Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador Quito

1- How were the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Laura and her family were amazing. They were so welcoming, and they were always there to help me whenever I needed something. If I needed anything I could ask Laura. She gave me suggestions on things I could do as well as tips on how to be safe with I’m traveling. She and her family really cared about me and wanted to make sure that everything was good. I loved getting to know them and their adorable dog Zach.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
The most surprising thing I experienced was how sweet the people are. I interacted with many of the local people while on my job and I found that they were so nice, welcoming, and happy. They were so sweet to me and were patient with me when I didn’t understand what they were saying to me. I was also surprised at how amazing the city of Quito is. It is so vast and beautiful and truly amazing city.

3- What was most difficult to experience?
The most difficult part of my experience was the language barrier. I came to Quito with high school level Spanish. I quickly learned that that was not enough. The first few days were tough getting used to everything being spoken in a different language. Laura and her family were great at trying to help me understand.

The most difficult part was during the first few days at my job when I had to speak to the nurses and patients in Spanish. I quickly learned how to ask them basic things about their health and after a few days, I noticed that I was started to understand more and more and I was able to say more and more.

Go to Ecuador

4- Any tips for future volunteers… 
It is cold here in the mornings and at night so definitely bring pants, long sleeve tops, and a sweatshirt or two. When you go out try to layer because in the morning it might be cold but by midafternoon it will be sunny and warm.

Bring comfortable clothes because after a long day at work it was really nice to be able to come back and change into something comfortable. Bring your laptop or other devices because the house has WiFi. I brought sterile gloves and gauze pads to my site to donate.

Volunteering Ecuador

5.1- Other things volunteers should know:
Bring a photocopy of your driver’s license and passport with you. Leave the actual passport and license in the house you are staying at and take the copies with you when you go out. Also, try to bring bills that are $10 or smaller because some places won’t accept large bills. Bring a small bag that you take with you when you go to your site or go around the city.

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
I am so grateful I was able to go on this trip. I learned so much from Laura and her family along with the nurses and patients at my site. Every day I would wake up excited to go to my job and get to see the nurses and patients. When I would come home I was able to walk around and explore. I had so much fun getting to know the city and I will always love Quito. It has been an experience of a lifetime and I cannot wait to return here someday.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)
I stayed in the host family’s apartment. I stayed there with Laura’s family. The house was very clean and nice. I had my own room and I was able to come and go as I pleased. The food was amazing and dinners with the family were so great. The apartment is very secure. I never once felt scared or unsafe.

Volunteer Ecuador

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
My favorite memory of this trip is taking the family dog, Zach, on walks with Laura’s son after dinner. It was really nice getting to walk around and just learn more about Ecuador and the family. One weekend I went to Mitad del Mundo with Laura and another volunteer. I was such a great experience and such an amazing day. I also went to Teleferico one day with one of the volunteers. There you take a chairlift up the mountain and you are able to see views of the whole city. It was breathtaking.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior to traveling?

The ABV USA support was great prior to travel. I had to change my dates a couple of times and they helped me change them without a problem. Whenever I had a question about my trip I emailed them, and they would quickly respond to me. I also called them a couple times just to be sure about dates and booking my flight and they were always available and willing to help.

10–Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes, of course!

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Volunteer Galapagos

1.- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country (airport pickup and drop off, orientation, introduction to work, availability, other)?

Excellent. Felt at home. Laura and Vicente fed me exceptionally well, loaned me a bike for Ciclovía, included me in family life and errands, accompanied me to Historic Center, as well as facilitated airport meet up and drop off.

Since my stay was short, Laura had to do a lot on my behalf within a short time frame.

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the program: Visit the home of a widowed, farm woman on San Cristóbal Island. We harvested mandarins and squash and helped her cut up fresh pork from an animal butchered that morning. She was preparing it for sale at the market. She made us lunch. I was surprised by her skill and spirit for a recently widowed woman. Her story of arriving by boat to the island in 1975 and subsequently saving funds in order to buy land was very compelling.

At the accommodation: The quality of the food offered was lovely, especially tropical fruits. In the homes, markets and on the farms finding passion fruits, papaya, pineapple, citrus and banana varieties was really rewarding.

The level of intimacy shown at both accommodations was positive. I enjoyed learning of personal struggles as well as countrywide ones.

I enjoyed accompanying Laura to her daughter’s school, where she sold snacks during basketball and soccer, family tournament. Such a cultural eye-opener. She had ordered stuffed potatoes but they did not arrive so we had to run around, by foot, finding sandwich fixings…

I felt that I had penetrated Quito far more than any tourist might. I was the only foreigner present.

About the country: I really loved San Cristóbal…its abundant reptiles, birds and lava formations. Honor to see it. Thank you!

Ecuador is incredibly diverse. I intend to return.

Here is a poem I wrote:

The earth remains parallel and familiar. We are all indigenous, even if disconnected from the places that crafted our ancestors.

In the skeletal, young Galápagos where

sapiens did not penetrate until recently, our kind

respires and feeds works and rests,

among dry, poking plants that live nowhere else.

What we can do is take care of the place where we find ourselves,

wherever we are, reflect earth,

her relentless discovery of beauty,

shocking, momentous as it is. Though it struggles under her volcanic impulses, her quakes, her tides, her flames, her destructive goats and the contrary doings of her misfit,

almost alien children, still it shows up, keeps itself. Among tossed cups and candy wrappers, it is a delicate finch hiding in the cup of an endemic cactus, a sprinkle of pollen upon its black head,

telling of its diet of Megasperma flowers…

Frolicking this way will bring the sheen

of fruit, the birth of seed, beauty ever after beauty,

abiding with us fearlessly

as if we had always been there.

Gap Year Ecuador

3.- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

Clothing: ABV packing list was great. Be ready for change, sudden clouds, chill, and drizzle. Cover your head and dress in layers. Be modest in Ecuador as its people are.

Donations: Do not give items made in China. Give items that show your home or town.

Weather: It changes a lot, depending on altitude…Sun is close by in Quito. Protect your skin. Carry water with you.

4.- Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in the country, what to eat, transportation, other

a.- ABV packing list was great: charger and water filter system was not needed by me but were essential for others I met. I used a suitcase lock to secure my valuables.

b.- Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can. The Ecuadorean diet is healthy. Enjoy fava beans, a variety of soups, tropical fruits and juices, yucca, corn on the cob, empanadas and fresh made rolls. Expect fewer leafy greens.

c.- Legitimate cabs in Quito have 4 digit numbers on front window and door. Be careful on bus and trolley and at night. I walked by day with no problems. I carried very little cash with me in Quito. Try to go accompanied by someone you trust. Do not make friends (in bars, on street) except upon recommendation from those you trust. Hide your valuables (phone, cameras, wallet) from sight.

d.- Ask host about best safety measures to take. Carry toilet paper with you.

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

I am very enriched by my experience. The two home stays and 3 volunteer sites opened up Ecuadorean culture in a diverse, and intriguing way. In Quito, the daycare workers showed so much skill and kindness to underprivileged kids. At the school, I loved seeing Galápagos kids involved in planting food and using outdoor space to teach muralism and the second use of plastic bottles and tires to make garbage cans and planters, etc…

With the Ministry of Agriculture, it was fascinating to witness the diversity of farms, the income differences, life for rural peoples without cars and tragic lack of garbage services. I loved being the only white person for 90% of my stay. So fascinating, so good for my Spanish. Thank you. I wish I had stayed longer.

Volunteering in Ecuador

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, and security in detail:

Quito with Laura, the coordinator. Excellent, diverse meals. Nearly private bathroom, nice bedroom, security. Guard outside the building. Did not feel safe going out alone at night, remember curfew at the home at 10 pm max.

San Cristóbal at Dory’s home: Decent meals, shared bathroom, lovely bedroom, access to the roof with hammock and swinging chairs, views. Close to the boardwalk and beaches. Felt very safe day and night, even alone.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: I loved all 3 volunteer experiences and appreciated their variety. I love volunteering for four or five hours, then enjoying time to reflect and explore on my own or with my friendly hosts.

Country: The birds and reptiles and sea urchin fossil beaches of San Cristóbal

In Quito, Tour with Laura to Historia Center of Quito and Ciclovia Bike Ride. On the island, Las Tijeratas boardwalk and hike, visit Punta Carola and El Junco

8.- How was the ABV USA support prior to traveling, who helped you?

Sarah Ehlers…excellent support. Had to complete trip a year after the original date. This proved to be no problem. ABV kept track of itineraries and changes. Sarah answered my emails expediently with accurate suggestions and information.

9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes

10 – Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View?

Volunteer travel

Volunteer Ecuador

Volunteer Ecuador

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?

Excellent

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Kind teachers and nurse aids. Everyone humble and polite.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

Senior Center in need of volunteers. Probably promote more volunteers to come and help.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

Be flexible and take into account local customs

5.1-Other things volunteers should know: Be:

• Patient
• Polite
• Personable

Volunteering in Ecuador

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

ABV was a humbling experience. I wish more people could come and provide their time and talents for a great cause.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)

Quito feels like a safe place. Host family was the true meaning of family. Ecuadorian food is amazing

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

The loving nature of the people at the project sites
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Excellent
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

Volunteer Ecuador

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?

The staff and support in country exceeded expectations. As soon  as we arrived we were given a warm welcome and it seemed like they were genuinely happy to have us visiting. We were given multiple contacts of people in case of emergency, and the staff kept in touch during my entire stay to make sure everything was okay.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program:  I was surprised by how pleasant everyone was, even with the language barrier at work my coworkers did their best to help me fit in. I was also shocked my the number of patients in the hospital every day. Being a public hospital, had hundreds of people needing help even before we started working (7:30am). It was sad to see so many people in need, but you felt better knowing you were trying your best to help.

Host Family:  I think my host family was the biggest surprise. I can’t say enough positive things about my host Mom, we got incredibly lucky. She was so welcoming, and cooked us great food three times each day. Her children were friendly and awesome to talk with too.

Country:  I was mostly surprised by how huge Ecuador/Quito is. I thought I’d be able to see most of the city but I was wrong, it’s tremendous. I also underestimated how much traveling I was going to do, which was by far the best part of the trip. I can easily say that the places I’ve seen in Ecuador are the most beautiful places I’ve been to thus far in my life.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: The language barrier was by far the most challenging thing to overcome at work, after 4 weeks I still find my self struggling to communicate with the staff at the hospital.

Host Family: the living conditions at home took some time getting used to, like the bed and the shower, but other than that there weren’t many things challenging about Janet and her Family.

the biggest thing to overcome in my point of view is constantly worrying about the water you’re drinking and the food you’re eating. You don’t want to get sick in a foreign country, so being on your toes at all times gets tiring.

ABV: from all our volunteers no one has been sick by eating at our host families. Always drink bottle water and if you eat in restaurants only do at well known and good review locations, never from street vendors.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

Bring your smartphone, computer, or tablet, try to write in a journal every day, bring water-proof clothing and shoes/boots, travel, try every single fruit you can (everything is delicious).

5. Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

If you’re volunteering at the hospital ABV says you need a bunch of medical equipment which is not accurate, unfortunately it will just be a waste of money. Also if you’re working at the hospital, no matter what the website says, you NEED WHITE pants and a WHITE top.

ABV: Our website asks for supplies as many hospitals and clinics need many supplies, our website is as general as possible as we work with dozens of medical locations and they are all different. But the White pants and white tops and white sneakers are described in the website and volunteer guide.

Volunteer in Ecuador Quito North: PreMed & PreNurse

6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

This trip was incredible and I don’t regret coming for a second. Our trip was a month long and I think that is a perfect amount of time for first time travelers.   Changing sheets, cleaning the bed frames, and washing patients will most likely take up all your time. Instead of shadowing doctors and nurses, we mostly worked with the nurse assistants.

ABV: volunteers needs to be proactive, jump in and ask to help with any tasks, dont expect a schedule of shadowing one on one doctors or nurses, you need to ask to help in all the areas of the hospital or clinic, also you need to talk with your supervisor, local coordinator if you are not getting the exposure you want, also you can always email ABV US to have us inform of any change you want.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

The accommodations were better than expected, clean and comfortable. The meals were also great, very convenient and prepared well. I felt safe, the only setting where I felt I needed to be careful was walking around at night. And everyone I’ve met was extremely nice, some of the most pleasant people I know.

ABV: we have a curfew so volunteer shouldn’t be walking around at night and take a cab home if you are late.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Program: the best part of the program was actually shadowing doctors the last 2 days in the emergency section of the hospital.

Host Family:  Eating meals together, talking about our days, and laughing with each other was a highlight every day.

Country:  Traveling to the jungle and baños we’re equally incredible. I’m extremely happy I went to both places and would go back in a heartbeat

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? (who helped you, emails, phone calls, chat online, how fast did you got an answer, did you got all your answers)

ABV support prior to travel was exceptional in every way possible.

9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?

Reservations and setting up the trip was also easy and clear.

9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website (keywords, search engine, word mouth to mouth, recommended by .., other)

I found out about the program by my Aunt, who heard about it from a friend.

Volunteer Ecuador

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?

The ABV coordinator and the support in country were fantastic. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the hospital I saw a patient who lost his fingers’ skin, it was a very challenging experience.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

It was difficult to see how Ecuador’s poor economy affected them medically.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

Be prepared to bring a rain jacket and sweater as it tends to get cold

5.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a.     Always wear your backpack in front of you
b.     Make sure you understand Spanish fairy well as not many people knows English
c.     Have fun

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

Working with ABV has been a great experience. As a high school student interested in Medicine, it allowed me to get hands on experience. I was able to help a lot and observed things I didn’t think I’d be able to. ABV did an excellent job!

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)

Our accommodation was great. Most people had their own room, we had access to Wi-Fi, the host family was really helpful.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

My favorite memory is the work I made with the pediatrician who stayed with me every day.
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

The support was good, we were able to email a support person if we had questions, and they always responded promptly.
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes

Volunteer Ecuador

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Both coordinators were knowledgeable, professional, responsible and very kind. The girls felt that they understood how to connect to them as teens.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
It was impressive how nice and helpful everyone was across the board.

3- What was most difficult to experience?
I would have to say stomach sickness due to change of food and water. This was very uncomfortable.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
Pack light versatile clothing and should include waterproof shoes and jacket. Bring items you need like sunscreen, insect repellant, toiletries, anything else you may need from the states. The brands we are use to are not available in Ecuador.

I would ask to communicate with someone where you are volunteering to find out what donations they may need in advance.

5- Other things volunteers should know:
a. Bring a small laundry detergent so you can hand wash clothes. Clothing gets damp this time of year, so this will keep everything fresh

b. If your stomach does not feel well go right to pharmacy to get medications. They are pretty effective.

Volunteering in Ecuador

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

I would recommend volunteering with A Broader View because they offer a broad range of volunteering opportunities not just all over Ecuador but all over the world. The staff are all very knowledgeable and accommodating. They were very willing to work with up in constructing a program that worked for us given our tight timeframe. Most of all we felt taken care of which is important when you are so far away from home is a foreign environment.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)

The accommodations were safe, comfortable and meals were well balanced and nutritious.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
The children were adorable and eager to work with us. We brought many English books translated into Spanish which they could not wait to get their hands on. Their enthusiasm was priceless.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

The support was very good in preparation for travel.

10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes anytime!

How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?

The local Coordinator and staff were extremely helpful & answered all the questions I had. They even came and met me at the airport at 2AM. (Avoid doing that, arrive before 10pm)

What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Drivers in Quito have the right of way over pedestrians (be careful)

The sun is much stronger in Ecuador because of the altitude. I got sun burnt, very quickly.

What is the most challenging thing you experienced?

For me the most challenging think I experienced was learning Spanish after having learned Portuguese. It was, at times, difficult to distinguish the two.

Any tips for future volunteers….(clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

1. Make sure you check the weather before you travel.
2. Come with an open mind and open heart & everything should go extremely well
3. Come without expectations because the experience will be unlike anything you’ve probably done. Just be flexible with your time & just enjoy all that Quito has to offer.

Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial)

I came to Ecuador with 3 goals: improve my Spanish, work in a hospital & get to know Quito. I was able to accomplish all 3 goals. My entire experience in Quito Ecuador has been excellent & that is thanks to the Spanish professors, the hospital staff & my host family.

How would you describe your accommodations, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

Everything was excellent!

What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Sitting in the living room with my host family and playing card games like Uno, El Bueno and Cuarenta.

How was the ABV USA support prior to traveling?

Support was good, and all the information (aside from hospital uniforms) was more that sufficient.

What do you think about the online reservation system?

The reservation system is good; having the deadline reminders was helpful and I liked the flexibility about choosing traveling dates.

Who did you find Abroaderview website (keywords, search engine, recommendation)

My parents found the program online, and we liked all that we saw on the website.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes.

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?

The staff (Sebastian and Herman especially) for the duration of the project were fantastic. All questions and assistance were quickly and thoroughly answered-provided. Sebastian did a fantastic one on one job during orientation to my project, learning the surrounding area, and using the local buses and taxis. Herman was very helpful with arranging donation for all of my preschool English materials to other older student classes as my 3 year olds were not learning English. My Spanish teacher Cecilia was fantastic not only with teaching beginning Spanish but also sharing culture and local information including a few “field trips to practice my elementary spoken Spanish in the market and other locations”.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: I was very impressed with the dedication of all the teachers at the preschool. Despite a very poor indigenous barrio they love their kids and work!

Also surprising was the stark difference between the countryside with volcanoes/mountains and small villages on excursions and the feel of Quito being a big hectic poor city especially near my project day care center

I was also surprised at how the downturn of the Ecuadorian economy (recession, petroleum price drop) has negatively affected this typical middle class family.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: As a beginner Spanish student, this provided challenge with communicating with teachers and ninos. I learned a lot of Spanish with the kids & teachers!

Host Family: Again being a beginner with Spanish was a challenge. However, it was helpful the daughter has very good English when she was at home (for 2 of the 4 weeks).

Country: Getting accustomed to the poor kids at school, and overall air pollution. The contrast was a village we visited that was spotless in the countryside!

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

1. Listen to the local staff on issues of security and safety, especially using taxis! One day a taxi tried to charge $10.00 for a $1.50 route. We walked!

2. I observed many “materials, puzzles, other play items for the kids from the USA” in my day care. They really appreciate and use “donations” at the projects. Bring lots of donations!

3. Travel on excursions outside the city can take a lot longer using local transportation than we expect. Be patient!

4. Most items can be purchased somewhere in Quito at the grocery store, or market etc. Don’t worry if you forget something!

5.1-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

a. It is very important to NOT place Toilet Paper in toilets at your project, the Spanish school, or in your host family residence (anywhere in Ecuador). Plumbing does not accommodate paper and you MUST put paper in the trash can (basura). I was aware of this as I had traveled in S. America prior for business but I was not told this during orientation either at my family or the school/project office as everyone expects to do this.

b. It is very easy to buy bottled water everywhere in little shops, or the grocery.

c. People really appreciate daily greetings when you meet them (at your project or language class, host family etc.) It is a great way to practice Spanish too!

d. Don’t be afraid to “help” anyway needed in your project. Take initiative as the teachers really appreciate your helping out.

e. Comment: Excursions, extracurricular lectures on local food, shamanism, Ecuador National Parks etc. were all provided in Spanish – there could have been side by side translation.

6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial)

I was delighted to volunteer at the day care center in a class with the 3 year old ninos/ninas. The teacher was very dedicated and creative-artistic. I enjoyed helping out with the daily activities and learning along with the children. The other teachers as well often asked me to help for a moment or two and it was fun to be a part of the entire day care center. Working with the children was fantastic, learning their individual personalities, despite my lack of Spanish, and having great fun during the play times. I also was able to encourage “manners” always speaking with the children using por favor and gracias! Overall, I will have fond memories of the kiddos and teachers for a long time!

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

I was pleased to have my own room in a lovely modern apartment. The security of the building and surrounding neighborhood was very safe and I never worried about walking everywhere. Meals were delicious traditional including heavy on bread, rice, and potatoes. Communication was challenging at times due to my lack of my Spanish. It was fun to learn about things other than Ecuadorian like boy bands in S. Korea, wii games, and visiting with the family on work, travel, and other music interests.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Program: I almost cried on my last day volunteering, as my teacher Carolina and all the ninos/ninas gave me a big hug. All the teachers at the day care and the director really appreciated my efforts and hard work during the month despite my poor Spanish! The kids wore me out every day but it was very rewarding and I will long remember the experience!

Host Family: Learning all about the Beatles while watching ancient videos on the TV with Oscar. Oscar is Beatles aficionado and I learned a lot about the Beatles and their music (from long ago) and more recently! It was a fun evening!

Country: I loved the excursions on the weekends provided by the Spanish school to Otavalo and Cotopaxi seeing the mountains – volcanoes, visiting smaller villages, experiencing the market and practicing Spanish while shopping. I am not a big city person and loved the Ecuadorian countryside and the giant volcanoes.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Sarah was exceptional with support prior to my departure for Ecuador. All queries were answered immediately and the suggestions for donations and gifts for the family were fantastic.

9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?

The online system for providing all necessary documents worked effectively.

I had some difficulty with understanding the “chat” function (probably me computer error!)

9.2- How did you find Abroaderview website

Googled volunteer – Spanish immersion and found Abroaderview in the search results

10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes