Frequently Asked Questions - Ecuador

(1) Tell me more about the Global Volunteer Network?

The Global Volunteer Network was set up by Colin Salisbury, its founder and director, after spending time volunteering in Ghana, West Africa. While he was there he saw the tremendous difference volunteers can make in helping local organizations achieve their goals. Upon returning to New Zealand he spent some time researching the different volunteer organizations around the world and was amazed at how expensive some programs were and how limiting many were in terms of volunteer options. The Global Volunteer Network was launched in December 2000 with the aim of providing quality placements for volunteers.

We are currently offering volunteer placements through our partner organizations in Ghana, Ecuador and Nepal. If you are interested in volunteering in other countries I suggest you subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

(2) Tell me more about Ecuador?

Ecuador is bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean. There are three distinct zones: the Sierra or uplands of the Andes, the Costa, a coastal plain between the Andes and the Pacific with plantations of bananas, cacao, coffee and sugar; and the Oriente, the upper Amazon basin to the east, consisting of tropical jungles threaded by rivers. Quito, the capital city is in a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichinca with its twin peaks of Ruca and Guagua. For more information I suggest you purchase the Lonely Planet's guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

(3) What kind of volunteer work is available?

Volunteer interns can participate in research, education, community service, station maintenance, plant conservation and agroforestry activities carried out by the Jatun Sacha, Bilsa, and Guandera biological stations.

You can be involved in:

Research: it is possible to carry out this activity at the Bilsa and Guandera Forest reserves. Volunteers are encouraged to develop a personal project and they will have time to work on it.

Education: at Guandera, we have an environmental education program and also English classes for the schools of the area. For the environmental education, the volunteer needs to be fluent in Spanish. For the english classes we prefer long term volunteers.

Station maintenance: general maintenance work and light construction. Cleaning trails, and sometimes work in the kitchen.

Plant conservation: at all our reserves we have centers for conservation of plants of the different areas. Activities include collection, identification and treatment of seeds, care of tree nurseries (weeding and watering), reforestation itself.

(4) Do I have to be from New Zealand?

No, you can volunteer through the Global Volunteer Network from any where in the world.

(5) What age do you have to be to volunteer?

You must be 18 years old and above. There is no upper limit. You just have to be in good health.

(6) Do you provide any financial support?

We unfortunately are not in a position to offer any financial support. You may want to consider enrolling in a later program to allow enough time to save the funds required.

(7) What immunizations/vaccines will I need?

This will depend greatly on what country you are from. Once you have paid your application fee you will be sent a pack that includes the vaccine information required. You should always consult your doctor before having any medication as some may not be necessary. In many countries you may have already had some of the required vaccinations as a child.

(8) Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?

Yes it would be helpful if you speak English. You may have English as your second language and that is also fine. Being able to speak Spanish would also be a great advantage, however it is not a required as the project staff can speak English.

(9) When do I need to arrive in Ecuador?

There are no restrictions as to when you should be in Ecuador to begin volunteering. Plan your flights to suit when you would like to arrive.

(10) What countries do most volunteers come from?

The majority of volunteers that come through the Global Volunteer Network are from the United States, Canada, England and Australia. We also have smaller numbers of people from the Europe, Japan and New Zealand.

(11) Are the fees and expenses tax deductible?

No, we are only registered as an organization in New Zealand.

(12) Do you have any ideas for fundraising for my volunteer experience?

Yes. Once you have chosen a country to volunteer in and have paid your application fee an information pack is sent out to you which includes fundraising ideas.

(13) What are the living arrangements when volunteering?

When you first arrive in Quito, (capital) you should plan to stay at least one night in a hostel before beginning volunteering. During placement lodging is provided in cabins, which are shared with other volunteers and researchers.

(14) Do you need travel insurance?

As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended. Talk to your travel agent about this or check online what offers are available. Make sure you look into the details of the policy. You may like to make sure an emergency flight home is included for health reasons. Always include medical or health insurance as part of the deal.

(15) Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?

Yes. You get 6 days off each month. You are free to do as you please during this time. There are often other volunteers that want to do trekking or just see the local sights. You will however need to have reserve money for this time according to what you plan to do. You may want to spend some time in Ecuador before or after volunteering to see more of the country. You can survive on as little as $7 (U.S) a day in Ecuador. You can also spend much more if you want a bit of luxury.

(16) Are there more expenses once I arrive?

The program costs cover accommodation and all meals. If you arrive early or intend on staying on in Ecuador for longer than you are volunteering then you will need to have spare money for this time. Also some money may be required for your days off depending on what you intend doing.
Other costs include buying bottled water, visa (only required in staying longer than 90 days), departure tax and any shopping you will do personally.

(17) How safe is it to volunteer in Ecuador?

We work very hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering. You should note that there are active volcanoes in Ecuador and minor earthquakes are common.

(18) How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?

This can vary greatly between 8 and 20 each month on any one reserve.

(19) Can you tell me more about your partner in Ecuador?

Our partner was establishment in July 1989, by the government of Ecuador. It is private, non-profit Ecuadorian foundation. Besides protecting ecologically important forest habitats, the foundation's biological stations are nationally and internationally recognized as leaders in the development of innovative and concrete programs in community agroforestry, and environmental education.

(20) What is the course content of the training?

When you arrive in Quito you are asked to present yourself to the volunteer offices which you will be given information on later in the process of applying. You will go through an orientation class here which run each day. On site training is given at each reserve. The training will depend greatly on which area of volunteering you choose to do.

(21) How are families accommodated while volunteering?

There is no accommodation provided for families. You would need to purchase rooms in Quito. The volunteer reserves can be quite some distance from the capital to travel each day.

(22) How can I get in contact with previous volunteers?

Previous volunteers are happy to discuss their experience with you through email. If you would like to do this, contact us and we will put you in touch.

(23) Who organizes my flights?

You do. You will need to organize your return trip to Ecuador and back. You might like to check our travel resource page for some links to discount travel sites.

(24) Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?

You will organize your Visa through your travel agent before you leave for Ecuador. (This is only necessary if you are staying longer than 90 days.).

If we have not answered your question. Send us a message below.