Here are some important details about volunteering in Ecuador.
Ecuador at a Glance
For its relatively small size, Ecuador has a lot to offer to those seeking adventure. From pristine views of the rain forest, serene beaches, stunning Kichwa villages, and landmark colonial architecture to the spectacular heights of Andes – the country offers some of the richest outdoor experiences, anywhere in the world.
Topographically, the country is divided into four distinct regions; the Amazon, the Highlands, the Coast, and the Galápagos Islands – all of them equally appealing to outsiders.
Although Ecuador has a decent tourist infrastructure, millions of people live below the poverty line, most of them children. Growing poverty, lack of a education and limited governmental resources further worsen the various social problem affecting Ecuador. This presents many opportunities for those interested in volunteer work – especially in areas like supporting the work at a local pre-school, day care center, community health clinics, as well as the environment in the Galapagos Island – to work towards social improvement in the country along with moving on a path to personal development as they expose themselves to rich local culture and heritage.
Offered Programs
The volunteer program portfolio includes about 20 programs in total. They are grouped in the following major categories,
- Medical
- Dental
- Teaching
- Animal Rescue
- Child Care
A break-down of programs with respect to the regions they’re available in is as follows.
Volunteering Projects in Ecuador Quito-North
- Pre-Med & Pre-Nurse
- Premed Internship
- Orphanage / school
- Day Care Center
- Elderly Welfare
- Hippotherapy
- Hospital Health Care
- Kindergarten
- Street Kids Day Care
- Language Immersion
- English Teaching
- Dental Program
Volunteer Programs in Galapagos Islands
- Conservation Animal
- Child Care
- Teaching English
Volunteering Programs in Quito
- Language Immersion
- Pre-Medical
- Medical / Dental
- Teaching English
- Orphanage / Child Care
- Teaching/Education
- Welfare Shelter
- Community Development (Amazon)
- Community Development (Coastal)
- Therapy Center
- Community Development (Coastal)
- Therapy Center
Location:
Majority of the programs are based in and around Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Volunteer in Ecuador with the projects available in Quito range from Day Care Centers, Elderly Welfare, Hippo-therapy and health care programs. In the Amazon and Coast they comprise Community Development (teaching and construction) and the ones offered on Galapagos Islands are focused on Conservation, teaching, child care programs, along with Language immersion lessons.
Housing:
Housing is available in and around Quito for up to 25 volunteers. A broader view has hosted faculty led medical missions as well as college and high school student groups in the city of Quito.
Family Volunteer in Galapagos Islands:
Family Volunteer Ecuador in Galapagos Islands is another popular ABV program. For those interested in volunteer work as a group of 5 or more individuals, customized programs can be arranged. A Broader View Volunteers has significant experience working with students, teachers, and families providing tailor-made service trips for small groups.
