Overview
Teach English in Ecuador

Volunteers joining this project will teach English to children in the Andean communities that live in the mountains surrounding Otavalo, Ecuador. English is becoming increasingly important at both primary and secondary level education, but most of the schools do not have qualified English teachers. Volunteers will take an Introductory TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course in Ecuador in preparation to teach the indigenous children English. Volunteers will be teach classes in the mornings and plan the next day’s lessons in the afternoons. A TEFL teacher will be on hand to assist you with both teaching and planning. College credit may be available for those attending this project. Consult GVI’s college credit page for helpful tips and advice.

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Being able to teach the children English for the first time was a great experience, knowing that it is one more step up the educational ladder

Volunteer 2007

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The project in Ecuador makes a huge difference to the children as they will receive TEFL-trained English tuition. The English they learn is school is often from an Ecuadorian teacher who has no grasp of the English language, and is teaching from a book. By providing the children with natural English teaching, they will have more of chance of passing the year.

Highlights

Living with a host family; learning Spanish (optional); Receiving an Introduction to TEFL, teaching indigenous children in remote communities; going on an adventure weekends or attending various cultural workshops and/or events.

Location

Nestling high in the Andes, a few hours from Ecuador`s capital city, volunteers stay in the peaceful yet lively town of Otavalo. This market town is famous for its Saturday handicraft market which encompasses the entire town and its indigenous Andean communities. It is a popular destination for visitors to the country, particularly at the weekends. Otavalo is unique in that it has a strong tourism trade going on but does so without losing any of its indigenous tradition, and the locals still proudly wear the indigenous clothing of their ancestors in the streets. The town has most amenities that you would find at home, including internet cafes, bars and restaurants. Volunteers work within communities situated about a one-hour minivan ride from Otavalo up in the mountains.

Field Conditions

Living with local families in Otavalo in comfortable accommodation gives you an enriching cultural experience and the valuable opportunity to practice your Spanish! You will have your own private room, hot water and three meals a day will be provided. The food is very typical of the area and is varied, including meats, 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.