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 |
San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands |
| Nearest airport |
Mariscal Sucre - Quito / Baltra - Galapagos |
| Responsibilities |
1. Interact with children to strengthen their English vocabulary and pronunciation. 2. Work with teachers to prepare English classes and activities. 3. Organize field trips for children to interact with the environment and to practice English. 4. Work with children in the computer center to develop their computer skills. |
| Hours of Work |
20-40 Hours per week |
| Number of places available |
8 volunteers |
| Project availability |
The project runs during the school year, which lasts from April to December. Volunteers are expected to work 20 - 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The schools open at 7:30 am and close at 4:30 pm |
| Prerequisities |
18 years and older. Volunteers should: • Have teaching experience, and, preferably, experience in teaching English. • Have the patience to work with school-age children. • Be team-oriented and able to maintain good working relationships. Most importantly, volunteers should be enthusiastic and eager to work in all tasks they are assigned. An intermediate level of Spanish is highly recommended before participating in the project to maximize your influence at the schools. |
What is included?
| Accommodation |
- The accommodation for this project is with a local Ecuadorian family who has a house with enough space for up to eight volunteers. Bedrooms and bathrooms are shared among volunteers. The house is located within walking distance to the projects, so volunteers will not have any problems with transportation.
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| Food |
- The family provides a large breakfast and lunch in the house, with a smaller meal for dinner. On Sundays, the family only eats a late breakfast at 10:00 am, then dinner in the evening.
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| Support |
- 24 / 7 contact in case of emergencies, health problems, or similar problems.
- Monitoring and regular check-ins during the volunteer program.
- International phone call in our office in Quito to contact family.
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International phone calls and Internet service in our office in Quito in case of emergency. -
Local phone calls from our office in Quito. Pre-arrival information about activities around the country for the volunteer during his/her free time.
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| Training |
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| Extra |
- Airport pick-up service from the airport to place of stay (One way). (This service is optional).
- Certificate of Participation when the volunteer has completed his/her volunteer program.
- Accommodation and food that is included in the program (depending on project and accommodation).
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What is not included?
| Transport |
- International Airline tickets or fees related passport, taxes or tips.
- Airline tickets from Quito – Baltra – Quito.
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee and taxes.
- Visa costs and expenses related to the necessary paper work.
- Land transportation within the country (in Quito, from Quito to project site, etc).
- Airport drop-off service to go back to home country.
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| Insurance |
- Travel and health insurance (a travel insurance that includes repatriation in case of emergency or death is required of ALL volunteers).
- Costs associated with vaccinations and personal medications.
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| Visa, inoculations |
- Meals or food out of the program (depending on project and accommodation).
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Expenses related with cultural and/or tourist activities during free time. Personal expenses / Items for personal use (such as laundry service, medicine, daily internet use, or phone calls).
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What is also included?
- Airport pick-up service from the airport to place of stay (One way). (This service is optional).
- In-country informational workshop to highlight aspects of the project(s).
- In-country workshop upon arrival on safety and security tips and information, and a cultural introduction to Ecuador to help volunteers with the effects of culture shock.
- 24 / 7 contact in case of emergencies, health problems, or similar problems.
- Monitoring and regular check-ins during the volunteer program.
- Training Workshop (mandatory for all volunteers).
- International phone call in our office in Quito to contact family.
- International phone calls and Internet service in our office in Quito in case of emergency.
- Local phone calls from our office in Quito.
- Pre-arrival information about activities around the country for the volunteer during his/her free time.
- Certificate of Participation when the volunteer has completed his/her volunteer program.
- Accommodation and food that is included in the program (depending on project and accommodation).
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Please note
The volunteers mostly have free time on weekends and during holidays. On 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 others. There is also the option to participate with teachers and students in extracurricular activities during your free time.
What skills do volunteers need?
18 years and older. Volunteers should:
• Have teaching experience, and, preferably, experience in teaching English.
• Have the patience to work with school-age children.
• Be team-oriented and able to maintain good working relationships.
Most importantly, volunteers should be enthusiastic and eager to work in all tasks they are assigned. An intermediate level of Spanish is highly recommended before participating in the project to maximize your influence at the schools.
What does the Volunteer needs to bring
| - 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
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