2-Week Summer Program in Ecuador

Dates for 2011:

• June 13 to June 27
• July 11 to July 25

Program Fee: $1,500

Country
Despite its relatively small size, Ecuador is one of the world's most geographically diverse countries. It has the Andes Mountains, Amazon Jungle, pristine beaches, the Galapagos Islands, and a classic South American capital city in Quito. Ecuador is a stable & safe democratic country, and is a perfect place to learn and practice Spanish. Ecuador is one of our most popular volunteer destinations, especially in summer. Cosmic Volunteers has been sending volunteers to Ecuador since 2003. Cosmic's founder Scott Burke has visited there twice.

Location: Quito
This Two-Week Winter Break in Ecuador is based in the city of Quito. Quito is a picturesque, safe, clean, historic city, divided into a colonial section and a modern section (we place volunteers in both areas). There are lots of cafes, shops, restaurants, and Internet cafes, many within walking distance of our host families. Keep in mind that Quito is at an altitude of 9,000+ feet which can affect visitors for the first few days. There are alot of day- and weekend trips available from Quito where you can explore the Andes mountains, the Amazon jungle, the Equator, and many outdoor-market towns. Most foreign visitors, including our participants, arrive in Quito by air, with frequent connections from Florida, Texas, and California.

Quito on the Map

Volunteer Projects
Your volunteer work will involve a combination of humanitarian work and physical work with local children at schools and orphanages. You will help paint buildings, clean up trash, plant trees, and do light repair work. The other half of the program will involve playing with the children at the orphanage, doing things like arts & crafts, sports, reading, and generally spending quality time with them.

Included in Program Fee
   • All Food
   • All Accommodations
   • Airport Pickup/Dropoff
   • In-Country Transportation
   • In-Country Orientation
   • Volunteer Project
   • Cultural Excursions
   • 24 Hr Support in Ecuador and Philadelphia
   • Visa Assistance
   • Insurance
   • T-Shirt
   • Certificate / Letter

Not Included in Program Fee
   • Airfare
   • Visa Fee
   • Vaccinations
   • Internet
   • Phone Calls
   • Extra Sightseeing

Accommodations and Meals
Accommodations are with middle-class host families, in same-sex rooms, with 2-4 volunteers per house. The accommodations are clean and comfortable. Food will be standard Ecuadorian cuisine (rice, beans, chicken, vegetables, fruit) with vegetarians and vegans easily accommodated.

Local Transportation
Cosmic Volunteers staff will meet you at the airport in Quito, transport you to the project location, and drop you off at the airport at the end of the program. Daily transport during the program will be by either walking or public bus.

Requirements
   • Minimum Age: 16
   • All Nationals are Eligible

Get a Free Trip
For group leaders: Recruit a group of six (6) other volunteers and we will waive your Program Fee and pay for your round-trip airfare. (The 6 others still pay the full Program Fee and for their airfare)