LOCATION : MINDO, CLOUD FORESTS
Mindo is a village located about 3 hours drive from Quito in a tropical cloud forest that forms part of the Mindo Nambillo Protected Forest.
ACTIVITIES
- Teaching English - This is a great opportunity to spend 3 months or longer in the small town of Mindo. Mindo is a popular tourist destination especially for bird watchers. You will be teaching children at the local school and guides at one of the local reserves. There may also be opportunities for work as a Teachers Assistant. Teaching the guides English will ensure that you find out more about their vast knowledge of the surrounding area
- Work at the Pizza restaurant - There is the possibility of helping out at the Pizza restaurant.
- Nature Hikes - A local reserve will offer hikes at their tropical cloud reserve for volunteers. There are over 400 birds in the immediate area, many of which can be seen there. Among some of the species that can be seen are the Cock-of-the-Rock, Choco Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Giant Antpitta, Scaled Fruiteater and Torrent Duck. You may also see agouti, ocelot, red brocket deer, paca, tayra, coati, three-toed sloth, and white-fronted capuchin monkeys.
WHY IT MATTERS
Opportunites for rural communities to learn English are virtually non-existent. Provision of regular teachers by the government is hard enough in itself. Learing English is important for the local community. Visiting tourists often require English speaking guides.
Working with the children at these schools is a very rewarding experience. You will find them kind and eager to learn about you and what you have to teach them.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to spend three months or longer in a tropical cloud forest setting. No qualifications are required, but experience of teaching is helpful. You will be required to submit to a background check for this position. Some Spanish is highly desirable.
Knowledge of first aid is helpful.
WORK SCHEDULE
Volunteers will work 5 days a week for 6 hours a day.
Volunteers need to stay at least 3 months. Spending less time is too disruptive for the children and has not worked well in the past. Depending on your nationality, you will probably need a visa.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is at the local Pizza restaurant! There is a bathroom with a hot shower and social areas. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are provided.
GETTING THERE
The reserve is 3 hours by bus from Quito.
FIXED COSTS
Volunteer South America support and logistics fee - US$236.50
Program cost for 3 months - US$1,050.00
Additional months - US$350.00
Visa for Ecuador - US$210.00
OPTIONAL COSTS
Discount Hotel Accommodation - US$25-40 a night (60% discount)
Spanish Classes - From US$220 per week (4 hours a day)
Homestay with a local family - US$155. Includes accommodation, 3 meals a day and laundry.
TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
All volunteers are required to purchase travel and medical insurance for the duration of their volunteer position. We strongly recommend that minimum coverage includes the following:
- Medical expenses - US$10 million
- Personal liability - US$2 million
- Personal accident - US$40,000
- Personal property - US$3,000
- Loss of Passport etc - US$1,000
- Legal expenses etc - US$40,000
- Cancellation etc - US$6,000