Making a Difference for Children in Ecuador - Volunteering and Spanish School

• Two weeks of one-to-one Spanish lessons (total 40 hours) and visits to historical and cultural sites in Quito with your Spanish tutor, staying in a self-catered apartment in Quito with other language students.
• Two weeks volunteering at an orphanage on the outskirts of the city, helping with a variety of day-to-day tasks and interacting with underprivileged children at the Aliñambi Foundation

What's included

• Forty hours one-to-one Spanish lessons, spread over ten days - from beginner to advanced
• Cultural and historial program in Quito - experience the city with a local! (First week of Spanish schooling - total 10 hours)
• Four weeks' accommodation: two in a shared apartment, two at the Foundation
• Use of self-catered apartment with WiFi, shared rooms and living area and laundry facilities
• Accommodation at the Foundation in shared rooms with other volunteers, meals provided and eaten with the children
• Arrival transfers, and all transfers to/from the Foundation

We are working very closely with a Project Provider in Ecuador to offer Oasis travellers the opportunity to develop their Spanish language skills, explore and experience Quito with someone who lives in the city and contribute to a Foundation providing much-needed sanctuary and education to orphaned children on the outskirts of the city.

Dates are entirely flexible, and this add-on can be done before or after your Oasis trip.

The Spanish lessons usually run every morning, and then in the afternoon there is the opportunity to explore the city with one of the tutors, having its history and culture explained to you (all in Spanish!), as well as some free time to go out and check out many of Quito's lively bars and restaurant.

The orphanage desperately needs volunteers. The project staff are dedicated but often very over-worked. This means that there is little time for volunteer supervision, and therefore volunteers will have to have a high degree of self-initiative and organisational skills and be prepared to lend a hand wherever it is needed.

Don't expect to have your hand held and everything explained to you in great detail and no English is spoken. It's important you are in good health and reasonably fit, you'll need to get involved, get your hands dirty and solve problems on your own. But it's not all hard work: you'll get to interact with children who have huge amounts to gain from adult interaction and sometimes just play games with them. You'll hopefully leave with some incredible experiences, lasting memories and know that in your short time there, you made a positive difference to these children's lives.

How to book

Simply select at the time of booking or log in to My Oasis Account and add to your booking. A deposit of £200 is available required to secure your place and allow us to make the necessary arrangements. Once we receive your request we will be in touch to discuss your preferred dates and arrange arrival transfers.

We can also offer various other volunteer projects and/or Spanish School options, including helping at a state-run primary school or kindergarten, or assisting with a project for street children in Quito. For more information and options please email: southamerica@oasisoverland.co.uk.

The below information applies to all the above projects

NOT included in the price

• Flights
• Visa costs
• Travel & Medical Insurance (must cover volunteer work)
• In-country transport
• Costs and items of a personal nature
• A local bus from your accommodation to the school that will cost under US$1 per day for both directions
• Excursions - payable locally
• Transfer from your chosen project back to Quito Airport / Quito City
• Hours vary from project to project, and are subject to daily schedules. Generally you will work from Monday to Friday and you will have free time on weekends to explore the local areas and sights.
• There is a US$50 guarantee payable locally to our provider, which is refundable when you leave the Project (for info see 'Other Pricing Details').

Insurance

It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis Trip & at the very least are insured for all necessary medical & repatriation costs incurred overseas with a minimum sum insured of £500,000. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.

Please ensure that your policy covers you for Volunteering work and activities.

We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip.

For further information on the insurance we offer, the activities covered, costs and how to book - please check out the Insurance section of our website.

Visas and Vaccinations

Most nationalities do not require a Visa for Ecuador, but it is advisable to contact the relevant Embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements.

As we are not medically trained - we are unable to give detailed or professional advice on vaccination requirements, therefore please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice on any medical issues. We suggest allowing 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations. For more information visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or www.nomadtravel.co.uk. Oasis travellers receive a 10% discount on vaccinations, medical kits, clothing and camping equipment from the Nomad Travel Clinic - you will receive your discount code on your booking receipt. Medical advice should also be taken regarding Malaria risks.

Other Pricing Details

Volunteers staying in Apartments or Local Guest Houses will be asked to pay locally a US$50 deposit against any damage / missing items. This will be returned on your departure at the discretion of the Project Provider if your accommodation is left as you found it ie clean and tidy.