Program Description

One of our largest programs because of the choice of two departure dates, our Ecuador Year Program has now been in existence for over ten years.  Since the first group departure in 1992, WorldTeach has developed strong relationships with a large number of Ecuadorian host schools and institutions.  WorldTeach now sends upwards of 50 volunteers to Ecuador each year.

The ability to communicate in English is highly valued throughout Ecuador because of the country's developing tourist industry as well as Ecuadorians' desire for improved access to the global economy.  Tourism, both cultural and environmental, has become an increasingly viable means of generating revenue in this South American nation.  Knowledge of English also helps Ecuadorians open their businesses to a wider audience, leading to increased opportunity.

WorldTeach has been invited by several different types of schools and institutions throughout Ecuador to provide English language training, and volunteers work with a diverse array of students.  Although teaching placements vary widely by city and the type of host institution, the majority of WorldTeach volunteers in Ecuador teach English in university or community classes with adult students.  Most volunteers will live and teach in cities and large towns since English is not yet taught widely in the countryside.

Volunteer Role

Your service in Ecuador will begin with a 3-4 week intensive orientation run by the Field Staff.  Orientation will include TEFL training and two weeks of intensive practice teaching, Spanish classes, and information sessions and discussions about Ecuadorian culture and politics, health and safety issues, and cross-cultural adjustment. 

After orientation, volunteers travel to their sites and begin their teaching assignments.  Depending on the placement, volunteers are usually responsible for teaching 20-25 hours a week, in addition to allotting time for planning lessons, holding regular office hours, developing new language instruction materials, and coordinating some activities, such as setting up and running an English club for students or other teachers.  Class size varies widely throughout the placements, as do the type of students and their level of English.  Volunteers may teach university students, faculty and staff, and/or open-enrollment classes for members of the local community.

In addition to their teaching responsibilities, volunteers are also encouraged to actively participate in community life and engage in additional activities or projects of interest.  Past projects and activities volunteers include organizing English/Spanish conversation exchanges, volunteering with community organizations, starting sports teams, and participating in local sports clubs or dance lessons.

Also, please note that as part of the conditions for a 12-3 visa (a diplomatic visa that requires special authorization) it is required that volunteers "will not engage in lucrative economic activities" outside of their role as WorldTeach volunteer teachers.  In the past, some volunteers have earned a few dollars on the side teaching private lessons.  (Though volunteers always treated their teaching post at their site as their primary responsibility, so it was never more than a few hours a week on the side.)  Because of this new requirement, volunteers will no longer be able to earn money for such lessons.

Placement Sites, Housing, Food

Volunteer placements in Ecuador are based on the best match between the needs of the host institution and the personal qualifications of the volunteers.  Volunteers may be placed independently or with a small group of other volunteers (including other departure groups and the summer program). 

Volunteers usually live with host families.  Most host families will have electricity and running water, though hot water is inconsistent at best.  Weather in Ecuador varies greatly, depending on the region.  The coast is hot and humid year round, with frequent rain from January through April, while weather in the Sierra is often described as "eternal springtime," with cooler temperatures (depending on altitude) and periods of both rainy and dry weather.  It rains consistently in the rainforest region, with a slightly drier period from December to February.

Lunch (almuerzo) is the largest meal in Ecuador, and involves multiple courses.  The first course of soup is typically followed by a "seco," or dry dish including rice, meat

"A high quality of life doesn't necessarily need a high level of material background. I learned to appreciate birds and butterflies (but never cockroaches). For me as a teacher, I have learned to be more patient than ever and more resourceful." Lilia Cai, Ecuador Volunteer

or chicken, and beans or lentils. Potatoes are native to the Andes, and also figure prominently into the Ecuadorian diet.  A wide variety of fresh tropical fruits and juices are also available throughout the year.

Length of Program

11-12 months.  After orientation, volunteers are contracted to work at their host school for a full academic year and attend an End of Service conference with the entire WorldTeach group. 

Cost of Program

$4,990. This includes pre-departure information and preparation, round-trip international airfare, health insurance, in-country orientation, transportation to your site, meals and housing during orientation and throughout your teaching service, and 24-hour field support. During your stay you will receive a monthly stipend for your daily living expenses.

Please read more about costs and services.

Requirements

Volunteers must be native English speakers with a Bachelor's degree (in any subject), and a desire to teach and become immersed in an Ecuadorian community.

For more information, please read our Volunteer Stories and Sample Placements.

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