Congratulations! Now you can be part of Ecuador Volunteer and start Changing Lives.

How to Apply:

To apply, simply send an email of interest to the corresponding volunteer coordinator below:

UNITED STATES: 

Cheryl Dedes & Elizabeth Gray: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ENGLISH, NON-US:

Heather Hutchison: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

SPANISH:

Ana Lucila Jara: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

**Please be sure to include the following information in your email: 

• Age
• Gender
• Phone Number
• State or country
• University (if applicable)
• Relevant Experiences and/or Interests 

Once we receive your email, our coordinators will work with you to find the projects that best fit your interests and talents, accommodate your project to your availability, and arrange optional Spanish classes and cultural activities during your time in Ecuador. We work with you to ensure that your experience is as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible!

Once Accepted:

Once you have been officially accepted into the Volunteer Program, a member of Ecuador Volunteer staff will guide you through the pre-departure process. Feel free to ask any questions that you have related to volunteer activities, accommodations, flights, visas, culture, safety, etcetera.

Steps to Follow*:

1. Purchase an airline ticket. You will need to arrive in the Quito airport (Mariscal Sucre International Airport, airport code UIO) at least 3 days before your project start dates. This allows for your travel time (most flights arrive at night), your volunteer orientation, and your transfer to the project site. Once booked, send us your flight itinerary to organize your airport pick-up. 

Ecuador Volunteer can help you obtain a discount on your flight via Fly For Good. To take advantage of this discount, register online at http://www.flyforgood.com and search for flights. You will have to call to "book" and apply the discount. Once you are accepted into the volunteer program, we will send you our Foundation's discount code. 

2. Fill out the Volunteer Information Form: Once accepted, we will send you the Volunteer Information Form. This form is important as it includes medical information, special dietary requirements, and emergency contact information. You will need to send us a digital copy of this form, including the signed Terms & Conditions. Be sure to bring the original copies with you to Quito. 

3. Check if you need a Visa: For most North American and European countries, visitors do not need a visa to enter Ecuador for less than 3 months. Check with the nearest Ecuadorian Embassy/Consulate to see if you need a visa to enter Ecuador. If you are from a different region and/or are volunteering for more than 3 months, contact us to find out about options for a Tourist Visa (3-6 months) or a Volunteer Visa (more than 6 months).

4. Get travel insurance: All volunteers are required to have up-to-date travel insurance for the entirety of their volunteer program. Travel insurance must cover transportation in case of emergency and repatriation in case of death. Send us a digital copy of your insurance card and policy. 

5. Vaccinations: We strongly recommend the updated Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, and Typhoid vaccinations. If you plan to travel into the Amazon region, we suggest you have the Yellow Fever vaccination as well as malaria pills as a precaution. 

6. Spanish Classes: Confirm if you are interested in taking Spanish classes before or during your volunteer program at our partner Spanish School in Quito (http://www.ecuadorspanish.com). If your project(s) requires a minimum level of Spanish, you will take a Spanish test once you arrive in the country to make sure you are at the required level.

7. Payment: You must pay the non-refundable deposit (Application & Support Fees, total US$350) 30 days before your arrival date. The Project Costs can either be paid before arriving (to avoid carrying large sums of money) or can be paid in our main office upon arrival in Quito. To make payments before arrival, you can pay via a bank wire transfer, Western Union, check (available in the US only), or PayPal via our website. Contact us for the necessary information to complete payments.  

8. Pre-Arrival Information: During the week or two before your arrival, you will receive an email with information about travel, culture, safety, and what to pack for your trip to Ecuador. Review this information to prepare for your arrival! 

9. Volunteer Orientation: Once you arrive in Quito, you will receive a security and safety workshop about living and traveling in Ecuador, a cultural presentation to prepare you for the effects of culture shock, and a training workshop to prepare you for your volunteer project(s). You will also receive a map to help you get around Quito, as well as information about how to arrive at your project site. 

Please feel free to contact us if you have further questions about us or to apply for a volunteer project.

You can make the change happen today!