Description:
This is a relatively poor country, especially in the rural areas. Schools are basic and often have few resources. English teaching is much in demand as a means to improve the lives of both young people and adults. Tourism is one of the main sources of livelihood and opportunities for work are enhanced when English is spoken.
In 2006 we introduced 6 new projects, teaching 5-12 year olds in public primary schools. Volunteers work in 4 areas in the Andes, in areas listed among the ten most biologically important areas of the world; and in 2 small towns on the Coast around beautiful Puerto Lopez, famous for whale watching.
Highlights:
Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America yet it has an enormous biodiversity. The country offers fabulous coast lines, tropical jungles, snow capped mountains and volcanoes; quite a feast for volunteers keen on outdoor opportunities!
The people are warm and friendly, with many tribal and ethnic differences. The Spanish influence is still present, both in culture and architecture.
Genevieve Coombe, UK (Peñaherrera) - "The most valuable thing about the project is having the opportunity to live and work in a community and to become integrated into the way of life of that community and to form part of it! In Peñaherrera I really felt that my work as an English teacher was valued because they want to develop tourism as an alternative source of income to mining and people want to learn English so they can communicate with tourists who dont speak Spanish."
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
No formal teaching qualifications are necessary to join our programmes. All we ask is that participants have a good level of spoken Spanish, to be able to communicate with the locals.
Languages:
English
and Spanish
Cost in US$: $1500+
Cost Includes:
-Management support
-organizing accommodation
-introduction to program and partners
-monitoring during stay
-organizing events
-sorting out local issues
-project development and funding
Over the past ten years we have contributed funds towards development work in many countries e.g. building schools, sponsoring teachers and individuals, providing teaching/sports materials to schools and giving training and equipment to small local businesses.
Salary / Pay: Volunteers make a small financial contribution to help the development of our projects worldwide.
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
eco-tourism,
literacy,
primary education,
secondary education,
teaching,
volunteering
and youth development
Typical Volunteer: The average age of a Mondo volunteer is 35. Couples and families are welcome and receive a 15% discount (this also applies to friends traveling together). Approximately 50% of our volunteers are non-UK based, with a large number of volunteers from North America, Europe and Australia. Our volunteers have a good level of general education and are enthusiastic, culturally aware, adaptable and highly motivated.
Age Range: 18+
This Program is open to
Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Home-stays
Participants Travel to Ecuador
Independently
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Application Process Involves:
- In-Person Interview when Feasible
- Letters of Reference
- Phone Interview
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time Is 1 month+
Post Services Include:
- Alumni Network
- Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
MondoChallenge's Mission Statement: MondoChallenge is an ethical, non profit organisation which sends volunteers (gap year, university & post university, career break, early retired) to help with development programmes in Africa, Asia and South America. Operating alongside the MondoChallenge Foundation (which funds development at grassroots level), our volunteers are community based and their normal stay is from 1-6 months. Activities include teaching, business development and eco-tourism.
Year Founded: 2001