| Overview of the Project
In Ecuador , the rapidly growing tourism industry – alongside the country's desire to rise within the global economy – has ignited a passion for learning the English language. A country blessed with cultural and natural majesty, tourism has emerged as an increasingly viable means of generating income. Ecuadorians understand that knowledge of English may better facilitate tourism programs and attract more tourists. Thus, many local schools and agencies have requested Global Crossroad's assistance in recruiting teachers who fluently speak English. The ability to accurately speak English often ensures Ecuadorian students' success by equipping them with the skills required to compete in the growing global economy.
Our English teaching projects in Ecuador are located in various locations throughout this spectacular country – both urban and rural locations. During their stay, volunteers also have the opportunity to explore and learn Spanish (except if participating in the Galapagos Islands ). Most of the volunteers in this project work as teachers in a private or public elementary school. Responsibilities of volunteers include teaching Basic English and practicing simple conversational English with the children. Additional help with health, sanitation, and extra-curricular activities is also expected.
Role of the Volunteer
Volunteers in any of the above projects are involved in various activities such as:
- Teaching Basic English
- Developing children's conversational skills (in English)
- Supporting recreational and artistic activities with the objective of educational learning
- Providing companionship for the children
- Organizing and developing educational, creativity-based activities
- Supporting teachers
- Educating children pertaining to issues of personal hygiene
- Participating/assisting in location-specific duties – routine maintenance, construction, etc.
Skills/Qualifications Requirements
There are no specific qualifications required since the project staff will provide any necessary orientation and training to adequately perform volunteer activities. However, beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish is preferred as well as individuals who are enthusiastic about caring for other and compassionate to the often unfortunate situations of these children.
Room/Food/Supervision
Global Crossroad provides living accommodations and three (3) meals a day with an Ecuadorian host family. Host families are carefully selected to ensure that volunteers enjoy their time in Ecuador . Volunteers are provided their own private, comfortable room. Volunteers are essentially welcomed as an additional member of their host family – participating in daily activities and being fully immersed in the Ecuadorian culture AND language. Host families are in quite, safe residential areas and usually within walking distance (or a short bus ride) from assigned projects as well as supermarkets, internet cafés, and other activities/sites of cultural significance. Details pertaining to host families and living accommodations will be provided to volunteers prior to arrival in Ecuador .
Location Descriptions
Ecuador 's volunteer projects are located in both rural and urban areas throughout this amazing country. Projects are located in the cultural city of Quito as well as Puerto Lopez, Santa Elena and the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Region and many other places throughout Ecuador .
Ecuador itself is a country brimming with such wildlife and varying environments, there is always something to do regardless of location. Furthermore, with projects located all over Ecuador , these uniquely amazing experiences are easily accessible – some in your very backyard. Volunteers have their weekends to themselves to explore all of what Ecuador has to offer: Isla de La Plata (world famous for its whale-watching opportunities), the Amazon Jungle, world-renowned Indian markets, numerous tours, sparkling beaches and (of course) the enigmatic Galapagos Islands and their encyclopedic arrays of plant and animal life.
A Typical Day at the English-Teaching Projects in Ecuador :
8:00am – 9:00am: Breakfast and preparation time
9:00am – 10:00am: Arrival at assigned project
10:00am – 12:00pm: Teach English; work around the project site
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch time – volunteers can assist in serving meals, monitor the children, etc.
1:00pm – 5:00pm: Continue teaching English; helping children with homework; organizing games
5:00pm – 6:00pm: Volunteers return to their host families/accommodations; end of day
NOTE: This daily itinerary provides a proposed schedule which may be altered to accommodate changes in field conditions as well as the requirements of the particular project .
| Ongoing Programs (Galapagos, Quito, Puerto Lopez, Mindo, Galapagos Islands)
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