Teach English in the Galapagos Islands, on either Santa Cruz Island or Isabella Island. As a volunteer, you will teach English to children aged 6 to 13, at schools that are both public and private and all have at least basic facilities. Schools in rural areas are somewhat more basic, however those in urban areas are comparable to those on the mainland.

As a volunteer, you will have a high degree of flexibility in teaching methods, including organizing outside excursions to teach English outside of the classroom, as well as preparing materials with songs, games, questions, etc.
Placement on a particular island cannot be guaranteed, as it depends on what is available at the time that you wish to arrive, although we will do our best to take placement preferences into consideration.

Galapagos National Park

Intermediate level of Spanish
Eligible to receive a tourist visa to Ecuador

Visa Documentation:
Most tourist visas are valid for up to 3 months. If you are interested in a longer program, we will assist you in applying for a visa extension. We recommend checking with your local Ecuadorian consulate for the most up to date visa information.

Language Classes:
Optional language classes are available in either Quito or the Galapagos Islands. Language classes are a great way to be introduced to a new country and improve your Spanish skills. Classes are held prior to starting your volunteer work and are usually one-on-one sessions with a personal tutor. Classes are 20 hours per week (4 hours/day) for an additional USD$400/week and include homestay accommodations and meals.

Length of program: 2 weeks – 12 months

Start Dates: 1st & 3rd Friday of each month

AIDE is a non-profit organization. Donations contributed in excess of the fair market value of services you receive from AIDE may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax adviser.

2 Weeks: USD$ 1,700 (+ $45 for volunteer placements in the Galapagos Islands)
Additional Week(s): USD$ 275 (+ $45 for volunteer placements in the Galapagos Islands)

Language Classes Fees
1 week: USD$ 400
2 weeks: USD$ 800
3 weeks: USD$ 1,200

Prices are subject to changes. Prices do not include airfare, visa fees and personal expenses.


Accommodations:
During your Spanish lessons and/or your volunteer project, you will live with an Ecuadorian family. You will be provided with 2-3 meals a day, and an invaluable insight into the “real” Ecuador. Some host families will be able to launder your clothes, but if your family does not have a washer and dryer in their home, then you will need to plan to spend around $3.50 USD per week on laundry. You may live in a host family by yourself or with a small group of other volunteers. A handful of volunteer projects offer on site living instead of homestay accommodations.

Work with Communities

Prices do not include airfare, visa fees and personal expenses.