Teaching English in Rural School Project in Ecuador

Project Summary

Ecuador's rapid growing tourism industry means the need for English speakers is ever more present. Knowing how to speak English will benefit the local people exponentially. English speakers have the ability to transform both the local economy and their own. However, there is a shortage of capable teachers throughout Ecuador. Either that, or learning English is too costly and far from possible for those with poor backgrounds.

Volunteers will find this project both fun and highly rewarding. You have the opportunity to level the playing field for those who greatly desire to learn. Your students will be eager for knowledge and grateful that you want to share. You will be offering them a skill that they will be able to use for the rest of their life. Teaching English in Ecuador is your opportunity to build better-qualified people and a stronger community.

Skill/Qualification

No formal teaching experience or qualifications is required to volunteer in the Teaching English project. We will however prefer volunteers who can speak a little bit of Spanish as they will be able to communicate better with the children and the staff at the project.

Volunteers are required to have patience, flexibility and enthusiasm for teaching English as the mentality of the people will be very different from what you're used to back home. During teaching, volunteers are expected to wear decent clothes, no shorts, sleeveless shirts are allowed.

Volunteer's Responsibilities

Volunteers will be either teaching or assisting students from kindergarten to elementary and even to high school depending on their experience and proficiency. If you are interested, you can teach: art, physical education or other areas also. Classes are held from Monday through Friday. Volunteers are encouraged to use a number of methods to aide in the teaching of English, including: flash cards, singing songs, etc. You are also encouraged to hold debates and discussions, as this can increase their ability to comprehend English better. You can also participate or organize in extra-curricular activities like games and plays.

Project Location

This project is located in Quito, Ecuador's capital city. Quito is the former home of the Inca Empire and full of rich history that dates back to pre-Columbus times. Volunteers will find themselves in a city that offers great images of the past. Quito is full of both historic intrigue and modern day pleasures.

In general, Quito and the entire nation of Ecuador have many destinations for the volunteer to experience. The biodiversity of Ecuador will offer you a plentitude of natural wonders to seek out. Volunteers can take a trip to the Galapagos Islands to see the marine iguanas or visit Isla de La Plata that has reached global popularity for whale watching. There are numerous beaches where you can get some sun or go snorkeling. There is also the nearby Amazon Rainforest if you feel like having a tropical adventure. Volunteers are sure to find themselves with many options for things to do during their free time.