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  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Puyo,  Rural Areas

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Throughout the Year

Description: Volunteer with a community development organization in Ecuador. The economic crisis of the late 1990s affected almost everyone in Ecuador. Today approximately 40% of Ecuadorians still live below the poverty line. ELI works with several governmental and non governmental organizations in Ecuador devoted to giving small communities the tools they need to pull themselves from poverty. Possible projects include helping with infrastructure development, educational programs, capacity building, and microloan programs. Volunteers will work directly with the organizations and community members.

Highlights: Experience the incredible beauty and culture of Ecuador while assisting local organizations and gaining a deep understanding of the people and culture. Volunteers and interns work in community run organizations, gaining firsthand knowledge of the complex development issues Ecuador is facing. Participants have plenty of time to explore the country during the weekends. Ecuador has four distinct regions with almost endless possibilities for adventure.

* The Ecuadorian Andes are some of the most dramatic mountains in the world dotted with small towns, clear lakes, and home to a vibrant and a wide array of microclimates ranging from semi arid highlands to cool, moist cloud forests.

* The Amazonian region is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.

* The coast of Ecuador is one of the poorest regions but also home to pristine beaches and sleepy fishing villages.

* The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most exotic wildlife in the world and a stunning natural history lesson in action.

ELI volunteers are enthusiastically welcomed by the communities they work in and often form long lasting relationships with the people they meet in Ecuador.

Qualifications / Skills Needed: Participants in the Ecuador programs must speak Spanish at an intermediate level or higher and be prepared to live and work in a Spanish speaking environment. ELI can arrange for language lessons to complement the program. Participants should also be flexible, adaptable, and open to experiencing a new culture.

Minimum Education: High School

Intern Type: Development

Languages: English and Spanish

Cost in US$: Varies depending on duration. Contact us for details

Cost Includes: Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels. Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Quito and provided with transportation to their host family. In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Ecuador, city tours, help with transportation, and optional Spanish classes In-country Staff Support: ELI's Ecuador coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Ecuador. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Ecuadorian life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants. Host families are eager to welcome volunteers and are a fantastic resource for learning about the local culture and sights.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: adult education, agriculture, AIDS, appropriate technology, banking, building maintenance, business, community centers, community development, community health, community organizing, computer training, consciousness-raising, culture, democracy training, economic development, education, English teaching, environment, grassroots organization, health education, income-generation, indigenous issues, infrastructure planning, literacy, micro-enterprise, microcredit, minority groups, natural resources, organizational development, popular education, public education, small business development, social services, social work, strategic planning, technical assistance, translation, volunteering and women

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001