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• ---
• Chile Semester
• Namibia Semester
• Tanzania Semester
• ---
• China Summer
• Costa Rica Summer
• Ecuador Summer
  • Program Profile
  • Country Info
  • Ecuador Summer NOW!
  • Day in the Life
  • Photo Gallery
• Namibia Summer
• Poland Summer
• South Africa Summer

Program Profile

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.

Volunteer Role

Your service in Ecuador will begin with one week of Orientation.  Orientation includes discussions of teaching methods and practice, health and safety issues, information about culture and life in Ecuador, and Spanish language classes.  After orientation, you will travel to your teaching placement where you will teach for approximately seven weeks.  Volunteers will convene again as a group for an end-of-service conference.

In the summer program, WorldTeach volunteers in Ecuador work in a number of different capacities. Some volunteers teach English in primary and secondary schools, and others in universities and community classes. Volunteer indicate what age group and/or type of institution they would prefer to work with pre-departure, but flexibility and openness to any site is crucial!

These classes are the only affordable means of learning English for many Ecuadorians. The WorldTeach volunteers provide a vital service in the communities in which they are placed.

Summer program details are open to change depending on the changing needs of communities. Beyond their teaching placement, all summer volunteers are encouraged to actively participate in community life and engage in additional activities or projects that interest them. Past projects and activities include organizing local English clubs or conversation exchanges, volunteering with community organizations, starting sports teams, and participating in local sports clubs or dance lessons.

Please note that volunteers participating in WorldTeach summer programs are not eligible to receive WorldTeach TEFL certification.

Placements & Housing

Volunteers teach at many different institutions throughout the country, and may be placed independently or with a small group of other volunteers (from both the summer and year-long programs). Volunteers live and eat meals with a host family.

Lunch is the largest meal in Ecuador, and involves multiple courses. The first course of soup is typically followed by a main dish consisting of rice, meat or chicken, and beans or lentils. Potatoes are native to the Andes, and also feature prominently in the Ecuadorian diet. A wide variety of fresh tropical fruits and juices are also available throughout the year.

Financial Information

The cost of the Ecuador summer program is $4,490. This includes pre-departure information and preparation, round-trip international airfare, one week in-country orientation, health insurance, transportation to your site, meals and housing during orientation and teaching service, and 24-hour field support.

Many volunteers are able to successfully fundraise all or a significant portion of their volunteer commitment. Please refer to our fundraising guide for more information about fundraising possibilities.

Please read more about costs and services.

Note: WorldTeach summer programs may qualify for international internship and travel funds awarded by colleges and universities. Students are encouraged to check with their schools for eligibility.

Requirements