Program Photos
Amazon Rural Indigenous Education, Ecotourism and Sustainable Development (Napo River)
Location: Ecuador: Rural Areas
Program Duration: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months (includes high school academic semester abroad), 7-12 months (includes high school academic year abroad)
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Year-round
324 E. Oak St Fort Collins, CO 80524 United States
Call Us
Phone: 877.909.ECEX (3239)
Description
Located three hours by moto-canoe down the Napo River from the Amazon outpost of Coca, the biodiverse jungle surroundings and innovative business approach of this Ecolodge are a living laboratory for individuals or faculty-led group who wish to immerse in and contribute to the study and actualization of sustainable development, social enterprise, ecotourism, tropical biology, and relevant indigenous education, among other project areas. Further, proceeds from the low impact Ecolodge, located in the heart of the lush Amazon, fund a rural Technical High School that focuses on relevant curricula in six productive areas (see below Role of Volunteer) to teach indigenous students how to create local livelihoods that conserve their endangered Amazon homeland and bring the Foundations "Sustainability through Education" theme to life!
* Volunteer Role/Skills Required
Educators, activists, environmentalists, and English speakers are always welcome to help teach in any of the Rural Technical Schools' six productive areas: inspire youth to create masterpieces made of trash in the Recycling tract, develop your inner Doctor Doolittle as you help breed the Animal Husbandry program (from snails to swine!), help locate fair trade partners for the young artisans in the Micro-Enterprise sector, sow the seeds of change in the School's vast organic gardens that give Sustainable Agriculture a good name, teach English to student who are working at the Lodge as Eco-Tourism interns, or help reforest the long exploited Amazon to breathe life back into the "Lungs of the World." The Lodge also seeks a long-term administrative assistant and groups to monitor, evaluate and improve upon their implemented sustainability programs.
There are also opportunities in traditional medicine and for health interns (especially maternal health care) at the village's Health Clinic.
Highlights
Ecuador is one of those rare destinations in the world that seems to have the unique combination of natural beauty, intriguing history, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Equator in the northwest corner of the South American continent, much of the country still remains wild and uncharted. It is home to the highest active volcano in the world, pristine Pacific beaches, and virgin tropical rainforests as well as ancient Incan history now echoed through the lively Ecuadorian culture. Ecuador is marked by its diversity. Within a territory of 120,000 square miles, one can travel from sea level to 12,000 feet of altitude within a six-hour drive, visit a fishing town and see a highland village within the same day.
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Cost in US$:
950 for two weeks
Cost Include Description:
- Accommodation: Dormitory housing for volunteers, includes hot, running water, and electricity
- Food: 3 meals per day Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (prepared from local, organic gardens) shared with Lodge staff
- Training: Pre-departure pack, on-site Orientation and project introduction included
- Language: Option for on-site Spanish tutor and language classes at volunteer's expense
- Support: 24 hour support from local staff and minimum Weekly Check-Ins with Country Director
- Excursion planning: Staff will help plan activities and excursions, such as shamanic treatments or jungle explorations (some activities may cost extra)
* Not included: Flight, Visa fees, Insurance, extra excursions
Credit Available
no
Volunteer Types
- Agriculture
- Business
- Childcare/children
- Clerical And Office Work
- Community Centers
- Conservation
- Education
- English Teaching
- Environment
- Health
- Health Care
- Health Education
- Micro-enterprise
- Office Work
- Teaching
- Tutor
- Youth
- Youth Development
Age Range
18 yeard old and aboveThis Program is open to
Worldwide Participant.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Dormitory
Participants Travel to Ecuador
Independently or in Groups
EcuaExplora's Mission Statement
To make it possible for international students, interns and volunteers to have meaningful experiences studying in Ecuadorian universities and institutions of higher education, interning in professional placements throughout Ecuador, and volunteering in collaborative projects focused on the sustainable social and economic development of Ecuador.
Year Founded
2010
