before you leave your home country.

Visa
Upon entry to Ecuador you will receive a 90-day Tourist Visa. Please note that on entry into Ecuador you are obliged to have a valid return ticket from either Ecuador or another country – please be aware of this when ordering your flight ticket.
Are you going to stay as a student or volunteer for more than 3 months, you will have to apply for a Visa 12-VII at the Ecuadorian consulat in your home country. Following douments will have to be added to the application form:
Written document from the organization to which the person is going to work for in Ecuador stating the period he/she will stay, explaining why a foreign person is going to work in Ecuador, and a brief description of the tasks he/she will be assigned to in Ecuador. You will get this letter from EXIS.
3 photographs
Medical certificate
Police certificate with criminal record where the applicant resides
USD 180.00 (150 visa, 30 application form).

Once EXIS has received your application you will receive a confirmation and an invoice with dates for the initial deposit and balance to be paid before departure. Any further information will be sent to you at this point.
Once you have paid your deposit you will receive the address and information about your host family. Once we are able to confirm that your journey has been arranged and the date of your arrival is known you arrange your insurance coverage. You are now ready for an exciting and educational stay in Ecuador