Overview
Ecuador Community Development Internship

By joining this internship you will aid a vital education project, gain invaluable hands on practical experience in a variety of fields including project management and gain an international qualification in Team Leading. You will be working with a dedicated staff member, on basic education and literacy projects, typically with children aged between 5 and 12. Rural schools in Ecuador are often understaffed, with one teacher in charge of teaching up to six grades at once. By helping to reduce class sizes and assisting struggling pupils, you will make a real personal difference to the lives of underprivileged children. Working with young children is an immensely rewarding experience and although often challenging, every day is full of fun and laughter. Paid or unpaid positions may be available for qualifying candidates after their internship.

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If you are not a teacher in your normal job, having the opportunity to teach young children the basics of how to read and write is an amazing experience - understanding how important these skills are.

Ross White, GVI Intern

What Difference Does This Internship Make?

With just one or two teachers per school, the volunteers’ teaching presence allows the children more opportunity to receive help in their education. Having a volunteer planning and teaching lessons, dedicated to a grade in the school at an early stage in the children's education is of great benefit. A substantial part of the fee goes towards the day-to-day running costs of the projects themselves throughout the year, including daily transport, food subsidies for the school meals and fruit for the children (sometimes their only meal of the day), educational materials for classes, painting and maintenance.

Highlights

Living in the heart of the community in Otavalo; working with indigenous children; learning Spanish (optional); adventure side trips, cultural workshops and excursions, amazing community interaction. Gain an internationally recognised certificate in team leading.

Skills And Qualifications Received

• Internationally recognised qualification in Team Leading
• Teacher training
• Classroom management
• Lesson Planning
• Teaching experience
• Risk assessments
• Emergency evacuation plans
• Program logistics
• Cultural knowledge

See Requirements And Training page for more information

Location

Nestling high in the Andes, a few hours from Ecuador's capital city, volunteers stay in the town of Otavalo. This market town is famous for its handicraft market and indigenous Andean community, and is a popular destination for visitors to the country. The town has many amenities including the Spanish school, internet access, bars and restaurants. Volunteers work either within communities situated about a one hour minivan ride up from Otavalo, up in the mountains or a short bus ride and a half hour hike.

See Life on the internship page for more information

Field Conditions

Living with local families in Otavalo in comfortable accommodation allows for an enriching cultural experience and the valuable opportunity to practice Spanish! You will have your own private room, with hot water and three meals a day provided. The food is very typical of the area, being varied and including meats and plenty of vegetables and fruits. Vegetarians are also well catered for. Travel upgrades are available on this project see dates and costs for more information.

See Life on the internship page for more information