This project is located in the town of Puerto Lopez in the province of Guayas. You will have to travel first to Ecuador’s biggest city, Guayaquil and then on to Puerto Lopez. Travelling in bus from Quito it will take you approximately 12 hours to reach. However, you could always take a flight from Quito to Guayaquil to cut down your travelling time considerably.

Your working week is from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00. You will have a lunch break of 2.5 hours at midday. It is important that you are on time and punctual to work.

The project is closed on the following public holidays:

2020
22-25 Feb
10-12 Apr
1-3 & 25 May
10 Aug
9-11 Oct
2-3 Nov
24-25 Dec

Minimum age of 18
Police Clearance Certificate
All foreigners entering Ecuador are obliged to have a valid health insurance
Basic English
Basic Spanish is an advantage, but not required

If you have the time, we highly recommend starting with an Introduction Week in Quito so you will go well prepared to your project. This first week gives you an idea about life in Ecuador, shows highlights of the city and its surroundings, includes 20 hours of Spanish Group lessons, an in-depth volunteer preparation including language specifics, and other fun elements such as a private salsa lesson, a city tour, and visit to the Equator.

Saturday: Airport transfer and accommodation in Student House in Quito
Sunday: Free day
Monday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. Afternoon homework time. Welcome cocktail in the afternoon.
Tuesday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. Afternoon homework time. 1 hour of private Salsa classes in the afternoon.
Wednesday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. 2 hours of practical volunteer introduction with Spanish terminology according to the project chosen.
Thursday: 4 hours of Spanish classes (eg. market visit, museum visit, etc.) to use the Spanish language in a practical situation. Afternoon homework time.
Friday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. 2-hour city tour through the Old Town of Quito with a Spanish teacher.
Saturday: All-day tour to Cotopaxi
Sunday: Start of volunteer program

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.