Equipment Donation for Ecuador
To ensure our sports projects are well supported and the children you volunteer with receive a high standard of sports coaching, we use part of your project fee to buy decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in Ecuador. You will often use this sports equipment during your project and it is always left with the community when you leave. In some cases, an equipment donation may not be appropriate so a financial contribution is made instead.
Other Volunteer Projects
Although your sports project will be your main focus while volunteering in Ecuador, there is the possibility to help on other non-sports volunteer projects. Projects range from teaching in local schools, to conservation in the Amazon rainforest, to helping at local orphanages and care centres for the elderly.
Spanish Lessons
Ecuador is a Spanish speaking country so you will really benefit from having a basic understanding of the language. If, however, you are not a confident Spanish speaker, you can take lessons at our language school in Quito when you arrive, and also during your sports project. The school offers friendly and personal one-to-one tuition from native Ecuadorians who will help develop your understanding of both the local language and culture in which you are living. Beginners, intermediates and advanced levels are all very welcome at the school and will benefit greatly from their time there.
The language school also incorporates a number of social and cultural activities into your learning. This will allow you to really discover the local cuisine, traditional dancing and cultural experiences in the city, as well as building good friendships with your teachers and other participants on the course.
The language school runs lessons for 4 hours in the morning or for 4 hours in the afternoon. You can therefore choose which session you want to attend, allowing you to learn Spanish alongside any other volunteer work you are doing in Ecuador. It does cost a little extra to attend the language school, but the benefits really are priceless. Not only will you be able to build stronger relationships and immerse yourself in the local culture, you will leave Ecuador with a transferable skill you can use for the rest of your life.
Social Life in Ecuador
Part of the experience of volunteering in Ecuador is meeting likeminded people who love sport and love travelling. This means you will meet a great bunch of fellow volunteers to hang out with in your spare time, explore the city of Quito with and share a beer or two at the weekend. In fact, some of your most memorable moments will come from the close bonds you make with the other sports volunteers, so much so that many will remain your friends long after you return home.
Travel and Adventure in Ecuador
Ecuador has become a very popular volunteer travel destination boasting an amazing diversity of landscapes and wildlife across its four main regions; the famous Galápagos Islands, the tropical coastline, the mountainous Andes and the lush Amazon rainforest.
The capital city, Quito, lies between two mountain ranges and is roughly divided into three parts: the Old City at the centre and the southern and northern districts to either side. The Old City has a richness of architecture and heritage and is a great place to wander through, with several museums and plenty of restaurants and terrace cafes. Modern, northern Quito is a fun place to explore, with plenty of urban parks, restaurants and great nightlife. The southern districts are more working class and seldom visited by tourists.
Accommodation
You will live with a local homestay family during your sports project to Ecuador. They will provide you with a comfortable room as well as breakfast and dinner each day. You will probably eat lots of rice, chicken and potatoes as well as lots of locally grown fresh fruit. Specific dietary requirements can be catered for. You will need to buy your own lunches each day, but food in Ecuador is very cheap. Living with a local family will not only improve your Spanish speaking skills, you will soon become part of the family and have a welcoming and safe place to relax and unwind while overseas. Contact us if you would like to discuss alternative accommodation options.
If you have any questions simply call us or fill in the form below.