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Teaching English in the Galapagos |
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Project Description
This project has several objectives, one of the priorities being to improve the level of English of children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. The principal aim this project is to facilitate the children's communication with tourists on the islands. Since the Galapagos Islands is one of the main tourist attractions in Ecuador, the children's ability to work and communicate with tourists is essential for their range of opportunities.
Volunteers help teach, guide, and assist children in the first through seventh grades of primary school. The schools currently have an average of 30 children per class and generally at least three classes per grade level. However, English teachers are very limited, with only one per school. Hence, there is a real need for volunteers to assist with English instruction.
Why the projects need volunteers
This project needs volunteers due to the scarcity of teachers, particularly in English. This scarcity interrupts and lowers the quality of the learning process of children on the Island. Volunteers will help improve the quality of education and helps provide continuity in the schools.
Fast Facts What is included? What is not included? What is also included?
Fast Facts
| Voolunteer Time |
2 weeks |
| Project Location |
Galapagos Islands |
| Nearest airport |
Mariscal Sucre - Quito / Baltra - Galapagos |
| Responsibilities |
Help local children improve their English vocabulary and pronunciation. Work with lecturers to prepare classes. |
| Hours of Work |
30 to 40 Hours per week |
| Number of places available |
8 volunteers |
| Project availability |
Throughout the academic year, beginning in March and ending at the beginning of January. |
| Prerequisities |
- Minimum age is 18 years old. - Intermediate level of Spanish (if necessary, Ecuador Volunteer can recommend a suitable Spanish course to prepare you before your project) - Most importantly the volunteer must have a love of working with children. |
What is included?
| Accommodation |
- Stay is with a host family with rooms shared with four people.
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| Food |
- Two meals per day are provided by the family (breakfast and lunch). In the evening around 19h00 the family prepares a small snack. On Sundays, the family only serves breakfast at 10h00 and dinner.
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| Support |
- Before your trip - 24/7 advice via telephone and/or email before leaving your home country.
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| Training |
- Workshop, volunteer training before commencing as a volunteer.
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| Extra |
- Application Fee
- 25 hours of Spanish Lessons + Activities
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What is not included?
| Transport |
- International flight tickets.
- Air tickets to Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos National Park Taxes
- Local transport once in the country.
- Airline and/or airport taxes.
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| Insurance |
- Travel insurance and related expenses.
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| Visa, inoculations |
- Visa application costs and related expenses.
- Inoculations and related expenses.
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What is also included?
- Transfer from the airport to location of the project or place of stay in Quito.
- Practical, informative advice and support before, during and after project from a team of professionals.
- In-country guidance to resolve potential issues that may arise during the project.
- Guidance and evaluation to check on progress during volunteer period.
- Ability to make local calls and receive faxes at the project site.
- Informative visitor guide with information on recreational activities.
- Certificate of successful completion as volunteer.
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Please note
On the weekends, volunteers can visit nearby tourist attractions, such as Los Gemelos (twin craters), the Lava Tunnels (on the upper part of the island), Tortuga Bay beach and The Charles Darwin Foundation (on the lower part of the island), among many others. Volunteers also have the option to participate in group activities at the school during their free time.
What skills do volunteers need?
Volunteers should:
• Have teaching experience, and, preferably, experience in teaching English.
• Have the patience to work with children of school age and be team oriented.
• Have the ability to maintain good working relationships.
What does the Volunteer needs to bring
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- Insect repellent (with at least 40% Deet is recommended)
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo, First Aid kit
- Flashlight
- Batteries, box of matches
- Water bottle
- Knife (Swiss army)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm, wind-proof clothing
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Swimsuit
- Hiking boots
- Hat
- Sandals
- Towels
- Camera, binoculars (optional)
- Sunglasses
- Books (for personal use)
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Steps to follow
Once you have registered...
- Once we receive your first email we will immediately contact you to give you general information about us and our projects.
- Select the project in which you would like to participate.
- Send your CV.
- Participate in an interview.
- You will receive an email confirming your participation and we will prepare for your trip to Ecuador.
- You should fill out the documents that the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation sends you as part of the registration process.
After you have been selected as a volunteer...
- Get your flight tickets.
- Get travel insurance for the time that you will participate in our projects.
- Obtain your Police Check or Police Disclosure.
- Send us the documents from the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation, filled out completely.
- Verify that you have gotten the necessary vaccines such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Typhoid. We recommend getting the yellow fever vaccine and bringing malaria pills as a precaution.
- Get a medical certificate from your doctor.
- Fill out the Final Form that is on our website.
- If the volunteer is not a Spanish speaker, she/he must plan to take a Spanish course in Quito before entering in the project.
- Take a Spanish exam to check your knowledge of the language.
- Check if you need a visa to enter Ecuador.
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