Volunteer Ecuador Galapagos Island

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

The coordinator was fine and provided great support in country. We were given lots of help orienting around and Laura and her daughter were kind enough to walk with me to the Basilica one day. We felt very welcomed and included in their family life.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

For the second two weeks, I was surprised that credit cards are not accepted in most of the Galapagos (except very high-end restaurants). This was a problem for us, as our clothes became pretty filthy when it rained in the highlands and we needed to do laundry a few times. Things are definitely more expensive in the Galapagos then in Quito, and perhaps volunteers should bring more cash.

ABV: the volunteer guide describes money situations, prior leaving Quito get US$10 bills prior to traveling to Galapagos

3- What was most difficult to experience?

For my daughter, it was hard to work in the fields since there were no adequate bathroom facilities. 

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

If you are working with turtles in Galapagos be prepared to work in rain/mud – it never gets cold but it does get a tiny bit chilly. Not too many bugs, which surprised me, but we definitely needed our work gloves. (You could purchase them here if you wanted to.)

Gap Year Galapagos

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

Quito and Galapagos are almost like different countries! The people are incredibly friendly in both places, and in the Galapagos, I’m not at all worried about theft or walking alone at night. We learned a lot about their struggles with invasive species, worked really hard in the fields and helping with their efforts to keep turtles in a safe environment but had a chance to explore the island every afternoon. At our work project, there was almost nobody who spoke more than pidgin English, so I’m glad we had the chance to take lessons and assimilate to the culture a little more in Quito.

This was a great project for myself and my 14-year-old daughter, who wants to become a veterinarian. I think it could have been even better if she spoke Spanish at the B1 level since there is a local mobile veterinarian who may have been willing to have her assist him. I also think that if she was College age and interested in becoming a veterinarian it would have been an even better experience. That said, the educational/experience value for her has been tremendous. She really grew up a lot in the last 4 weeks.

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

We lived with a host family, our hostess was very kind. No issues with security – we had hot water in our own bathroom and the food was wonderful.

Go to Galapagos

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

The best leisure activity was the day-long trip around the Island of St Cristobal. We never needed to leave the island – 90% of the species in the Galapagos are here, including Blue-footed boobies and tortoises and many other birds. To see penguins and the lava tubes you would go to the islands but your choices are very long boat rides or flying, so we took day tours and snorkeled and saw everything I would want to see. the interpretation center is wonderful.

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

Awesome – answered all my questions and our trip has gone off without a hitch.

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

Sure

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?

The local coordinator was wonderful. She offered lots of support by answering all my questions and checking in with me frequently. If I encountered any problems I knew that I had a great support network at my disposal. Karen and Laura were so very helpful and calmed my nerves once I arrived.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The most surprising thing I experienced was how quickly I was able to navigate the town I was living in. After less than three days I was able to get around perfectly well on my own. Granted, it was a small island town.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

The most difficult thing for me was missing home. Everyone experiences some form of homesickness while abroad. Mine was very mild and since I was only gone a month I mostly found myself missing the food of my home country. Although I enjoyed the food in my host family by this time I could go a very long time without eating rice.

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

Bring presents for your host family if you will be living with one! It is a great conversation starter if you bring something from your home country. Keep your packing light so you can bring home lots of gifts. And make sure to explore some on your own. It came seem scary at first but it can be very nice to catch a sunrise or sunset alone and reflect on how you are doing and how you are enjoying the country.

5.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a. Be flexible. Plans change and you should take it in stride.

1. Be open. Try new foods and new things.
2. Listen to your hosts. They know what is safe to do.

Volunteer Galapagos

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

I worked with Galapagos tortoises in La Galapaguera a semi natural habitat for breeding. I also

monitored sea lions and marine iguanas so that the data could be used in work with local children.

I could spend my mornings with tortoises or sea lions and my afternoons helping out at a local dive shop. My volunteering was exhausting but extremely rewarding. I will never forget getting to feed baby Galapagos tortoises or getting to hang out with sea lions on the many pristine beaches.

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

I lived with a very nice host family. I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner with them everyday. This allowed for bonding and extra time to practice my Spanish. I always felt safe and was given a key to the house. I had my own room and bathroom with a beautiful view of the ocean. I could not imagine staying anywhere else.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

My favorite memory was scuba diving with sharks at Kicker Rock. I had free time on the weekends to do what I wanted. I got to dive with Galapagos Sharks, White and Black tip sharks, and Hammerheads. I also went diving with volunteer to clean up trash in the main harbor during World Oceans Day with the local navy.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

I had lots of great support while filling out my application. They answered all my questions promptly

and well. I never felt lost or confused.

10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes, absolutely.